RT vs F3

[jzb54]

Quick question for the group. My RT Limited causes me shoulder and back pain on extended rides. I either have to consider changing to tri axis handlebars or maybe looking into an F3 Limted. The chief concern on switching to an F3 is potential loss of passenger room. The cost to have the tri axis handle bars installed would be around $1200 or so which I would probably never get back.


I could use some input from my Spyder friends.

[DGoebel]

Before you go that route, (either way is pretty spendy) have you tried adjusting your seating/riding position?
How tall / short are you? I've ridden my RTL 15+ hours one day (within the first year of ownership) for an Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000 and felt like I could ride more. I'm 6'1" and find I like the sitting up position the stock bars and floorboards and seat provide. Maybe Motorcycle Dave has some custom seat suggestions.

[ARtraveler]

If it comes to changing out the handlebars vs. changing the bike--handlebars wins IMO.

Farkles make the bike yours. Most people NEVER get a return on any farkle--except they liked it enough to put it on. Used farkles languish in the for sale ads for long period of time. It took me three years to sell a Corbin seat & backrest--for $175. I had over $800 invested.

[ARtraveler]

Have you considered the comfort seat? I upgraded to the comfort seat because it moves you back about 1.5" so you dont feel cramped up against the handlebars. Made a huge difference for me. I am 5'11" tall and 300+ lbs. I suffer from lots of back problems but I never get tired or sore riding my spyder. A backrest might also help you.

Me too on comfort seats for both RT's. They are my current choice for upline seats.

[PW2013STL]

The Tri Axis bars are spendy, but well worth the cost. After installing mine I was able to adjust the bars to a position that eliminated all upper back and shoulder pain. I also helped a friend install a set on his RT. After he adjusted them to his liking he reported that his back pain was eliminated as well.

I agree that a better seat should help. I did run the BRP comfort seat for awhile and it was much better, but the passenger area was too short - locking in the passenger (with driver backrest installed) that we finally went with a Day Long seat.

I just recently purchased an F3 for my self as I find the position to fit me much better. The RT will be my wife's, and I will help her adjust the bars to fit her.

[JayBros]

I cast another vote for Tri-Axis bars over a new bike. I would caution against changing too many variables at once; you won't know what contributed the most to a more comfortable ride. You'll get a lot of range of adjustment on the Tri-Axis bars. I agree with Joel that a backrest might help but IMO you would notice the most difference in favor of the BR on real long rides. I'm on the verge of getting one, but it has been the long 500+ mile days that is swaying me. Two, three, four hundred I'm fine w/o it.

[Peteoz]

I agree completely with JayBros and the others who say “bars” first. If you move to the F3, you may still have shoulder and back problems requiring new bars and/or seat anyway, but you may also introduce leg problems from the different riding position. I would be surprised if the tri axis bars and a backrest didn’t address your back/shoulder issues on the RT.

Pete

[robtdonna]

Guess I will be the odd man out. 2014 RT. Played with bars, seat covers, seats, pegs, just couldn't get comfortable. So...just rode short trips. It was the riding position for me. Too many years riding forward control 2 wheelers. Then the F-3 came out. Rode it and WOW. But couldn't justify in my mind the $.

Then the F3-T came out, and another test ride and I was hooked. Its just suited to me or me to it, love, Love, LOVE it! Back, neck, legs all feel good , and would not hesitate to do an all day ride.

[canamjhb]

My suggestion......before you start spending your retirement money, invest in a good laser alignment. You may be unknowingly fighting a miss-aligned bike. Get squared away and it is not money wasted anyway

[3 Wheel Rider]

I'l cast a vote for the tri-axis handlebars. My neck, shoulder and back pain also went away after changing to them.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

My .02, If you don't have a backrest ( like from Utopia ) consider it .... and some folks here have actually put " Risers " on the ends of the RT handle-bars for less than $100.00, and they give many options for the seating position ...... Mike

[honda]

Get an adjustable backrest and it will take the strain off on all bikes.

[wyliec]

I just happened to get this in email today because I purchased another product from them. I'm not affiliated with them in any way. If you have back issues on and off the spyder, you may want to check this out. The only reason I gave this a second look is I was looking at something similar for when I'm working out. Just a thought.


https://www.backpainhelp.com/bikeandmotorcyclebackpain

[robhowen]

My RT experience was similar to yours and the TriAxis bars completely and totally fixed the problem. They were worth every penny to me as I went from sort of enjoying the ride to loving the ride. I've heard many others resolve their shoulder and upper back pains with TriAxis. Search the forum for TriAxis discussions; you'll see. There's also no guarantee that a different bike will fix the issue as it likely takes a longer ride for you to experience the problem.

The best,
Rob

My RT Limited causes me shoulder and back pain on extended rides.

[Neil Rupp]

Tri Axis bars are the only way to go. Set them any where that feels comfortable. I made a trip from Bryan Ohio to Key West and back and changed the bar position twice not because of discomfort but just to have a different riding position. It's very quick and easy to do. Neil 2014 RTS.

[tehrlich]

I bought my tri-axis bars when I purchased my RT. It took me a while to find that position that was most comfortable for me. Sounds like this may be what you need too. It has great range of positions.

If you have GPS, you have to buy a new mount that fits the Triaxis bar. It's, of course, not cheap.