"Functional" Farkles for a Can-Am Spyder F3-T SE6

[wvedec]

So, I bought a new 2016 Can-Am Spyder F3-T SE6 and I am already thinking about Farkles!! However, for me the most important thing is "functional" farkles. By that I mean upgrades and accessories that improve the performance, protection, and handling of my Spyder. I have looked over the forums a bit, and I think I know which additions would be best for me. But I would like to get the opinion of actual Spyder owners - not only about the usefulness of the upgrades/mods, but also how easy it is to install these, and whether or not they require lifts and other specialized equipment. So here is my list, and the questions I have. I would appreciate anyone chiming in on the relative importance of these farkles, whether or not there are noticeable improvements, whether or not it is a DIY or professional project, and which brand works best.

1) Bumpskid - It seems like this is a crucial mod. Is it? Is SpyderPops the brand of choice? Do you have to drill holes into the Spyder? Do you need a lift to install it?
2) Sway bar - Most claim a noticeable difference. Is it dramatic? Is the Baja Ron Sway Bar the sway bar brand of choice or some other brand? Is this a DIY project? Do you need a lift to install it?
3) Idler tensioner kit - Is this needed on the 2016 model? How much difference does it make? Again, could an owner do this or is a professional required? Do you need a lift? Which is better - Lamonster or SmoothSpyder - or something else?
4) Rear shock - Many Spyder owners claim that the 2-up shock should replace the inadequate stock shock. My F3-T has a manual air-adjustable shock. Is this sufficient or is a stiffer shock required?
5) Did I miss a crucial mod/accessory/farkle? Again, I am really only focusing on performance, protection, and handling.

I REALLY appreciate you input. Forums like this are invaluable for newbies like me - and they can save the new owner lots of money and grief.

Wayne

[I-Day]

I just purchased the F3t and put the Bajaron sway bar on it and had it laser aligned and it made a HUGE difference. I had the dealer do it cause you need to lift the bike 24 inches to change the sway bar. The laser alignment was warrantied because I only have 425 miles on and was already seeing tire wear on the inside of the tires. The left front tire was off by 1/4 inch from the factory.

i just received in the mail the Spyderpops bump skid and am going to try that install myself. I was told however it is easier with 4 hands because you do need to drill some holes. The instructions that come with it are good and doesn't look to bad. I'm going to use car ramps to get the bike up!

[DJFaninTN]

So, I bought a new 2016 Can-Am Spyder F3-T SE6 and I am already thinking about Farkles!! However, for me the most important thing is "functional" farkles. By that I mean upgrades and accessories that improve the performance, protection, and handling of my Spyder. I have looked over the forums a bit, and I think I know which additions would be best for me. But I would like to get the opinion of actual Spyder owners - not only about the usefulness of the upgrades/mods, but also how easy it is to install these, and whether or not they require lifts and other specialized equipment. So here is my list, and the questions I have. I would appreciate anyone chiming in on the relative importance of these farkles, whether or not there are noticeable improvements, whether or not it is a DIY or professional project, and which brand works best.

1) Bumpskid - It seems like this is a crucial mod. Is it? Is SpyderPops the brand of choice? Do you have to drill holes into the Spyder? Do you need a lift to install it Yes to Bumpskid. Yes to Spyerpops. He is an awesome guy and great customer service. Yes you have to drill a few holes. Yes you will need a lift.

2) Sway bar - Most claim a noticeable difference. Is it dramatic? Is the Baja Ron Sway Bar the sway bar brand of choice or some other brand? Is this a DIY project? Do you need a lift to install it Yes the sway bar will help you. Yes Baja Ron is the way to go. Yes you can make it a DIY Project

3) Idler tensioner kit - Is this needed on the 2016 model? How much difference does it make? Again, could an owner do this or is a professional required? Do you need a lift? Which is better - Lamonster or SmoothSpyder - or something else? Makes a huge difference on an F3. Very easy to install yourself. No lift needed. Get the one from Doc. Best one on the market.

4) Rear shock - Many Spyder owners claim that the 2-up shock should replace the inadequate stock shock. My F3-T has a manual air-adjustable shock. Is this sufficient or is a stiffer shock required? I don't own an F3 but everyone I've ever talked to said the rear shock sucks.

5) Did I miss a crucial mod/accessory/farkle? Again, I am really only focusing on performance, protection, and handling.
I am not huge fan of the lack of windshield on the F3. You might consider looking at an F4 windshield and yes you can install it yourself.

I REALLY appreciate you input. Forums like this are invaluable for newbies like me - and they can save the new owner lots of money and grief.

Wayne

​answered in red

[RTS Mike]

I have a 2015 F3S and there are definitely shock issues from the factory on this bike. From what research I have done to address my bike it doesn't appear the the F3T suffers from that problem because the rear suspension and shock are designed more like the RT and are different from the F3S. Your rear shock should be good as long as your happy with it. They do sell a compressor and hardware to make your manual rear shock where you can adjust on the fly. That would be a nice functional farkle.

[Bob Denman]

How many miles have you put on your new Spyder so far?
(By the way: )

You probably should ride it for a while, and let the bike tell you what it needs...

[shroth]

I have to agree with Bob.......ryde for a while & see what you think. The shocks may be fine...you may not feel you need a swaybar replacement. Since I feel like a part of my F# compared to sitting on top of my RT, I feel like it's handling & road experience almost tells me what I need.

I have about 650 miles on the new F3L after ryding an RTL since 2012. I've really only found one thing from ryding so far........I need a real windshield !!!!! The order will be placed today. I've already swapped the headlight bulbs for Lamonster LEDs, added Lamonster LED Fog Lights, & the Lamonster LED Ring lights just as a safety thing. I want to be as visible as possible!!!!!

Good luck.....hope you have money left when you're done if so...you're doing better than most of us

[Highwayman2013]

There seems to be no problem with the F3T or L shock. The F3 and F3S have a weak shock. The shock is separate from the air bag.

[wvedec]

How many miles have you put on your new Spyder so far?
(By the way: )

You probably should ride it for a while, and let the bike tell you what it needs...

I was out of town when it was delivered and we've had a lot of rain - with more coming from Tropical Storm Cindy. Feeling much more comfortable with a looser grip. I realized I need a backrest, which I just ordered. Have not yet installed the new belt tensioner, bump skid, and sway bar, but hope to soon. The windshield doesn't bother me much, but I wear a modular helmet.

[AeroPilot]

Since April when she traded her 15 RT-S for the 16 F3T, my wife has only added the F4 windshield for better wind protection, and she loves the comfort and ease of mounting the bike using Lamonster's RIP boards. Other than the heated grips added by the dealer at pickup and the tender plug I added, and tank protector decals it is pretty stock and she loves it. As far as handling, she has over 100,000 miles on RT's before this, and the F3T handles great for her.

[Bob Denman]

I was out of town when it was delivered and we've had a lot of rain - with more coming from Tropical Storm Cindy. Feeling much more comfortable with a looser grip. I realized I need a backrest, which I just ordered. Have not yet installed the new belt tensioner, bump skid, and sway bar, but hope to soon. The windshield doesn't bother me much, but I wear a modular helmet.

With the Farkles that you've got planned so far: your bike will be awesome!!!

[UtahPete]

I like this definition of FARKLE I found on the web;

The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of "function" and "sparkle", hence, farkle. Motorcycle enthusiasts may install accessories, called farkles (also spelled farkel), to customize their machine.