I currently have a 2016 RTS and am considering trading it in for a F3 limited. But have some reservations. Big issue for me is the windshield, anybody have the tall windshield on an F3? Does it deflect the wind like on the RT. The seating position on the F3 is much more comfortable for me as a big guy, but I love the RT on the cross country rides. I know it's all personal preference but was wondering if anyone else made the switch and their pros and cons.
My wife went from a 2010 RTS to a 2017 F3L. She added the 25" F4 windshield. She enjoys this Spyder more due to the seating position and ease of handling.
Likewise wife went from her RTS to 16 F3T and added the F4 windshield
Just a few tweaks with the shorter reach bars, and added Lamonsters RIP boards and SmoothSpyder adjustable backrest and 30,000 miles happy Only downside is her hands are a little colder in cool weather - even after adding the grip warmers. The bars are more exposed on the F3T than the RTs
Last edited by AeroPilot; 06-30-2018 at 08:42 AM.
07 Shadows, Aero, Spirit gone but not forgotten
03 Harley Sportster, 07 RK moved on
11 RT- 76,000 mi, 15 RT-S- 44,000 mi, traded for current 15 base RT and 16 F3T
Chefex, there have been a number of threads talking about the taller BRP screen on the F3, and the general consensus is that while some are happy with the BRP, most have gone with aftermarket to give them better coverage....F4, Gustafson, etc etc...they are all slightly different so some research is required.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
Here’s the shape difference between the F4 and the Madstad.
The F4 has the bottom corner cutouts and is wider at the top. The Madstad has adjustable arms to move the screen up/down and angled. The F4 is fixed.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
I have F3 and a RT-s. The F3 is fun. But on the F3 more wind so colder and I get more water from rain on my legs, So big trips I use the RTS I think more room less wind and water. If I get a new Spyder in a year or two it will be a Rt. Rt LOT more storage. The picture is a old pic. The blue Rt is gone.
All I can say is I used to ride the RT a Lot in the winter BUT the F3 Seldom gets taken out in the winter due to the way its built? I'm Not complaining because the Handling MORE than makes up for that!
Storage depends on what you get. I have a F3-L, I feel I have plenty of room for what I do.
"21 gal. (78 L) (Limited: 36.5 gal (27 L))"
2017 F3-L Intense red "Wings"
Spyderpops Spyclops Light
Tric LED Headlights and Fog lights
Madstad Windshield
Phoenix - Wrap My Spyder
Lamonster Highway Pegs
BajaRon Sway Bar
Rich's Custom Seats
My first Spyder was the 2016 F3L and I love it with stock windshield. For my driving the stock windshield is OK and I enjoy the air flow.
I purchased a used RT this spring because my daughter will get her license in August and we will ride together. The RT is my grocery getter - with all the extra storage and it is easier to get on / off for me depending on the days aches and pains.
Overall I prefer the F3 it is more agile and an overall fun ride -vs - the bulky RTS.
Love my Spyders
2016 F3L Steel Black purchased 7/16/2016 Sold 3/11/2023 (22,500 mi)
2014 RTS Circuit Yellow purchased 3/2/2018
2020 RTL Petrol Blue purchased 1/27/2023
Girls on Spyders #3195
No more 2 wheels
2020 RTL , Lamonster floor board riser Petrol Blue
As it has been said so many times before, it is a personal preference. I owned a 2014 RT and a 2012 RSS before selling the RT and trading the RSS in for a F3T. The F3T and F3 Limited is in now way an upgrade from a RT series. It is just different. But for my style of riding, I do not miss the RT at all when comparing it to the F3T. But I do sometimes miss the RSS
2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white
RTS vs. F3 Limited
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Dave....
Only downside is her hands are a little colder in cool weather - even after adding the grip warmers. The bars are more exposed on the F3T than the RTs
Love my Spyders 
