Utah: Canyons in the Canyons
Is it gravel or paved?” The question comes up often on online motorcycle forums when riders are attempting to figure out the composition of a specific road along their route. We’re all “adventurers,” but deep down, most of us know that we can’t handle a full-sized bike like Christian Pfeiffer at the Erzberg Rodeo. Throw in a passenger and luggage, and we tend to stick to the pavement, even on “adventure” machines.
When planning, we scrutinize our routes, zooming in deep on Google Earth and asking ourselves whether the road is worse than when the picture was taken or what happens if it rains. Can-Am claims its new three-wheeled Canyon makes such questions less relevant and opens the touring experience up to places we might have otherwise avoided. To test this premise, my riding partner and photographer Holly and I spent a week riding Canyons through the best gravel and dirt Utah’s national parks have to offer.
Meet the Canyon
For nearly 20 years, Can-Am has led the three-wheeled motorcycle market with the Spyder. It’s a machine that has both introduced new riders to the sport and extended the riding days of older motorcyclists. From its limited ground clearance to its wide, low-profile tires, the Spyder is obviously intended for pavement.
Motorcycles & Gear
2025 Can-Am Canyon Red Rock
2025 Can-Am Canyon XT
Helmets: Schuberth S3
Jackets and Pants: Klim Altitude and Latitude
Boots: Belleville Flyweight C320, Altama Abootabad Trail
Gloves: Klim Induction
Comm System: Schuberth SC2
Camera: Canon 5D and 7D Mk II
With the Canyon, Can-Am points out that it is an “all-road” and not an “off-road” machine. The key word here is “road.” Dirt, sand or gravel—if it is graded and compacted, the Canyon can handle it. It’s not an ATV designed for single track or bushwhacking. Think of the Canyon as a dual sport two-wheeler with 90% road-biased tires and six inches of ground clearance. Although we didn’t attempt it, I would assume the Canyon performs like a rear-wheel drive car when it comes to deep mud or loose sand, with its single rear-drive wheel pushing two tires up front.
The Canyon has several features tailored for non-paved conditions. First, its Kenda XPS Adventure tires have a more aggressive tread than the Spyder’s, and the front ones are slightly narrower and taller. Second, the Rally ride mode is tailored to minimize Can-Am’s Dynamic Power Steering and limit the vehicle stability system’s intervention to allow for more rear wheel slip. Finally, the suspension gives the Canyon about two more inches of ground clearance than the Spyder, yet still less than the average street-biased adventure bike (and much less than a full-blown enduro).