Intitial thoughts on my first ride.....and why I went back to the dealer!

[Road-Kill]

INITIAL IMPRESSION
I bought this new 2016 F3s Special a few weeks ago and other then riding it 45 miles home I have not ridden it since today because of snow/inclement weather. I put just over 150 miles on it today so this my opinion from being a newbie to both Spyders and trikes. I’m not new to motorcycles and these are just my thoughts and opinions.
My ride started out good and getting used to the controls was easy.The “eco” button telling the bike you read the safety card is not only a joke but just plain stupid. It is meaningless safety drivel a lawyer must have advised the engineers to add. With that said I’ll say no more about it. The “mode” switch and those extra up/down/left/right switches appear to do nothing.I need to play with it more but with all the info in the display I noticed there is no clock!
WINSHIELD
The windshield I added was a MADSTAD and it is bottom level ok at best. Tilting the windshield does nothing to keep head buffeting from happening. Raising the windshield causes too much airflow under the windshield and the narrowness of the screen forces air directly onto your hands and boy was it cold. I’ll check their customer service and maybe trade my screen for a larger one, I’ll post feedback later as they appear very customer friendly.
SIDE VIEW MIRRORS
I noticed the side mirrors are not very adjustable.I lose about 25-33% of my rear view as my Givi luggage and passenger grab handles block visibility. It is good in that you can see not only completely behind you but all the way to the other side of the road regardless which mirror you are looking at. I did need to turn my head VERY hard left/right to check for traffic. Mirrors that angle outward a bit more would be helpful.
YUP IT’S A TRIKE
The bike at highwayspeed tracks like it’s on rails! I did not need to keep adjusting my steering to eat miles.That was the good but the bad and not the bikes fault was that it is a trike.No more leaning and the bike feels where you want her to go. No more finding that sweet spot between potholes/debris nor are you availed an escape route as the bike is verywide.The very good is that I felt very stable and the independent suspension ate up the potholes.The SE6 made shifting a joke and my loweringof the brake pedal (see previous post) allowed easy access when breaking.
NOW FOR THE VERY BAD
When I was at highway speed I noticed EXTREME vibration beginning at 63MPH.This vibration was so TERRIBLE that I initially thought it was a mechanical problem, it is. The vibration was not consistent and would come and go, I just needed to achieve 63MPH and BAM ….random extreme vibration. Realizing from prior reading in this forum that Can Am was already on it I turned around and headed to my dealer. They ordered me the items necessary to fix it (hopefully) from Can-Am (without labor $35.). I feel it is in VERY poor taste to make a customer pay to fix an apparent mechanical design flaw on such an expensive machine.I’ll post my response to this issue when the part comes in and I test it on the highway.
MY FINALTHOUGHTS
Overall I cannot say I’m yet to be in love with this bike. It’s the first impressions thing coming back to haunt me.Maybe with the corrected windshield and the belt vibration dampener I would be posting better more positive initial thoughts. When these two issues are addressed I’ll post my response. Thanks for any comments and your time.

[ARtraveler]

Don't waste your time using the ECO mode function. The sweet spot for shifting is 3000-3500 rpm's or so. You will learn where and when to shift on yours. I use the automatic downshift about 98% of the time. They have that one right.

[Roadster Renovations]

It will grow on you. Even though I had a Blue Ridge Windshield I went to a full face helmet that helped with the wind on the freeway.

[armyspydervet]

You won't get too many people disagreeing with you on the vibration. Another option is to get one from Doc Humphreys. His are made out of aluminum and the roller in nylon. More expensive, but better quality and I think he has a two year warranty.

But congrats on the spyder. I think once you get done making it your own, you will appreciate even more. I put a 25" tinted F4 windshield. I love it.

[Bob Denman]

It's nice to see that you're getting a few miles under your belt, and making some relevant observations!
The belt vibration should be an easy fix. They're putting BRP's fix on your bike, and that's good...

...But Doc has a better idea!

Windshields are like pizza: Everybody has their own idea of what is right... take some time, and find what works best for you!

[Chupaca]

On the new ryde... nice review and a good start. You do have a ways to ho to get fully aquainted with the spyder say 300-500 miles and better weather will help. Look forward the your second review...

[DJFaninTN]

As the wife says ... the bike is just the down payment. Now you can see why a lot of us go to the trouble of customizing the Spyder to make it your own.

For the mirrors I'd check out Lamonster Garage for Lamont's mirrors. I think once you spend more time on the Spyder you'll get used to it and I am willing to bet you end up liking it more than a two wheeled motorcycle. You'll learn how to split things in the road as you get more experience. One thing I have found is it makes me look further ahead than on a normal two wheeler. You can lean on the bike. Once you get acquainted with the bike you're going to learn you can leave everyone else in the dust on curves unless you are used to knuckle dragging.

The vibration can be fixed easily. As someone suggested see Doc Humphrey's kit to cure that problem. You will love it. I have one on my RT and now its as smooth as glass.

As far as windshields I am fan of the F4 Windshield. They have GREAT customer service and they are Spyder Ryders as well.

Just give it more time and relax and enjoy the ride

[monkeyboymorton]

The “mode” switch and those extra up/down/left/right switches appear to do nothing.I need to play with it more but with all the info in the display I noticed there is no clock!

There is a clockand the left/right buttons are what you use to get it to display. Left/right cycles through the clock, trip etc.

[Road-Kill]

I would like to thank everyone for the time to respond. I realize that I need more time on the beast (my name for her). The vibration was a major concern as I bought it to TRAVEL. The windshield is a lesser concern because MADSTAD has a VERY customer satisfaction policy (the main reason why I went with their shield). The clock issue I'll search for but unfortunately we had a blizzard last night into this morning so another few weeks till I light the fires again. In the meantime I'll dismantle and ship out my shield and I'm looking into the F4, it seems like a nice size but I'm still looking. Thanks a bunch.

[Cruzr Joe]

I find that 4000 RPMs are a very good spot when riding.

There are many thoughts on this, but when i had my Spyder on the BUDS system it showed that I was riding in a very good RPM range.

Cruzr Joe

[Road-Kill]

I find that 4000 RPMs are a very good spot when riding.

There are many thoughts on this, but when i had my Spyder on the BUDS system it showed that I was riding in a very good RPM range.

Cruzr Joe

Nowhere in the operators manual can I find the RPM range for shifting. I was shifting at 2500-3000 as this was the shift point from previous V-twins (and advice from my dealer on my test ride). The Spyder is a "3" Twin () and although I know not what a "BUDS" system is I'll say you are correct. I was afraid of over revving the engine bud I'll now keep it planted just over 3000 RPMs. Thanks for the info.

[Tazzel]

Your review items have been identified and discussed for 3 years on this forum on the F3. The windshield and vibration you should have known about if you had done your research and maybe you did. I quickly solved the windshield issue by adding an x-creen to the Blueridge and the vibration can be solved in 1/2 second by rocking the throttle til you get past the vibration. Mine kicks in around 67mph to 70mph and most of that has gone away after the belt was broken in.

[Road-Kill]

Your review items have been identified and discussed for 3 years on this forum on the F3. The windshield and vibration you should have known about if you had done your research and maybe you did. I quickly solved the windshield issue by adding an x-creen to the Blueridge and the vibration can be solved in 1/2 second by rocking the throttle til you get past the vibration. Mine kicks in around 67mph to 70mph and most of that has gone away after the belt was broken in.

I did research from both this and other websites and asking Spyder owners at various events. Research only takes someone just so far and then testing is needed. I test drove (rode?) the Spyder and decided to buy it. Negative comments on websites about various things are normal and often not indicative of the larger picture, people complain/post more often when there is a problem. I'm not dissatisfied with my purchase and was just making observations. The windscreen is already being swapped out and the vibration issue being resolved (hopefully). I should not have to throttle my bike to smooth it out. The belt breaking in statement is new to me but maybe you are correct....dunno. Thanks for the feedback, its all relative.

[F4 Customs]

We would love to earn your business and you will be very please with the performance of our shield.
Don Frank
F4 Customs
330-968-4644IMG_2515.jpg

[Road-Kill]

We would love to earn your business and you will be very please with the performance of our shield.
Don Frank
F4 Customs
330-968-4644IMG_2515.jpg

LOL....I just ordered from you VIA telephone. Looks like a good product. I'll post my review after the blizzard clears and I get some miles on it. Thanks again.

[armyspydervet]

I would like to thank everyone for the time to respond. I realize that I need more time on the beast (my name for her). The vibration was a major concern as I bought it to TRAVEL. The windshield is a lesser concern because MADSTAD has a VERY customer satisfaction policy (the main reason why I went with their shield). The clock issue I'll search for but unfortunately we had a blizzard last night into this morning so another few weeks till I light the fires again. In the meantime I'll dismantle and ship out my shield and I'm looking into the F4, it seems like a nice size but I'm still looking. Thanks a bunch.

Even when we have bad weather here, sometimes I go into my garage and sit on my F3 and pretend I'm riding . I'll even talk to her and wipe her down with detailer. That's another investment I would suggest, get a few cans of Black Diamond Detailer from Lamonster Garage. I prefer the can, but he also has it in bottles.

[Road-Kill]

Even when we have bad weather here, sometimes I go into my garage and sit on my F3 and pretend I'm riding . I'll even talk to her and wipe her down with detailer. That's another investment I would suggest, get a few cans of Black Diamond Detailer from Lamonster Garage. I prefer the can, but he also has it in bottles.

That's too funny, I do that many times a day but just didn't have the courage to come out of the closet like that. My hat comes off to you fellow vet. Gonna go sit on my Spyder now and do so with a smile.

[Tazzel]

I did research from both this and other websites and asking Spyder owners at various events. Research only takes someone just so far and then testing is needed. I test drove (rode?) the Spyder and decided to buy it. Negative comments on websites about various things are normal and often not indicative of the larger picture, people complain/post more often when there is a problem. I'm not dissatisfied with my purchase and was just making observations. The windscreen is already being swapped out and the vibration issue being resolved (hopefully). I should not have to throttle my bike to smooth it out. The belt breaking in statement is new to me but maybe you are correct....dunno. Thanks for the feedback, its all relative.

Your right, you should not have to rock the throttle for such a terribly long time as 1/2 second to smooth the spyder out. However, I prefer doing that instead of adding another contraption to the spyder that I hear both pros and cons about.

[Road-Kill]

Your right, you should not have to rock the throttle for such a terribly long time as 1/2 second to smooth the spyder out. However, I prefer doing that instead of adding another contraption to the spyder that I hear both pros and cons about.

Where have you seen negative comments about the vibration reducer? Any particular brand? I ordered my reducer from Can Am cause its their machine, they should know best.....I think. Feedback is appreciated cause if the Can Am fix fails I can look elseware. Thanks

[Cruzr Joe]

[QUOTE=Road-Kill;1224593]Nowhere in the operators manual can I find the RPM range for shifting. I was shifting at 2500-3000 as this was the shift point from previous V-twins (and advice from my dealer on my test ride). The Spyder is a "3" Twin () and although I know not what a "BUDS" system is I'll say you are correct. I was afraid of over revving the engine bud I'll now keep it planted just over 3000 RPMs. Thanks for the info.


BUDS is the operating system computer software that is used by BRP and its authorized dealers, Do what you feel is best for you but running at 3000 RPMs is lugging your Spyder and you will not get optimum performance out of it. ROTAX Engines love the REVs and will perform better at 4000 than at 3000, do not worry about over revving.

Cruzr Joe

[Road-Kill]

[QUOTE=Cruzr Joe;1224723]

Nowhere in the operators manual can I find the RPM range for shifting. I was shifting at 2500-3000 as this was the shift point from previous V-twins (and advice from my dealer on my test ride). The Spyder is a "3" Twin () and although I know not what a "BUDS" system is I'll say you are correct. I was afraid of over revving the engine bud I'll now keep it planted just over 3000 RPMs. Thanks for the info.


BUDS is the operating system computer software that is used by BRP and its authorized dealers, Do what you feel is best for you but running at 3000 RPMs is lugging your Spyder and you will not get optimum performance out of it. ROTAX Engines love the REVs and will perform better at 4000 than at 3000, do not worry about over revving.

Cruzr Joe

I believe you. It sounds right and felt right so it must be right. I'll keep it closer to 4,000 RPMs. Thanks

[MisterP]

[QUOTE=Cruzr Joe;1224723]

Nowhere in the operators manual can I find the RPM range for shifting. I was shifting at 2500-3000 as this was the shift point from previous V-twins (and advice from my dealer on my test ride). The Spyder is a "3" Twin () and although I know not what a "BUDS" system is I'll say you are correct. I was afraid of over revving the engine bud I'll now keep it planted just over 3000 RPMs. Thanks for the info.


BUDS is the operating system computer software that is used by BRP and its authorized dealers, Do what you feel is best for you but running at 3000 RPMs is lugging your Spyder and you will not get optimum performance out of it. ROTAX Engines love the REVs and will perform better at 4000 than at 3000, do not worry about over revving.

Cruzr Joe

will disagree with this somewhat. Rotax engines are not going to come apart at higher RPMs but there is no reason to operate the 3-cylinder engines in that range. These are lower rev and higher torque than the 998 engines and can be operated routinely in the 2500-3500 range. I flew Rotax engines in ultralight aircraft at 5000+ revs for years, but there's no reason to do this with the new engines.

[Air Wing Guy]

Check out our Hand Wings and Leg Wings we have for the F3. The Hand Wings work great to stop the buffeting on your upper body deflect the air away when unwanted direct it in when needed. These can be found on our website www.bakerbuiltairwings.com Absolutely no drilling on the F3 (F3T requires two holes drilled in the mirror housing) easy install and looks nice to. Only $79.95 and they come in Dark Tint, Light Tint, or Clear all in a nice scratch resistant plastic. You can email us if you have any questions sales@bakerbuiltairwings.com We hope you get to where you love your Spyder and can enjoy the ride.

[MelloYelloSpyder]

INITIAL IMPRESSION
I bought this new 2016 F3s Special a few weeks ago and other then riding it 45 miles home I have not ridden it since today because of snow/inclement weather. I put just over 150 miles on it today so this my opinion from being a newbie to both Spyders and trikes. I’m not new to motorcycles and these are just my thoughts and opinions.
My ride started out good and getting used to the controls was easy.The “eco” button telling the bike you read the safety card is not only a joke but just plain stupid. It is meaningless safety drivel a lawyer must have advised the engineers to add. With that said I’ll say no more about it. The “mode” switch and those extra up/down/left/right switches appear to do nothing.I need to play with it more but with all the info in the display I noticed there is no clock!
WINSHIELD
The windshield I added was a MADSTAD and it is bottom level ok at best. Tilting the windshield does nothing to keep head buffeting from happening. Raising the windshield causes too much airflow under the windshield and the narrowness of the screen forces air directly onto your hands and boy was it cold. I’ll check their customer service and maybe trade my screen for a larger one, I’ll post feedback later as they appear very customer friendly.
SIDE VIEW MIRRORS
I noticed the side mirrors are not very adjustable.I lose about 25-33% of my rear view as my Givi luggage and passenger grab handles block visibility. It is good in that you can see not only completely behind you but all the way to the other side of the road regardless which mirror you are looking at. I did need to turn my head VERY hard left/right to check for traffic. Mirrors that angle outward a bit more would be helpful.
YUP IT’S A TRIKE
The bike at highwayspeed tracks like it’s on rails! I did not need to keep adjusting my steering to eat miles.That was the good but the bad and not the bikes fault was that it is a trike.No more leaning and the bike feels where you want her to go. No more finding that sweet spot between potholes/debris nor are you availed an escape route as the bike is verywide.The very good is that I felt very stable and the independent suspension ate up the potholes.The SE6 made shifting a joke and my loweringof the brake pedal (see previous post) allowed easy access when breaking.
NOW FOR THE VERY BAD
When I was at highway speed I noticed EXTREME vibration beginning at 63MPH.This vibration was so TERRIBLE that I initially thought it was a mechanical problem, it is. The vibration was not consistent and would come and go, I just needed to achieve 63MPH and BAM ….random extreme vibration. Realizing from prior reading in this forum that Can Am was already on it I turned around and headed to my dealer. They ordered me the items necessary to fix it (hopefully) from Can-Am (without labor $35.). I feel it is in VERY poor taste to make a customer pay to fix an apparent mechanical design flaw on such an expensive machine.I’ll post my response to this issue when the part comes in and I test it on the highway.
MY FINALTHOUGHTS
Overall I cannot say I’m yet to be in love with this bike. It’s the first impressions thing coming back to haunt me.Maybe with the corrected windshield and the belt vibration dampener I would be posting better more positive initial thoughts. When these two issues are addressed I’ll post my response. Thanks for any comments and your time.

Hope it becomes the ride you want it to be and are looking for. Me personally I had my Spyder STS for two years and it never grew on me. I just bought a two wheel and the Spyder is up for sale. Either way I hope it is what you are looking for and stay safe.

[Nyparrothead]

You are sooooo right. The vibration is a design flaw and to make their customers pay to "fix" the problem is total BS. You need to be prepared to be attacked for daring to say that because a few here feel they have to deny there is a problem because if they don't it look like they bought a defective product... they will throw a dozen excuses as to why the F3 vibrates your fingers to sleep. They do the same thing when someone brings up the issue of the POS rear shock who's sprung weight is not enough to hold the weight of the bike...

lucky enough the bandaid of adding the tensioner work and spending another 500.00 of a real shock fixes the issue... sadly you have to pay for their mistakes

mark