F3-s or Ryker??

[robholland]

Hi Spyderlovers,

After riding a RSS for some time (loved the power!!), I think I am going to buy a Ryker this year. But a F3-s seems awesome too! Is there any ryder who has experience with both (or with the RSS) and can compare them for me ?

THanks!!

Greetings from Holland!

[chris56]

I used also an GS/RS and an RT - I think the Ryker is made for smaller roads and ideal to ryde here in the Alps (adventure-ryder).. but I had still no Chance to test one !!
(I reserved one for february- but I would need different seats and more space for the luggage.. shouldn`t be a problem)

Greetings from Austria

[JayBros]

To me the comparison is akin to that of a Miata vs Nissan 370Z.

[Triumphcycleman]

There is no bad choice there, but picking between them really comes down to what you envision doing on it, and where. If you see frequent trips 2+ hours at a time on higher speed roads/highways, then the F3 is a better choice IMO. Why? I works less to maintain those speeds (engine rpm's), it is a bit more comfortable at higher speeds (it weighs more, thus feels a bit more planted, and it has power steering) and it is capable of carrying more luggage to support a trip. If, however, the bulk of your riding is on local, twisty roads, or off-road a bit, or primarily an "under an hour" commute then the Ryker is simply more fun. It is exactly like JyaBros says, akin to a Miata vs a Nissan Z. Bopping around your city or town on a Ryker is more fun than you can imagine. But having put many, many miles on F3's, and a few on RS/Gs's, and a few on my Ryker I'd pick an F3 for a trip and a Ryker for everything else. Also, I'd prefer both over the RS/GS for every condition. The limited foot position, combined with the limited handlebar ergos and the high revving, heat dispensing V-twin engine are firmly supplanted by the triples in the newer stuff.

[Triumphcycleman]

That is it exactly

[blacklightning]

For me, the F3s, or F3T would be my choice. If you are riding a RS, you will definitely miss the storage. So going with a Ryker, you would miss the storage even more. The only advantage that I could see for the ryker would be pricing, and right now, there are deals on the F3 that put them near that price range. Plus if you go with the F3S, you will have cruise control, which is a must for me.
But on the other hand, I am actually going to check out the ryker in about 2 hours. So I may come back with a whole different opinion on the bike. We will see.

[Chupaca]

Test rydes are the best as what you want or like will vary greatly from others. What do you like about your RSS that you would miss and what you have been told about the F3 and Ryker that you would like give you something to look at when testing them. Have an RS and would not change it for I have grown fond of the high rpm twin and the seating and storage is perfect for me and my condition. One thing for sure is it will be fun finding out for yourself...:thumbup:

[ARtraveler]

Test rides are very important. The F3 and Ryker each have three wheels and look a little bit alike..but then the similarities stop.

Both are entirely different machines. A test ride or two, or three is highly recommended here.

People are really loving the Ryker, but I am thinkinjg the F3 has much to offer also.

Let us know what you decide on. :yes:

[Wijames]

I was able to test drive a Ryker Rally today. The best way I could describe it, I was like being a kid again on a big wheel. I was smiling from ear to ear doing fishtails in the parking lot. I test drove a F3 in the fall and it was not the same. The F3 reminded me more of a motorcycle and the Ryker more like a snowmobile. Just twist and go! I put a deposit down on a Ryker today. I can't wait for spring. I do think my wife will still want a F3T. She prefers the creature comforts and doing fishtails does sound like fun to her.

[Winnex3]

I was able to test drive a Ryker Rally today. The best way I could describe it, I was like being a kid again on a big wheel. I was smiling from ear to ear doing fishtails in the parking lot. I test drove a F3 in the fall and it was not the same. The F3 reminded me more of a motorcycle and the Ryker more like a snowmobile. Just twist and go! I put a deposit down on a Ryker today. I can't wait for spring. I do think my wife will still want a F3T. She prefers the creature comforts and doing fishtails does sound like fun to her. https://youtu.be/mF8Tzi_yUIg

[HongKongPhooey]

I'm glad this thread was started, I've never owned (or ridden) any 3 wheeler and am waiting on the Rally at my local dealer which gave me time to do some reading, I discovered the F3-S (manual) and my wheels started turning with a lot of questions, they've been answered here, I have a Miata in the garage so I'll probly stick with the Rally but coming from a primarily sport bike background, the F3-S does look appealing with the manual tranny and higher HP. I might add that I live in a fairly mountainous part of Tennessee with a lot of good back roads up and down these mtns, some smooth and some not so much, I think the Rally will shine in this environment.

[Wijames]

Great commercial! I had a couple of those as a kid. Problem was we would flatten (grind down) a rear wheel from all of the burn outs. The Ryker is pretty close!

[Winnex3]

Great commercial! I had a couple of those as a kid. Problem was we would flatten (grind down) a rear wheel from all of the burn outs. The Ryker is pretty close!
That is exactly what the Rally reminds me of

[glennm]

Good thread and timely for me.
Rykers are still a couple of weeks away from being available for test rides.
Originally was attracted to the RTs for the storage and mega comfort then saw the F3 S Daytona edition while my son in law was picking up his Honda.
Then the Ryker was announced so I really have a dilemma.
A new RT is well out of affordability range however superseded F3 S's are around for $21 to $22k new.
The Ryker Rally is $19k drive away over here so with a few extras thrown into the mix probably looking more like $21k.
Kids are around 150 miles away and there are 2 ways to get there. Boring almost straight line highway or the longer way with plenty of twisties.
I like the idea of cruise control on the F3 S for when I do take the highway and of course standard it does have a back seat that is not limited to 75kgs.
Unfortunately I don't think they will lend me one of each for the weekend so it will be difficult to gauge which will ultimately be the ideal option.
It will be fun finding out though and as mentioned earlier I don't think there is a wrong decision.

[chris56]

Good thread and timely for me.
Rykers are still a couple of weeks away from being available for test rides.
Originally was attracted to the RTs for the storage and mega comfort then saw the F3 S Daytona edition while my son in law was picking up his Honda.
Then the Ryker was announced so I really have a dilemma.
A new RT is well out of affordability range however superseded F3 S's are around for $21 to $22k new.
The Ryker Rally is $19k drive away over here so with a few extras thrown into the mix probably looking more like $21k.
Kids are around 150 miles away and there are 2 ways to get there. Boring almost straight line highway or the longer way with plenty of twisties.
I like the idea of cruise control on the F3 S for when I do take the highway and of course standard it does have a back seat that is not limited to 75kgs.
Unfortunately I don't think they will lend me one of each for the weekend so it will be difficult to gauge which will ultimately be the ideal option.
It will be fun finding out though and as mentioned earlier I don't think there is a wrong decision.

is the back seat of the Ryker limited to 75 kg ??? (is OK for my Girl ..but I plan to add a rack for the luggage !)

[Markubis]

Good thread and timely for me.
Rykers are still a couple of weeks away from being available for test rides.
Originally was attracted to the RTs for the storage and mega comfort then saw the F3 S Daytona edition while my son in law was picking up his Honda.
Then the Ryker was announced so I really have a dilemma.
A new RT is well out of affordability range however superseded F3 S's are around for $21 to $22k new.
The Ryker Rally is $19k drive away over here so with a few extras thrown into the mix probably looking more like $21k.
Kids are around 150 miles away and there are 2 ways to get there. Boring almost straight line highway or the longer way with plenty of twisties.
I like the idea of cruise control on the F3 S for when I do take the highway and of course standard it does have a back seat that is not limited to 75kgs.
Unfortunately I don't think they will lend me one of each for the weekend so it will be difficult to gauge which will ultimately be the ideal option.
It will be fun finding out though and as mentioned earlier I don't think there is a wrong decision.


I think if I was in your situation I would go with the F3 with the reasoning being you will be using it on fairly long boring rides (possibly), plus the F3 is no slouch in the twisties. Plus you get the added storage.
Just my two cents.

[Lamonster]

Right now I own two RT's, two F3's and two Rykers. I think the Ryker will be the most fun of all of them. There are some good deals on used F3's out there so now's the time to buy. It all depends on what you want it for. I think the Ryker will be more like your RS fun wise.

[glennm]

Thanks for the comments, all very helpful. Hopefully test rides will highlight a clear winner for me. I have always liked small to mid sized sport bikes and cars but getting softer (and heavier) as I get older.
Everything I have read so far indicates the passenger seat has a limit of 75kgs.

[jaisy207]

i just bought a new 2018 f3-s. i debated the same thing for awhile. i got an amazing deal on my f3 so when it comes time to part with it i wont take as much of a loss. i dont usually keep bikes for more than a year or 2 at most because i want to ride and enjoy as many different ones as i can but cannot afford to own all of them at once. i plan to enjoy the f3 and wait till the price comes down on the ryker and they prove to be worth owning. on the plus side i give it a year or 2 at best before we see turbo rykers whether it be factory or aftermarket. plus i am hoping to be able to take a trip or 2 with the wife on the f3 this summer depending on if we can get away from work and a sitter at the same time. i definitely think the f3 is far more suited for it. so my plan and suggestion is plan to own both. just decide which one first.

[Cobwebs]

I recently blew the budget on a new discounted F3s Daytona:yes: after heading in to put a deposit on a Ryker for my wife.Bang for the buck was unbeatable all things considered.Wife agreed.Only problem;) I've sort of developed a liking for the thing and really don't want to hand it over so my bargain buy looks like costing me the price of a Ryker when they arrive:banghead:;)
My cunning plan is working out perfectly :firstplace: with the only forseeable glitch being if she reads this:pray:
Not advocating any sort of underhanded behavior robholland :lecturef_smilie:but just reminding you your hunter gatherer instincts :popcorn:sometimes have to be exercised to make things happen.
I've never been near an RSS or Ryker but have always gravitated to the no substitute for cubes and buttons and gears and wider tyres etc end of the spectrum,yeah the Ryker would be a laugh for a while but for me not as enduring as the F3s.Hope this helps:cheers:

[WindTherapist]

I've had a Daytona SM6 for a little over a year and have loved it. I also faced this dilemma when the Ryker was announced. I had to do a test ride to see what the hype was all about. So I went to our local dealer 2 weeks ago and test rode a 900. It was a blast!
Very quick and nimble. If your coming from, or ride a lot of motorcycles its more like a sport bike. Its motor response is quick and runs at a higher RPM. F3 reminds me more of a cruiser little bigger and more comfortable and still able to get sideways (sport mode).
Just my 2 cents. A test drive should decide it for you.

[glennm]

I recently blew the budget on a new discounted F3s Daytona:yes: after heading in to put a deposit on a Ryker for my wife.Bang for the buck was unbeatable all things considered.Wife agreed.Only problem;) I've sort of developed a liking for the thing and really don't want to hand it over so my bargain buy looks like costing me the price of a Ryker when they arrive:banghead:;)
My cunning plan is working out perfectly :firstplace: with the only forseeable glitch being if she reads this:pray:
Not advocating any sort of underhanded behavior robholland :lecturef_smilie:but just reminding you your hunter gatherer instincts :popcorn:sometimes have to be exercised to make things happen.
I've never been near an RSS or Ryker but have always gravitated to the no substitute for cubes and buttons and gears and wider tyres etc end of the spectrum,yeah the Ryker would be a laugh for a while but for me not as enduring as the F3s.Hope this helps:cheers:

Congrats on the F3 purchase. Awesome looking beast! I hadn't even considered a F3 until I saw the Daytona.

[Cobwebs]

Congrats on the F3 purchase. Awesome looking beast! I hadn't even considered a F3 until I saw the Daytona.


Just has the look doesn't it and at 20K out the door was a no brainer for us.Still can't wait to try the Ryker I'm sure it will suit the wifes needs but didn't want to let this bargain slip.

[Sarge707]

I have had a GS, RT and Now a F3 with a Ryker on order. If the Ryker Turns out to be All I need because I don't go on trips then I will sell the F3 During the summer OR Next summer OR Next summer . At 70 Having a F3, Ryker and New Sea Doo GTI-SE is about all a old man can wish for?

[glennm]

Cobwebs - brilliant deal.

Cobwebs, Sarge looking forward to feedback from those with both in the family!

[Sarge707]

Cobwebs - brilliant deal.

Cobwebs, Sarge looking forward to feedback from those with both in the family!

Mine is ready and waiting for the end of the month pickup . They included the Silver piece on the hood Free for the 2 Rallys my dealer opened. It attaches different than the ones you buy which are attached by screws from below in their installation video. Also found out Dairyland charges the same rate per year for the Rally and the 900 version. About $220 per year with my 2 vehicle discount. Yours may vary depending on a lot of things?

[KID Ryker]

:congrats:

[Grandpaspeed]

Congratulations. Now the hard part is trying to figure out which one you want to ride.

[Sarge707]

Congratulations. Now the hard part is trying to figure out which one you want to ride.

I really enjoyed alternating the RT and F3 for 2 years So I think the Ryker and F3 will be even better. It Will be interesting to see the speeds I get on certain back roads where I know exactly what the F3 can do?

[KID Ryker]

Just Me But the Ryker can do more and easier.

[CTAC]

Riding mine tonight to do errands and it is 37 degrees out... Just too much fun not to get on and go whenever I can!

[blacklightning]

I think it will be truly fun to see a F3 and a 900 ryker ride together, and see which actually performs better. I have heard that the ryker should be faster because of the weight to power ratio, but only a real world test will tell the truth. I had a 2012 RSS, that I thought was really fast. I knew it was faster than my 2016 F3T. Well, after taking them to the track, I found out that the rss just seemed faster. When I had a friend on his 2015 RSS, and me following on my F3T, I had to break at nearly every turn, and even in the straights. Not because of driving skills, but because the F3T was just faster. I can only imagine how the standard, lighter F3S will be. So, until they run, side by side, I will wait and make a determination which is faster after that. Good luck shopping.

[newrideryker]

Which one accelerates faster, the F3-S or Ryker 900?

[rocinante54]

Anyone have any idea of how the routine maintenance costs compare between the Ryker and the F3? Or, alternatively, what the maintenance costs are for the Ryker following the owner's manual maintenance schedule? I tried doing a search, but came up with nothing specific.

[RykerUSA]

One of the beauties of the Ryker is that the maintenance is much more user friendly and can be done by the owner. The only downside to the Ryker is that the manual currently calls for a replacement CVT belt every 12000 miles and that belt cost about a $130. Everything else is easy-peasy and low cost.

[Tslepebull]

One of the beauties of the Ryker is that the maintenance is much more user friendly and can be done by the owner. The only downside to the Ryker is that the manual currently calls for a replacement CVT belt every 12000 miles and that belt cost about a $130. Everything else is easy-peasy and low cost.

Parts are cheap if you do your own maintenance. Cost is in labor. I enjoy doing my own maintenance. When it is too cold, wet, hot, dark, explosive, zombies, etc. I can retire to the garage and do maintenance.

[Miles42]

Depends on your pockets