Build a Base F3 or just buy the F3-T

[rworell]

So I'm really curious of your answers here. I'm in the market for my 4th Spyder. I so miss the RS, but I also had it farkled to the point that I could ride long miles with somewhat comfort. I then upgraded to the RT which is awesome, but I still miss the sporty side of riding the Spyder.

I'm in love with the F3. I really like the looks and set up of the F3-T. Would it make sense cost wise to buy the F3 and aftermarket the Farkle out of it with Corbin side bags, maybe a Shark audio system like Lamont. Add an Aftermarket Shield too.

Thoughts of the experts that are riding these now are greatly appreciated.

Rich

[DLewis]

Some after markets are better (quality) and cheaper than OEM. Depends on what you want / how much you are willing to spend. Me, I added what I wanted later, opting for a base F3S. OEM windshield and fog lights (wish I could have waited on these) but that was it. Rest of my farkles are from the vendors here on SL. Good luck, and hope you get what you ABSOLUTELY want!!

[Wippi01]

If you going with the F3 you might wanna do a quick search for the Corbin bags here in the forum...A number of costumers weren't happy with the quality of the bags...

[MRH]

My friend is going through a terrible experience with Corbin on a set of bad saddle bags on another type of motorcycle. Here is a thread from this site on the same issue:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ghlight=corbin

I would absolutely not get bags from them under any circumstances. You can easily search the net and find many similar experiences.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Hi, well you know my feelings on this.....I'd go base and do your add-ons......." Highwayman 2013 " posted a link recently to some outstanding sidebags and rear cases that look EXACTLY like the ones BRP has the POLICE model equipped with......and only cost approx. $ 175-200.00 for all three......you can by detachable brackets fron " Viking " for cheap also.....Throw a Utopia backrest on it ......and a Shark 600 watt stereo with some JBL 2 OHM speakers, the after-market Hitch form E-bay $ 249.00 and you in for less $700.00 ...instead of $ 5000.00, ..........aftermarket LED's ( for fog/drive lights ) are way less than OEM etc etc etc...........................Mike

[stebrock]

I have the F3 Limited now. I previously "farkled" a 2015 F3 S. In my opinion it's hard to match the "look" of the integrated saddlebags on the F3 L/T with aftermarket unless you get the Corbin bags which as everyone else has said would be a bad decision with their current quality issues. Having the integrated radio which is ipod compatible is very convenient.
Rick

[Myersd802003]

Lamonster did a review of the F3T. I would check that out and see if it suits your needs. I think he highly recommended it.

[ARtraveler]

So I'm really curious of your answers here. I'm in the market for my 4th Spyder. I so miss the RS, but I also had it farkled to the point that I could ride long miles with somewhat comfort. I then upgraded to the RT which is awesome, but I still miss the sporty side of riding the Spyder.

I'm in love with the F3. I really like the looks and set up of the F3-T. Would it make sense cost wise to buy the F3 and aftermarket the Farkle out of it with Corbin side bags, maybe a Shark audio system like Lamont. Add an Aftermarket Shield too.

Thoughts of the experts that are riding these now are greatly appreciated.

Rich

Generally, it is cheaper to buy a package instead of trying to upgrade a base model. Unless, you don't want everything in the package. I would avoid the Corbin bags for now. There are serious issues with quality and customer service concerning bags for the F3.

[Sarge707]

I don't know about Farkles BUT from someone who traded a 35,000 Mile GS in for a F3- You Will Come to Love it Just make sure they set you up properly as far as Pegs and Bars!!!

[Bob Denman]

This is something that I actually know a whole lot about...
I took my 2010 RT A&C, and turned it into an RT-S...
It was a long, expensive ordeal.
Buy the bike that you want; the way that you want it!
It'll save you TONS of time, and you'll start out in a better position to enjoy each and every ride.(Rather than thinking about the next Farkling episode...)

[ABQSpyder]

It all depends on what you want and like.
I personally don't like the dash on the F3T to much like a RT and I traded my RT for a F3 imho.
I can put my bags on tow a trailer. Get home and in about 5 min have a F3.
Only reason I got a F3-S was for the color.
Decide what works for you! Bottom line it's your decision and your ride get on and enjoy.

[MMMII]

You know what they say about opinions.....

Sounds like you are going to be in F3-T price range regardless on if you go F3 or T. My $.02 says go T and farkle from there.

Good luck!

[Mike Ard]

Looked at a new F3T today and do like the looks.......just not enough to give up my F3S. The bags look nice but are not removable like mine are so when I just want to hot rod in less than a minute mine are gone. I also really like my chopped fender so my check book can come out of hiding........at least for now.

[spydaman60]

in 2015 the misses and I bought an f3s. little did we know "it was not meant for full time two up riding, it was only for occasional two up riding!" so, if you're going two up, buy the f3t!!!! decision made. if not, then you could do what we did and go f3s and add on the farkles!!!

[Midian]

This is amazing advice and so true. Brilliant! Go big or go home!

This is something that I actually know a whole lot about...
I took my 2010 RT A&C, and turned it into an RT-S...
It was a long, expensive ordeal.
Buy the bike that you want; the way that you want it!
It'll save you TONS of time, and you'll start out in a better position to enjoy each and every ride.(Rather than thinking about the next Farkling episode...)