F3 issues

[Sccar]

So it appears that the only issue with the F3 at this time seems to be the blender noise and vibration at higher speeds.

anyone else experiencing anything else?

thank you.....

i am am still on the fence

Indian scout or F3 (I know big price difference)

[Mike,P]

So it appears that the only issue with the F3 at this time seems to be the blender noise and vibration at higher speeds.

anyone else experiencing anything else?

thank you.....

i am am still on the fence

Indian scout or F3 (I know big price difference)

Advice::: Ride one before you buy.. My F3 has been a pleasure so far. 1300+ mi..I feel a vibration but it's not like some describe / Not even close.. An Indian Scout is a nice bike but I don't see how it would be anywhere near as comfortable as an F3...

[Troystoy]

I maybe biased as I own a F3 and love it, so I'd say get the F3! I looked at the Indian Scout a few days ago and after sitting on it, it's not what I'd want for any longer than a half hour ride. That said, I did drive the new Chief Dark Horse, that may end up in my stable very soon. That bike had a nice soft ride and good seat, totally different than the Scout. If you like the Indian, look at the Dark Horse, price falls between a Scout and F3. When I road away from the Indian dealership on my F3, I had no regrets with my new spyder.......but that dark horse sure looks bada$$!!!!

[Troystoy]

F3's are pretty awesome looking, but the new Indian is bold and distinctive too. Would make a great pair in the garage!

[kaamacat]

One input here.

I had looked at the original back in 2008 but they were only on demo, so I picked up a Vision Tour, Ducati 900SS and
F650GS for the wife. (Had not been riding since 1980, yes 1980 and by then had everything from a Honda MiniTrail
up to a Suzuki 1000GS-E). Then gave it up about 2yrs ago. OK....to present. Saw the new commercials and went out
to sit on one. ONLY SAT ON IT. The position was perfect. Never drove it yet. Placed a call to a dealer that knew what
they were talking about at 9am on a Monday, said I wanted a red F3S SE6 w/windscreen, passenger backrest. They had
it ready by 2pm. So I purchased sight-unseen WITHOUT a test drive.

Now let me say this. I am having a BLAST on this thing. I now have 1200m on it and have been out every weekend on
both days! It is incredibly fun to ride, and at the same time a challenge because of what it is into the turns. The more I
take it out, the more my smile opens. My wife loves it also.

Sure, there is a crazy vibration at a special "sweet spot" in 5th at just shy of 4000rpms... which may (or may not) be
the MPH you want to be at locally. But I understand it, understand it is possibly adjustable in the belt, but again it
is at that special spot you feel/hear it. So lets call that 1% of my riding because I go above or below it, but, at some
point you will hit and pass it. I will play with the belt adjustment and see what shakes. So let me say again, this is
a super minimal time you hit this spot. (So not like I am riding and in that exact spot vibrating body parts).

Am I worried. Not in the least. There is a 3yr warranty.......... Would I purchase again. I can clearly say that without
hesitation I would. For the 22K+ I could purchase almost anything out there, I wanted to try 3-wheels this time, and
like I said, the fun factor is just unreal. Extremely reliable. The more I ride it, learn the best way to make turns to get
the most out of them (in the super twisty mt roads), it just gets better and better. On the highway its a great machine
as-well.

[Wardawg]

One input here.

I had looked at the original back in 2008 but they were only on demo, so I picked up a Vision Tour, Ducati 900SS and
F650GS for the wife. (Had not been riding since 1980, yes 1980 and by then had everything from a Honda MiniTrail
up to a Suzuki 1000GS-E). Then gave it up about 2yrs ago. OK....to present. Saw the new commercials and went out
to sit on one. ONLY SAT ON IT. The position was perfect. Never drove it yet. Placed a call to a dealer that knew what
they were talking about at 9am on a Monday, said I wanted a red F3S SE6 w/windscreen, passenger backrest. They had
it ready by 2pm. So I purchased sight-unseen WITHOUT a test drive.

Now let me say this. I am having a BLAST on this thing. I now have 1200m on it and have been out every weekend on
both days! It is incredibly fun to ride, and at the same time a challenge because of what it is into the turns. The more I
take it out, the more my smile opens. My wife loves it also.

Sure, there is a crazy vibration at a special "sweet spot" in 5th at just shy of 4000rpms... which may (or may not) be
the MPH you want to be at locally. But I understand it, understand it is possibly adjustable in the belt, but again it
is at that special spot you feel/hear it. So lets call that 1% of my riding because I go above or below it, but, at some
point you will hit and pass it. I will play with the belt adjustment and see what shakes. So let me say again, this is
a super minimal time you hit this spot. (So not like I am riding and in that exact spot vibrating body parts).

Am I worried. Not in the least. There is a 3yr warranty.......... Would I purchase again. I can clearly say that without
hesitation I would. For the 22K+ I could purchase almost anything out there, I wanted to try 3-wheels this time, and
like I said, the fun factor is just unreal. Extremely reliable. The more I ride it, learn the best way to make turns to get
the most out of them (in the super twisty mt roads), it just gets better and better. On the highway its a great machine
as-well.

I totally agree with this viewpoint....

[jcthorne]

Am I worried. Not in the least. There is a 3yr warranty.......... .

Minor correction. There is a 2 year warranty on F3s unless you purchased a BEST extended warranty.

[vondalyn]

Advice::: Ride one before you buy.. My F3 has been a pleasure so far. 1300+ mi..I feel a vibration but it's not like some describe / Not even close.. An Indian Scout is a nice bike but I don't see how it would be anywhere near as comfortable as an F3...

Exactly what he said.

[theBeast]

So it appears that the only issue with the F3 at this time seems to be the blender noise and vibration at higher speeds.

anyone else experiencing anything else?

thank you.....

i am am still on the fence

Indian scout or F3 (I know big price difference)

I just got my F3-S, been riding our RT-S Limited for 3 years, F3-S so much better for me. A little vibration but with the (U-Fit) set-up, I now can ride more comfortable.

[sylvester]

I have 7000 miles on mine now, had a little belt vibration in the beginning had it adjusted with 1st oil change no more problems F3L. Had a friend buy a new indian last year, he has been a wing rider for 40 yrs. He said the bike was beautiful and smooth on back roads, but at 75 hyw speeds its loud and squirly couldn't hear the radio traded it for a new wing after 3 months

[Bubalub]

I have an F3T and have absolutely no issues with over 4K miles on it. I will say I get some feedback in the footpegs between 62 and 65 miles per hour but would not call it a vibration at all. Love the ride and feel. My wife has an RT-L and I think she would say the same thing. We have a good friend who is an Indian rider and loves them. So all up to you, what is most comfortable and stable for you.

[AY4B]

Why not buy one of each? I also ride a Road King and went on a beautiful ride yesterday.

[AY4B]

So fare for me the only issue seems to be vibration in the mirrors. My left mirror had the base plate replaced and that helped but it still vibrates. after I got back from spyderfest, I noticed both mirrors had the front cover come completely loose. Good thing I did not loose one or both.

[monkeyboymorton]

Bought a new 2017 have 185 miles on it a good machine for one person no good for two it is rated for 435 lbs we are under that it bottoms out on any little tar strip the dealer wants to sell me a $900 shock to solve the problem we road a 400 Yamaha scooter that handle us on it better going back to dealer again only had the spider a couple weeks .I ask about trading it for another model he said he would give me $5500 less than I paid for it I am not happy with it .I wish I would have taken it for a ride before I bought it f3s model

BRP does have a more affordable '2 Up' shock for the F3-S which will help with the bottoming. It won't stop it entirely but it is much better than the poor stock one (which they shouldn't really be putting on newly produced models).

Part code is 219400739 - see this thread for details. Edit - thread link would help: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...3-two-up-shock

I can appreciate you aren't happy having to spend money on a brand new bike - could try and get the dealer / BRP to change it as a goodwill gesture?

[DaveInMn]

BRP does have a more affordable '2 Up' shock for the F3-S which will help with the bottoming. It won't stop it entirely but it is much better than the poor stock one (which they shouldn't really be putting on newly produced models).

Part code is 219400739 - see this thread for details. Edit - thread link would help: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...3-two-up-shock

I can appreciate you aren't happy having to spend money on a brand new bike - could try and get the dealer / BRP to change it as a goodwill gesture?

After I bought my F3-S, I did the switch to the heavier duty rear suspension setup. After purchasing the shock/spring "kit", I found that only the spring is different. The shocks have the same part number stamped on them. Going this route (switching only the spring) will save significant $$ (2/3?), but you will need to have, find or buy a special tool to swap the springs.

.

[ofdave]

Suspension complaints are not unique to the Spyder.
Visit any bike forum in almost any price range and you'll find the same complaints. Not everyone complains but it seems a lot do-no matter what the brand.
Seats, windshield , and suspension are the most common gripes.
I think many have different expectations. That's why the aftermarket is strong.
Manufacturers cannot make one that is perfect for all who buy/ride it.
Not very many other brand owners are as quick to want to get rid of their ride, because of something they don't like, as are Spyder riders. Have often wondered why that is? Maybe lack of experience?

[monkeyboymorton]

After I bought my F3-S, I did the switch to the heavier duty rear suspension setup. After purchasing the shock/spring "kit", I found that only the spring is different. The shocks have the same part number stamped on them. Going this route (switching only the spring) will save significant $$ (2/3?), but you will need to have, find or buy a special tool to swap the springs.

.

I thought the shock was different as well on the '2 Up' as it looked thicker, but I couldn't be sure. You don't need any specialist tools though as it comes as a pre-built shock and spring, just 2x13mm bolts top and bottom to change it and the kit has new nuts and bolts with it.

I thought the new shock was excellent value and if you will do 'occassional 2 up' riding it's fine. If you'll ride 2 up a lot then a better shock or F3-T with the air shock would be better.

[DaveInMn]

I thought the shock was different as well on the '2 Up' as it looked thicker, but I couldn't be sure. You don't need any specialist tools though as it comes as a pre-built shock and spring, just 2x13mm bolts top and bottom to change it and the kit has new nuts and bolts with it.

I thought the new shock was excellent value and if you will do 'occassional 2 up' riding it's fine. If you'll ride 2 up a lot then a better shock or F3-T with the air shock would be better.

Both shocks have the same part #s stamped on them....at least mine did. As far as I can tell, they are the same.

You'll need the special tool (shock-spring compressor) if you only buy the spring and intend to use your OEM shock. You'll need it to remove the OEM spring from the OEM shock and mount the new spring.

.

[jneg2]

BRP does have a more affordable '2 Up' shock for the F3-S which will help with the bottoming. It won't stop it entirely but it is much better than the poor stock one (which they shouldn't really be putting on newly produced models).

Part code is 219400739 - see this thread for details. Edit - thread link would help: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...3-two-up-shock

I can appreciate you aren't happy having to spend money on a brand new bike - could try and get the dealer / BRP to change it as a goodwill gesture?

I just ordered one from Bike Bandit for $178.00 FYI.

[jbim]

i am am still on the fence

Indian scout or F3 (I know big price difference)

I think you must ask yourself on the fence for what:

Spending so much more money on a Spyder than on a Scout

OR

Two-wheel versus three-wheel

I can't help you with the $$$ side but I can tell you my experience 2 versus 3.

I just bought a F3L. I will get it on Friday. When I test rode a Spyder last week, I realized that I had lost interest in riding because I was not as confident as before. Roads are so bad, we go thru so many construction zones. I was afraid of riding new roads, fear of not knowing what I would find. Earlier this year, my son told me he bought a small Honda. It made me realize that my relationship with 2-wheeler had changed.

I am very happy to have made the switch from 2 to 3 and I may even regret not having done so earlier. I've been looking at Spyders since they came out, which was about the time I crashed my bike. I bought three more bikes after that, the last one in 2015. The last one may have been a mistake. I think now I should have bought the Spyder at that time. It would have saved me a lot of money. Going from 2 to 3 is a process, one that can involve conflicts of a very personal nature.

Good luck.

JG

[blacklightning]

I have owned my F3T for 1 year, 3 weeks. I must say that it has been a very good bike (knock on wood). Logged in just shy of 11k miles and had no issue, except for a small oil leak that occured when I first got it. Found out it was an o-ring around the dip stick. It was replaced under warranty on the first service. It only came with the 2 year warranty (my 2014 RT came with the 4 year), but if I decide to keep it (and I probably will), I can see myself getting the extended warranty just to cover my butt. I see that as a small price to pay for piece of mind. Since the bike was paid in full when I brought it home, maintenance and warranty are the only expenses. But don't get me started on the cost of maintenance.

[Capt. Bob]

I have owned my F3T for 1 year, 3 weeks. I must say that it has been a very good bike (knock on wood). Logged in just shy of 11k miles and had no issue, except for a small oil leak that occured when I first got it. Found out it was an o-ring around the dip stick. It was replaced under warranty on the first service. It only came with the 2 year warranty (my 2014 RT came with the 4 year), but if I decide to keep it (and I probably will), I can see myself getting the extended warranty just to cover my butt. I see that as a small price to pay for piece of mind. Since the bike was paid in full when I brought it home, maintenance and warranty are the only expenses. But don't get me started on the cost of maintenance.

If you don't like the cost of maintenance. You might want to consider getting an electronic service manual and a couple of simple and inexpensive tools to do your own maintenance. For me, it is both satisfying work and gets me in sync with what is going on with my trike. I have two trikes and do the maintenance on both of them unless special tools are required for a particular task such as the BUDS system or a laser alignment. In that case, I will let the dealer do that task but do all of the other ones that do not require special tools.