Can-Am 3-Wheel Motorcycle Break In Period

A proper vehicle break-in does more than protect your engine. It also:

• Extends the lifespan of your vehicle
• Improves fuel efficiency
• Enhances riding comfort and handling
• Prevents unnecessary wear
• Ensures optimal brake and tire performance

Each Can-Am On-Road vehicle has its own break-in timeline and care recommendations. Here's what you need to know:

Can-Am Ryker

The Can-Am Ryker is built for everyday fun and urban ride—but it still needs its first 300 km (200 mi) to get comfortable.

During this break-in period:

• Avoid full-throttle acceleration
• Don't maintain constant RPM for extended periods
• Avoid prolonged cruising at steady speeds
• Hold off on hard, sustained acceleration

Once you reach the 300 km (200 mi) mark, it's time for a quick checkup. Bring your Ryker in for a maintenance inspection to make sure everything's functioning as it should.

Drive Belt Tip: We recommend changing the CVT drive belt every 20 000 km (12,000 mi). The new drive belt require a shorter break-in - just 50 km (30 mi). During this time, avoid sudden starts, aggressive braking, and high-speed cruising.

⚠️ New brakes and tires on the Ryker don't operate at full performance right away. Allow at least 300 km (200 mi) of regular braking and steering for them to reach optimal efficiency. Use extra caution during this time.

Oil Change Tip: Check your owner's manual to see if an oil and filter change is recommended after the break-in period. This step helps remove any microscopic metal particles that may have circulated during early engine wear-in and ensures clean lubrication moving forward.

Can-Am Spyder F3 & Spyder RT

With their powerful engines and touring comfort, the Spyder F3 and Spyder RT are built for the open road. But before long-distance cruising, take care during the first 1,000 km (600 mi)—especially the first 300 km (200 mi).

Here's how to break in your Spyder properly:

• Avoid full-throttle acceleration
• Avoid maintaining the same RPM for long stretches
• Don't cruise at high speeds for prolonged periods
• Be gentle on the brakes—especially in the first 300 km (200 mi)
• Watch your engine temp: In stop-and-go traffic, if the cooling fans activate continuously, pull over or pick up speed to allow airflow to cool the engine

⚠️ Just like the Ryker, the Spyder's new brakes and tires won't deliver full braking and steering power immediately. Allow at least 300 km (200 mi) of varied riding to bring them up to full effectiveness.

Can-Am Canyon

The Can-Am Canyon is our latest entry into the on-road category— adventure style with improved capabilities for unpaved road. Like all new Can-Am Spyder models, it benefits from a 1,000 km (600 mi) break-in period, with extra caution advised during the first 300 km (200 mi).

To ensure a smooth break-in:

• Ease into acceleration—no full throttle for now
• Avoid riding at constant RPM
• Stay off the highway for long cruising sessions
• Monitor your cooling system in stop-and-go traffic; if the fans stay on, pull over and shut off the engine to let it cool off or speed up for airflow

The Canyon's brake and tire system also needs time to reach peak performance. Frequent braking and turning will help components settle in during those first few hundred kilometers.

⚠️ Braking, steering, and VSS (Vehicle Stability System) performance may be reduced while new brakes and tires are still breaking in. Ride with caution for the first 300 km (200 mi).

Do:

• Vary your RPMs as you ride—avoid steady cruising
• Accelerate gradually and brake gently
• Follow your owner's manual
• After the break-in period, your vehicle should be inspected as per the Maintenance Schedule.

Don't:

• Use full throttle or push your engine to the redline
• Riding at constant speed for long periods
• Driving aggressively before your brakes and tires are fully broken in

“Do I really need to break in a modern engine?”

Yes—while modern engines are built with tighter tolerances, a break-in period is still essential. It allows internal components like piston rings, cylinders, and gears to seat properly under real-world conditions.

Skipping this step can lead to reduced performance and premature wear.

“What happens if I don't follow the break-in guidelines?”

You might not notice immediate problems, but over time, you could experience:

• Higher oil consumption
• Lower fuel efficiency
• Reduced engine life
• Decreased brake and tire performance

“Can I break in my vehicle faster by riding harder?”

No. Riding aggressively too soon can damage internal components before they've had a chance to seat correctly. The best results come from gradual, varied riding—exactly what the break-in phase is designed for.

Your new Can-Am vehicle is designed for peace of mind, comfort, freedom, power, ease of use—but every machine needs a smart start. Following the break-in recommendations helps you get maximum performance, safety, and reliability from your Can-Am Ryker, Spyder, or Canyon.

Want more riding tips, vehicle care advice, or model-specific guides? Explore our Rider Resources or connect with your local Can-Am dealer today.