My old 2011 RS vs my new 2015 F3S

I traded in my 2011 RS in on the 2015 F3 last October. I really didn't have that many rides on it before I had to put it away for the winter. We had some great weather the last few days and I've been taking it to work back and forth and getting a better feel for it. I miss the large front storage on the RS and V-twin sound, but that's it. My new F3 handles better, brakes quicker, looks cooler, is more comfortable for me and my wife, and is plenty fast. I definitely need the driver backrest for it though, it's hard to hang on when accelerating fast. The engine has turbine smooth low-end torque, steady but somewhat mellow midrange power, but surprisingly the top end is where this thing rips. 5k to 7.5k rpm's is where it really gets moving and makes the best and most exciting power and pull. My RS revved higher but made its strongest power in the mid-range from 4K to 6.5k rpm's. After that it would sound great and keep revving, but would lose its thrust as it revved higher. Don't be afraid to rev the F3 out, it's a great torquey engine, but it's real performance lies higher in the rev range. I'm really enjoying it and glad I made the trade. I loved the RS, but I love the F3 even more.

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Originally Posted by 3 wheeler

I traded in my 2011 RS in on the 2015 F3 last October. I really didn't have that many rides on it before I had to put it away for the winter. We had some great weather the last few days and I've been taking it to work back and forth and getting a better feel for it. I miss the large front storage on the RS and V-twin sound, but that's it. My new F3 handles better, brakes quicker, looks cooler, is more comfortable for me and my wife, and is plenty fast. I definitely need the driver backrest for it though, it's hard to hang on when accelerating fast. The engine has turbine smooth low-end torque, steady but somewhat mellow midrange power, but surprisingly the top end is where this thing rips. 5k to 7.5k rpm's is where it really gets moving and makes the best and most exciting power and pull. My RS revved higher but made its strongest power in the mid-range from 4K to 6.5k rpm's. After that it would sound great and keep revving, but would lose its thrust as it revved higher. Don't be afraid to rev the F3 out, it's a great torquey engine, but it's real performance lies higher in the rev range. I'm really enjoying it and glad I made the trade. I loved the RS, but I love the F3 even more.

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Thanks for this review. I am in the process of trading my 2012 RSS in on a 2016 F3T. I have only had my RSS for about 5 months, but I am really impressed with the power. After taking another test ride on the F3T, I was convinced that I wanted to give it a try. I really don't think it is giving up much on power.

:congrats: on your new F3. :yes:

Enjoy !!

:congrats: and I totally agree with your assessment of the F3 compared to the RS/GS.

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Originally Posted by blacklightning

Thanks for this review. I am in the process of trading my 2012 RSS in on a 2016 F3T. I have only had my RSS for about 5 months, but I am really impressed with the power. After taking another test ride on the F3T, I was convinced that I wanted to give it a try. I really don't think it is giving up much on power.

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You're definitely not giving up the power, it's just a different type of power. I was a stubborn hold out with the F3, thought there was no way it would be better than my RS until I finally test drove one. :)

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Originally Posted by Firefly

:congrats: and I totally agree with your assessment of the F3 compared to the RS/GS.

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Thank you! :thumbup:

Looks like we might have twin versions. I too unleashed the F3S really for the first time last weekend. My son (and his Suzuki GSX600R) went out for a ride the first time and I had to use all the RPMs in each gear to try and stay with him. It was unbelievable at the 6500+ RPM range - a place I hadn't take it before. Enjoy. PS. I also purchased the detachable passenger backrest for the wifey but still wanted that clean look when she's not on the back with me.

:congrats:, and 1330club :2thumbs:

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Originally Posted by BlueRidge

Looks like we might have twin versions. I too unleashed the F3S really for the first time last weekend. My son (and his Suzuki GSX600R) went out for a ride the first time and I had to use all the RPMs in each gear to try and stay with him. It was unbelievable at the 6500+ RPM range - a place I hadn't take it before. Enjoy. PS. I also purchased the detachable passenger backrest for the wifey but still wanted that clean look when she's not on the back with me.

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Nice! She really moves at those rpm's doesn't it? I think there may be a lot of people with F3's that think they are just low rpm torque machines and don't realize the power they have in the upper rpm's. I have the detachable passenger backrest for my wife too. I just ordered the driver backrest last night.