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den1953
10-03-2014, 01:53 PM
There is finally a ride review online and it pretty much affirms what Lamont and the other guy said about it. Here it is:

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By Tom Roderick October 2, 2014 3 (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/brp/2015-can-spyder-f3-review.html#disqus_thread)
Photos by: Riles & Nelson

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3Editor Score:87.0%

Engine
18.0/20


Suspension/Handling
12.5/15


Transmission/Clutch
8.0/10


Brakes
9.5/10


Instruments/Controls
5.0/5


Ergonomics/Comfort
9.5/10


Appearance/Quality
9.0/10


Desirability
7.5/10


Value
8.0/10


Overall Score
87/100


My first drag down the airport runway aboard Can-Am (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/brp.html)’s new 2015 Spyder F3 was accompanied by the unmistakable sound of tire squeal and the smell of torched rubber. This was not, however, the result of dumping the clutch at high RPMs on the base model’s six-speed manual transmission. This was the up-spec F3-S with the SE6 semi-automatic transmission. Nothing but horsepower, baby! Intrigued?
The new F3 is motivated by the same 1330cc Rotax Triple introduced on the Spyder RT last year. But where the RT maintains algorithms that maximize the invasiveness of the vehicle’s Stability Control System (SCS) and Traction Control System (TCS), the F3’s electronics aren’t as burdened, allowing for a more playful Spyder. Don’t begin entertaining ideas about entering the F3 in a drift contest. The new algorithms provide for ample straight-line wheelspin, but once you introduce lateral cornering forces into the equation, SCS and TCS kick into action before antics get out of hand. Smartly, though, where other Spyder models shut down the fun with more immediacy than cops at a high school kegger, the F3’s algorithms interject in a more linear fashion, allowing for an elevated level of mid-corner fun.

2015 Polaris Slingshot Review – First Ride/Drive + Video (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/polaris/2015-polaris-slingshot-review-first-ridedrive-video.html)For now, these new algorithms are specific to the F3 and are the main reason why the F3 is easily my favorite Spyder. But there’s more significance to the new model Spyder. A lot more.
http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_Cornering-633x388.jpg (http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_Cornering.jpg)Look close and you’ll see air between the road and the inside wheel. At this point SCS quickly interjects, bringing the F3 back down to earth. But it’s a step in the right direction as the F3 tolerates more aggressive riding than its Spyder stablemates. The feet-forward riding position allows an F3 rider to use his legs for providing leverage against cornering and braking G forces.

Redesigned bodywork lessens the Spyder’s snowmobile-with-wheels connotation by exposing a portion of the Rotax Triple, while the new tubular steel frame and swingarm act as stylized industrial art. Not only do these changes up the F3’s visual appeal, but also help endear the F3 to the cruiser crowd Can-Am is courting.
Yep, I said cruiser crowd. The F3 is meant to fill a void in the Spyder line-up, appealing to cruiser riders by way of its relaxed, feet-forward seating position. This should be exciting to many prospective Spyder owners, but it gets better. The new seating position is customizable to body size and personal preference. The F3’s “UFit” system allows for five-way adjustable footpegs and a variety of handlebars with varying degrees of length and rise.
http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-ufit-animated.gif (http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-ufit-animated.gif)I rode with the footpegs in positions four and five and there was a noticeable difference in just this one increment of adjustment. Each Spyder was equipped with the handlebar seen in the B setting, which seemed too tall for my tastes. I would have preferred the lower, more forward bars of the C & D settings.

When a person enters a Spyder dealership, they will be able to sit on an F3 Spyder and experience the different ergonomics prior to purchasing. According to Can-Am, the procedure to swap the handlebar and adjust the footpegs is a 10-minute process. The positioning can be altered at a future point by buying a different handlebar and/or the appropriate length linkage for the brake pedal (the five predetermined footpeg positions are accompanied by corresponding brake linkage lengths, $29.99 each).
Ironically, the relaxed, feet-forward seating position, while comfortable, also helps when pushing the F3 through corners. Unlike the other Spyders, where the standard footpeg positioning requires more upper body strength to manipulate the Spyder through a series of corners, the leverage provided by the feet forward positioning allows an F3 rider to brace himself against cornering G forces with leg muscles. Using one’s legs, an F3 rider can maintain a lighter grip on the handlebar during both cornering as well as braking. This allows for better handlebar input and vehicle control.
http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_Front-633x388.jpg (http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_Front.jpg)Front end overhang was reduced and the twin radiators rotated 90 degrees, allowing the width between front wheels to decrease by three inches. The storage compartment shrunk by 5.5 gallons to 6.5 gallons on the F3 vs 12 gallons on the RS.

Like other Spyder models in the Can-Am lineup, the F3 comes in two versions; a standard model for $19,499 and an F3-S model for $20,999. What the $1500 upgrade to the S model gets you is cruise control, machined front wheels, a suede seat with red stitching, stylized front fenders with integrated LED lighting, and special accents and badging. Both trim levels are available with manual or SE6 semi-automatic transmissions.
Clutch pull on the standard transmission is significantly stiff. I preferred the SE6 semi-automatic transmission which only requires pushing a button with your left thumb to upshift. You can manipulate downshifts manually, but the SE6 will automatically downshift if you don’t. The SE6 is a $1500 option, but it’s well worth the price.
http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_F3-S_passenger-633x388.jpg (http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_F3-S_passenger.jpg)Passenger seat accommodations are roomy and feature large, rubberized grab handles. Passenger footpegs, however, have no stops and when in the up position contact the side panels, scoring the plastic. The small backrest shown here is one of many available F3 accessories, as is the chrome akrapovic muffler.

The Rotax Triple pounds out heaps of mid-range torque and rapidly spins up until gently bouncing off the rev limiter. The ACE engine emits a wonderful intake growl and three-cylinder exhaust wail, prompting its rider to twist the throttle at every opportunity. There is a slight hesitation between cracking the ride-by-wire throttle and receiving engine response. Not horrible, but noticeable. The cruise control can be set randomly or in more precisely selectable two-MPH increments.
Mash on the right foot pedal and the F3’s ABS brakes slow the 850-pound (claimed dry weight) Spyder F3-S with authority. To provide lighter steering, weight was shifted rearward, lightening the load on the front two wheels. At 7.1 gallons, the F3 has more fuel capacity than either the ST (6.6 gal.) or the RT (6.9 gal.).
http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_F3-S_engine-633x388.jpg (http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_F3-S_engine.jpg)Can-Am claims the new F3 frame is 30% stiffer and offers better torsional rigidity than the RT’s single backbone frame. With less bodywork comes exposure to more engine heat, but during our cool, Canadian-weather ride, it’s hard to say if its excessive or mild.

As much of an improvement as the new F3-S is over previous Spyders, I’d like to see Can-Am provide selectable Rider Modes, giving the operator a choice of how much electronic oversight he wants from his Spyder. The F3’s new algorithms are an improvement, but the Spyder still resides in a nanny state of conservative anti-hooliganism.
Colors for the standard F3 are Steel Black Metallic and Pearl White, while the F3-S is available in Steel Black Metallic, Pearl White/Steel Black Metallic, Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic, Can-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic.
http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_F3-S_Colors-633x388.jpg (http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/100214-2015-can-am-spyder-f3-Spyder_F3-S_Colors.jpg)The White and the Magnesium F3-S models really pop with frames and swingarms painted Can-Am Red Solid Gloss.



Spyder F3-S Specifications


MSRP
$20,999 (as tested: $22,499)


Engine Type
1330cc liquid-cooled Rotax ACE Triple


Bore and Stroke
84.0 x 80.0 mm


Fuel System
EFI


Ignition
Digital


Horsepower
115 hp @ 7250 rpm (claimed)


Torque
96 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (claimed)


Transmission
6-speed manual, or semi-automatic


Final Drive
Belt


Front Suspension
Double A-arm, Fox shocks with 58.07 inches of travel


Rear Suspension
Sachs monoshock with 5.20 inches of travel


Front Brake
2 x 270 mm discs with radially mounted Brembo monobloc calipers


Rear Brake
270 mm disc with radially mounted Brembo caliper


Front Tire
165/55-15


Rear Tire
225/50-15


Wheelbase
67.3 inches


Seat Height
26.6 inches


Claimed Dry Weight
850 lb.


Fuel Capacity
7.1 gal.


Available Colors
F3: Steel Black Metallic and Pearl White.
F3-S: Steel Black Metallic, Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic,
Pearl White/Steel Black Metallic, Can-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic.


Warranty
Two year limited including roadside assistance

BikerDoc
10-03-2014, 02:00 PM
Very thorough

ARtraveler
10-03-2014, 02:06 PM
:agree: x 2. :yes:

sledmaster
10-03-2014, 07:44 PM
The author Tom Roderick from Motorcycle.com did a great job with his presentation in my opinion. We were both there, and I believe he gave the F3 a fair analysis. He is a motorcycle enthusiast, and his report is from that perspective and experience. I believe his comments and observations to be accurate and I can not disagree with any of them. He is very knowledgeable.

I would however have scored some elements slightly different. I would have given the suspension and desirability elements a slightly higher score, and slightly lower on the brakes, like 0.5 more on suspension, 1.5 more on desirability, 0.5 less on brakes, so my overall score would have been 88.5 instead of 87, really close. But I am more of a Spyder rider and have far more sled than bike experience, so it is logical. I kind of preferred the manual as I like to control the gear selection myself, but as Tom stated, the clutch pull is very stiff.

The fact a motorcycle guy rated the F3 this high is very encouraging. We now have the serious attention and respect of the bike guys. As we should!:clap:

stormtrooper
10-03-2014, 07:59 PM
Very nice job on the write up and with plenty of pictures.I like pictures :yes:

Bob Denman
10-04-2014, 10:22 AM
:shocked: Me too! :D :2thumbs:

PrairieSpyder
10-04-2014, 01:02 PM
Good write-up and good pictures. I like the diagrams for seating/controls/bars for different riders, too.

Bob Denman
10-04-2014, 06:18 PM
I dig the .GIF that shows how the U-Fit system allows for adjustable to the riding stance... :clap::clap::clap:

Sending a copy of it to "Sonny-Boy", in another attempt to set the hook! :D

PrairieSpyder
10-04-2014, 07:25 PM
Did you notice the little stationary shields in front of the pegs that act like fenders? I guess without all the tupperware, it's to help keep stuff from being slung from the road surface onto the driver's legs.

Dragonrider
10-04-2014, 08:11 PM
WHAT!!! 58" of front shock travel!! THAT I GOTTA SEE!! 58"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

den1953
10-05-2014, 05:59 AM
58" doesn't sound anywhere near believable. I bet he omitted a decimal point as 5.8" sounds much more believable to me.