Spyder RT or F3 for a new, senior, petite, female rider?
CROSS-POSTED IN THE F3 FORUM.
I ride a motorcycle and have never ridden a Spyder.
I would like my wife to ride with me, but she won't ride on a motorcycle as a rider or passenger. She has made comments that she might ride a Spyder. I suspect most would be as a passenger, but some could be as the "driver".
I have narrowed down my search to a 2014 or later RT-S or RT-limited, or a 2015 or later F3-S, F3-T, or F3 Limited. i want the 1330 Rotak engine.
Being a "senior", comfort is an issue. So, I am leaning toward the RT, especially for 2-up riding. However, as my wife is short (5' 2") and has short legs, I worry about the fit for her with the RT. I assume that a Triaxis handlebar would take care of any reach problem, but I am concerned that the reach of her leg to the brake pedal might be a problem.
The advantage of the F3 is the UFit system, which should allow us to dial in the fit, but I am wondering if the sporty nature of this model might make it much less comfortable to ride than the RT, especially 2-up.
Also, does one of these take more effort to steer than the other?
I realize that a test ride is the best way to deal with these issues, but I would like to first get some feedback from Spyder riders so that I would be better prepared when we go shopping.
Thanks for your help,
Wayne
4 foot 9 1/2 inches with a RT Limited
I am a very petite female senior - 4 foot 9 1/2 inches tall and 104 pounds.
I have had my Spyder for almost 3 months . . . the most fun you can have and still have your clothes on!!
Only issue I had with my new Spyder was not being able to reach the handlebars comfortably. I did not want to spend the money for the handlebar extension, so I bought a stock backrest and then had a custom "booster" backrest added to the stock backrest (buckled to the frame of the backrest). It pushed me forward about 5 inches which allowed me to reach the handlebars, drink in drink holder and use all the other functions on the dash and handlebars with ease. The cost for the upholstered "booster" backrest was $250.00; it fits my back perfectly and gives me hours and hours of pure comfort and support for my back which allows me to ride for 10 to 12 hours without fatigue (stopping of course for meals and bathroom breaks (it's like sitting on my couch).
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...psm4fbtvgd.jpg