a newbie from FL

[ofdave]

Just joined after lurking for a while.
Will be getting a Spyder within the next month.
Getting off two wheels for a med reason.
Have gotten a lot of good info here already and now to find my ride.
There is a budget constraint which limits me to 13000 max.
From what I've read here, I will only be looking at 2014 and newer machines.
Saw some new ones today in Bradenton, couple F3 and a couple RT. Was impressed.
They have a used 2015 F3, 9700 mi. manual and absolutely zero extras-nothing. It looks pretty decent, former lady owner. They're asking $13,900. good price? how much too much? Not to worry, I will deal on the price.
Need opinions on a manual. There aren't many out there and I have no problem with a manual.
Wonder if there are any issues with a manual I need to know about?
Resale would be harder than the auto I'm sure. At this point I'm looking for the best deal.
Don't care about music or GPS. My rides are 80 to 200 miles each about three times a week and solo.
Bags are a plus (just because I want them) so aftermarket advice on adding them is welcome.
In the past (10-12bikes) I have always done my own service (oil, chain lube, etc.-not tires or into the engine). Am hopeful that can be done on my Spyder. Is there a service manual available? What should I avoid trying to do myself?
Am looking forward to hearing what you all think.
Dave

[Bob Denman]

[3 Wheel Rider]

Based on your described riding style and price range, you'd be best suited for a F3 model. I know you said staying with a manual is not an issue, but I'd suggest going with a SE if you can find one in your price range. You may also find that you won't need saddlebags with the funk if you don't carry a lot.

[SpyderHands]

from Central Florida. My wife and I love Sarasota / Siesta Key.

Best of luck with your search!

[ARtraveler]

Ultimately, YOU should test ride to help determine if you should go for F3 or RT. 2014 or higher will get you the 1330 engine--which--if given the choice--is the recommended one.

Manual vs. Semi Auto: Most will recommend the semi auto. I have had both, and do not miss the manual. Resale: the manual will be worth about $1000 less or trade or resale.

You are going to get more storage and a more cushy ride with a used RT.

Good luck with your hunt. Let us know what you do. Remember, it did not happen unless we have a picture.

[JayBros]

Setting a budget is very wise, IMO; impulsive farkeling can begin anytime thereafter. Going to three from two for medical reasons is not uncommon, in same boat myself. Nevertheless, I strongly suggest you test ride both as the feel and rider position is different with RT and F3. Find a test ride friendly dealer. Do remember too that original F3 had some frame crack issues that should have been addressed in any previously owned purchase. You can get a Green Manual for either Spyder online at reasonable price. Routine maintenance is easy once you learn the methods of removing the Tupperware. Welcome and good luck in your hunt!

[motoswami]

You inquired about saddlebags.

I found the BRP"Cross Country" items to be flimsy and poorly designed.

Switched to SHAD and couldn't be more pleased. Much cheaper and MUCH better.. Solid attachment, high quality latches, don't require a ket to operate unless you have a need to secure against theft. Mounting brackets easy to install.

Available often on eBay brand new in the $600-700 range.

Pete

[zuni]

I agree with the other comments about the SE over the manual. Was unsure myself but glad I went that route. Still plenty of fun. I added saddle bags I got from the mfg in China. Mutazu sells them in the US but only in black for $300 and it includes the mount brackets. You could probably modify them to use the EZon brackets as well.I have seen some (search Spyderlovers) that were painted and turned out very nice. They have a website and also sell on Ebay. Pay close attention to their Ebay listings as sometimes they will have multiple for the same price but they don't all include free shipping.

CJ JAX

[Chupaca]

To both the spyder world and this most informative site. you can find what your looking for within your means. Happy hunting..

[Bob Denman]

[Deanna777]

glad you found this site, we are here to help, ask questions.

This is a great site, be sure to check the vendors on list on the "Home Page" . Deanna

[ofdave]

'preciate all the replies.
I'll be taking a test ride tomorrow on the base F3.
It was owned by a lady from St. Petersburg who is active in the Southwest Florida Spyder Ryders.
If anyone knows her, I'd like to speak with her. Apparently she traded on a '17 RT.
I am ok with a bare bones bike. It has a shield and I will take a look at the Matazu bags as well the Shad.
I'll likely add driving lights and a brake light modulator.
And start a list of all the other "must haves" that I've seen here.

[siny10309]

Just joined after lurking for a while.
Will be getting a Spyder within the next month.
Getting off two wheels for a med reason.
Have gotten a lot of good info here already and now to find my ride.
There is a budget constraint which limits me to 13000 max.
From what I've read here, I will only be looking at 2014 and newer machines.
Saw some new ones today in Bradenton, couple F3 and a couple RT. Was impressed.
They have a used 2015 F3, 9700 mi. manual and absolutely zero extras-nothing. It looks pretty decent, former lady owner. They're asking $13,900. good price? how much too much? Not to worry, I will deal on the price.
Need opinions on a manual. There aren't many out there and I have no problem with a manual.
Wonder if there are any issues with a manual I need to know about?
Resale would be harder than the auto I'm sure. At this point I'm looking for the best deal.
Don't care about music or GPS. My rides are 80 to 200 miles each about three times a week and solo.
Bags are a plus (just because I want them) so aftermarket advice on adding them is welcome.
In the past (10-12bikes) I have always done my own service (oil, chain lube, etc.-not tires or into the engine). Am hopeful that can be done on my Spyder. Is there a service manual available? What should I avoid trying to do myself?
Am looking forward to hearing what you all think.
Dave

here's an f3S with aftermarket pipe, manual trans, in your neck of the woods...also $500 less

https://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/...6%29-122181958

heres one with auto, bags and shield for the same price but in CO. maybe you can use this as a negotiating tactic or fly out and ride back.

https://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/...-SE6-122686360

[ofdave]

@siny103o9
thanks for the leads, will head to Tampa if I can't hassle a deal on the one here
A fly and ride would be great but no time now.
The local one looks just like yours-it's also fast white

[Bob Denman]

'I am ok with a bare bones bike. It has a shield and I will take a look at the Matazu bags as well the Shad.
I'll likely add driving lights and a brake light modulator.
And start a list of all the other "must haves" that I've seen here.

Let the Farkling begin!

[foxtail1]

Let the Farkling begin!

Okay, as another newbie, I have assumed what the meaning of "Farkling" is, but I'd still like it defined?

[Lew L]

Welcome aboard!!!!!!

Spending money on your toys. Some are vanity, some are safety.

Kaos

[d.o.spyder-rts]

good luck with your search, keep us updated. Dale

[BilltheDiver]

Welcome neighbor! I am in St Pete, so I'm just a jump across the Skyway bridge north of you. The West Coast Florida Chapter is very active on this side of Florida.

[ofdave]

Welcome neighbor! I am in St Pete, so I'm just a jump across the Skyway bridge north of you. The West Coast Florida Chapter is very active on this side of Florida.

Hey, Bill
The previous owner of the F3 I'm looking at is a lady from St. Pete and I was told she has some position in that chapter. Not sure if correct but I would like to talk to her about her former ride.
If that sounds familiar maybe you could ask her to reply here?

[ofdave]

Update on my quest
Went to test ride the F3 today. With checkbook in hand.
Was asked if I was ready to buy today? I relied yes, I sure am.
No test ride is going to happen without an appointment and then only on a Thursday.
I was told no one wants/likes a manual. And they are just not comfortable or at all fun to ride.
?? Do they want to sell it or not?
Also, they will not take my Honda CTX700 on trade as no one wants/likes them either.
So I am out looking-maybe into Tampa or St. Pete which is less than convenient.
Hope to sell my Honda before I get a Spyder just so there's room in the garage.
And a manual is my first choice.