Help 2016 RTS vs F3 Limited Can't Decide

[wings2fly]

I am a woman rider and have been on 2 wheels for many years. Due to a back issue I need to switch to 3 wheels. I like the comfort on the RTS but hate the side load bags. Other than my dog no one will be riding on the back. I have been told the F3 handles corners better but it does not feel very comfortable when I sit on it. I definitely want all the comforts, heated seat, grips, could add the corbin top load bags. I will use it mostly for long day rides. If anyone has ridden or owns both I would appreciate the feedback on comparison.

[ARtraveler]

Get an F3 T or F3 LTD. They are supposed to be the missing link between plain F3 and the RT.

I have two RT's, have test sat the F3 and don't really like it. Even with the U-fit adjusted to my size. Have not made a test ride yet.

You will find it does take a test sit at a minimum and better yet, a test ride to see which model is really for you.

[jtoro1]

The F3 is like a sportbike the RTS is for touring very comfortable take a ride on the F3 and you'll find out the wind wants to blow you off the bike

[Chupaca]

Have you tested them both on the road..?? That would clear things up for you in just a few miles. Side opening bags are something you can live with if the ryde is right...

[ruralgirl]

I too am a female rider with decades of riding 2-wheelers who has recently switched to a Spyder. I chose the RT after originally planning to get the F3-T for several reasons, but possibly most pertinent to you is that, I too have a bad back (from a horse wreck years ago) and I like my feet to be straight under me. Granted, I'm used to that position from horsebacking, MCing, and ATVing, but I also feel that when my legs are angled forward, as the other models require, it tires my back. AND, with your feet more in line with your hips, you can more easily raise your weight out of the seat to reduce spinal shock when hitting bumps or potholes.

Also, don't be too quick to dismiss the cargo capacity of the RTs. You may very well decide that it's a blast to go shopping on your Spyder. And, although I originally considered the passenger seat to be extraneous, I now realize that it offers all sorts of perks, like strapping a sack of horse grain onto it or a large purchase that juuuust doesn't fit into the frunk or simply that many more groceries.

In short, my admittedly newbie opinion is that the RT is very comfortable, lets you rise into the "two point" position, hugs the corners just fine!!, and allows more fun stuff to be done with it.

[robmorg]

Have you tested them both on the road..?? That would clear things up for you in just a few miles. Side opening bags are something you can live with if the ryde is right...

The RT and the F3 are two extremely different bikes. I've ridden both and even though they share the same engine and transmission, they offer very different riding experiences. Just go take some extended test rides, and pick the one that's right for you. If you do that, you will know which one to get - I assure you. A lot of it will depend on how your body fits the bike. If your body is more comfortable on one bike than it is on the other, the decision is a no-brainer.

As for the side bags if you choose the RT, don't worry about them. You'll get used to the side opening doors, and in fact they do have some advantages. You just pack them differently. If not, you can always get inserts for them.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Madam, if you have BACK issues ....are you really going to be CRANKING it in the TWISTIES ??????,,,,,Get the RT and just be Happy.................However there are people who will wear MINK coats in the SUMMER because it looks NICE on them.......................Who are you ??????..........Mike

[Bob Denman]

Only Day-Long rides?
You might want to keep in mind that the RT has a bit over double the storage capacity of the F3 you mentioned.

[OverHillAndDale]

Since you're a two-wheeler, I'll provide you the same advice I gave someone who asked this question just a few days ago.

The F3 is a bit like the Harley Fat-Boy. Fast, lean, cool, no storage capacity for much more than a helmet.

The RT is like the Harley Road Glide Ultra - Smooth, comfortable, feature packed, lots of storage. Probably won't corner quite as well as the F3 but still corners faster than I want to.

[Lamonster]

I am a woman rider and have been on 2 wheels for many years. Due to a back issue I need to switch to 3 wheels. I like the comfort on the RTS but hate the side load bags. Other than my dog no one will be riding on the back. I have been told the F3 handles corners better but it does not feel very comfortable when I sit on it. I definitely want all the comforts, heated seat, grips, could add the corbin top load bags. I will use it mostly for long day rides. If anyone has ridden or owns both I would appreciate the feedback on comparison.

This is my wifes F3 and it's going up for sale soon, in the next couple of days. It has everything you're asking for and more. Contact me if you think you would be interested.

[latony007]

Since you're a two-wheeler, I'll provide you the same advice I gave someone who asked this question just a few days ago.

The F3 is a bit like the Harley Fat-Boy. Fast, lean, cool, no storage capacity for much more than a helmet.

The RT is like the Harley Road Glide Ultra - Smooth, comfortable, feature packed, lots of storage. Probably won't corner quite as well as the F3 but still corners faster than I want to.

except they and don't break down as often

For comfort there is no comparison, go with the RT. If you add everything onto an F3 i think its as much or more than an RT. As for the side loading bags you get used to them. I use them all the time.

[4 MARIE]

Don't sweat the RT bags. You will use frunk and trunk MUCH more.
You better go for comfort. Unable to hold up your own weight with your feet
out in front of you (F3) you will carry all your weight on your tailbone, and that
can't help any back issues you have.

[wings2fly]

I also have a knee replacement and cannot ride with my legs out front. Still want to figure out the fix for the gas on RTS. My dog rides with me and I don't want to take her carrier on and off.

I too am a female rider with decades of riding 2-wheelers who has recently switched to a Spyder. I chose the RT after originally planning to get the F3-T for several reasons, but possibly most pertinent to you is that, I too have a bad back (from a horse wreck years ago) and I like my feet to be straight under me. Granted, I'm used to that position from horsebacking, MCing, and ATVing, but I also feel that when my legs are angled forward, as the other models require, it tires my back. AND, with your feet more in line with your hips, you can more easily raise your weight out of the seat to reduce spinal shock when hitting bumps or potholes.

Also, don't be too quick to dismiss the cargo capacity of the RTs. You may very well decide that it's a blast to go shopping on your Spyder. And, although I originally considered the passenger seat to be extraneous, I now realize that it offers all sorts of perks, like strapping a sack of horse grain onto it or a large purchase that juuuust doesn't fit into the frunk or simply that many more groceries.

In short, my admittedly newbie opinion is that the RT is very comfortable, lets you rise into the "two point" position, hugs the corners just fine!!, and allows more fun stuff to be done with it.

[ruralgirl]

I also have a knee replacement and cannot ride with my legs out front. Still want to figure out the fix for the gas on RTS. My dog rides with me and I don't want to take her carrier on and off.

I'm so glad my leg position comment was helpful. We have bad knees in common, too! I don't have a replacement, but yet another horse wreck of mine permanently damaged my knee. In fact, when I started out on my RT ride the other day, my knee was hurting from heavy chores a couple hours earlier, but after a few miles, I was pain free.

I do see your predicament, though, about having to raise the seat to fill the tank while Fido's on board. I guess I'd just say that it might be the compromise of choice. And, although the RTs don't get impressive mileage at about 35mpg, it's not like you'll be hitting the pumps at every mile marker. In addition, I don't know how small your dog is, but if her carrier (or one that you might have to custom-make) can fit behind you, that passenger backrest might make her ride more stable, especially if you add armrests for even more wrap-around security. Plus, it might act as a wind barrier, which could make her more comfortable on cool days. Just a thought.

[SpyderAnn01]

There are after market seats with gas doors or you can have a hinged one added to the stock seat. Ultimate and Corbin both have options for gas doors.

[ruralgirl]

There are after market seats with gas doors or you can have a hinged one added to the stock seat. Ultimate and Corbin both have options for gas doors.

Well, there ya go! I may look into that myself someday. Cool!

[robmorg]

This is my wifes F3 and it's going up for sale soon, in the next couple of days. It has everything you're asking for and more. Contact me if you think you would be interested.

Is she going to buy an RT instead?

[wings2fly]

I have officially joined the ranks on 3 wheels. Almost cried when I left my two wheels behind but I know I will feel much safer and comfortable on 3 wheels. Already shopping for all the addons.

[vided]

good choice

and that little cutie pie is glad you did the rt

[sg2848775]

You will be happy with the RT. I purchased a F3 last year. And although all we have added was a Blueridge and saddlebags. We are starting to use it a lot more and may upgrade at some point. The riding postion took a little time to get use too. But I must say The Spyder makes it so much easier to ride long distances.Angeles Crest and Mulholand are more
fun on the Spyder then I thought they would be. Enjoy.

[WellsboroSpyder]

Just a question for the more experienced riders. How does the ST compare ? Sportier look but how about comfort? Down side would be giving up the 1330. (If only BRP would listen )

[Bob Denman]

Your new RT-S is a real Beauty!!

Here's to lots of "Miles & Smiles" for you both!

[robmorg]

That white RT is indeed a beauty. I think you made a good choice.

Now you get to enjoy riding AND farkleing.

[ruralgirl]

[QUOTE=wings2fly;1109858]I have officially joined the ranks on 3 wheels. Almost cried when I left my two wheels behind but I know I will feel much safer and comfortable on 3 wheels. Already shopping for all the addons.

CONGRATS, wings2fly!! I don't think you'll regret for a minute choosing the RT. And her color matches your little doggie!

[wings2fly]

Stop with all the links you post your making me buy things.
Do you know of a mount that has a GPS and phone with GPS? My GPS is a 590 LM so 5 inches wide

That white RT is indeed a beauty. I think you made a good choice.

Now you get to enjoy riding AND farkleing.