F3 limited vs RT

[GOZFST]

If this has been asked before I apologize up front. Has anyone gone from an Rt to a F3 Limited and if so why and are you satisfied. Just thinking.

[Highwayman2013]

For us it was comfort. My wife and I both noticed our hips hurt on the RT. No problem on the F3L.

[south GA Farm Boy]

For us it was comfort. My wife and I both noticed our hips hurt on the RT. No problem on the F3L.

I agree, I had to go to F3 Limited from an RT Limited to keep my hips from hurting me! Love the F3 Limited, had two RT Limited's before!

[johnsimion]

This may be a contrary viewpoint but as others have said, it's up to each individual. I am 6'-4" with a 35" inseam. I don't feel cramped on the RT, I like the upright "in control" posture, and I find the seat quite comfy although comfort is especially subjective. I do not like the seating position of the F3 but more importantly to me, there is a plastic ridge on the F3 that was already digging into the side of my knees as I sat on it in the showroom. That was a big turnoff for me and should be considered if you have long legs - it wouldn't affect anyone with shorter legs. Last, I like sitting up high on the RT vs. down low on the F3 - sitting high isn't as sporty but does make you more visible to cars and that is IMO a safety consideration. Again, you may have a completely different opinion and that's perfectly okay.

[Floridian2017]

December of 2017 I bought a RTS (2017). I was very happy with it. Then I started riding with a group and started to pay more attention on the F3. Eventually rode one. Sitting on both, just sitting, I felt like the RT is more comfortable but when I rode the F3, it was more fun. Took my wife's F3L for long rides. What a difference. Riding... F3 was more comfortable for me than my Rt. I traded my RTS for a F3L (2018). I couldn't be happier. I enjoy more. I think its preference. Sitting on both machines its not enough. You actually have to ride it. They ride different. Their style its different.

[Pirate looks at --]

I switched because the 16 F3 limited is just a bad ass ryde. Not so much the 17 18 and 19 though. JMHO!

[Devious56]

This is basically 'what is the difference between the RT and F3. The best thing you can do is go to your dealer and look at them and take themfor a ride, see which you like best. They are both nice, and it depends on what you are looking for in a ride.

[hrdware101]

If this has been asked before I apologize up front. Has anyone gone from an Rt to a F3 Limited and if so why and are you satisfied. Just thinking.

I just traded in a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic for a 2018 F3 LTD.
The dealer offered me a 2018 RT Limited, for a very "friendly" price. I sat on it, rode it a bit, then told him that I just couldn't get comfortable on it. My legs were cramping, the seat was squishy and it was not my cup of tea. Once I sat on the F3 Limited, I was in love. Very similar seating position to my Harley, with adjustable floor boards, a nicer and bigger top case, and just much sexier looking, to me, anyway.
I am very happy with it!

[Ex-Rocket]

I have owned 2 RT's, a 2012 and a 2015 and now have a 2017 F3L. There are pluses and negatives to both models. Both RT's I really felt cramped. I'm 6'2" with long legs, a 34 inch inseam. On the 2012, it had foot pegs and after a short ride my hips started to hurt some. I did purchase some web floorboards and that helped some, as I could move my legs forward and backward some. I reason I traded to the 2015 RTS was for the engine and trans upgrade. But I still felt cramped. I guess the pluses for the RT's were storage area and adjustable windshield. When I test rode a F3 in 2016 I fell in love with the bike because the adjustability in both the floor boards and handlebars. But in 2016 they didn't offer a rear trunk. Thank goodness in 2017 the F3L came with a rear trunk cause I need the storage capacity which was pretty close to the capacity on the RT's. But I do miss the adjusting windshield though. The F3 just fit my riding style more than the RT did.

[Pooch]

As to all the comments about sitting on top of the Rt vs sitting down inside of the F3….
With my new 21 RTL I never felt like I was perched on top of it and now as the miles start to add up it feels like I am sitting more down in it…. Maybe the foam in the seat cushion is beginning to give in some? Its still comfy and I really do like this thing.

[gerald37]

I do prefer the RT for myself. BUT I am only 5' 7" tall and weight 155 pounds. I could see how someone 6 foot or so might be uncomfortable. I am riding an RT and have put 20,000 miles on it this year. I test road the F-3 on a real hot day and I sure noticed the heat off the engine. I really like the looks of them and won't say for sure that I won't trade for one when I do trade. I do think they are sporty looking.

[GOZFST]

Thanks for the replies. I'm pretty short, so the current 2012 RT is not cramped at all for me. My interest is getting the new engine and trans. Was just wondering what are the reasons people went with one over the other. I've never been a fan of the feet forward riding position and that might be a deal breaker for me. I'm in no rush and make it a policy to never buy vehicles new.

[Saluda]

F 3 killed my back, love the RT position. You must test drive. Also suggest the newer motor. Good luck.

[Bballistick]

I drove an RT for 2 days on a test run, it killed my hips. I’m 6’2” and I have an F3Ltd. It fits me like a glove and no hip pain. Nuff said.

[Peter Aawen]

Not that it really hurts to add to the collected info in this case, but you probably shouldn't expect too many of the posters from back in 2018 to respond. . Some maybe, just not all!

But welcome to posting anyway! It's always good to finally get that first one up!

Cheers!

[rjinaz86323]

I know, old thread, but the info is still valuable. I am 5'9". I came from decades of riding Harleys (most recently a TriGlide), so no surprise I like the F3 riding position much better. I recently finish a 3600+ mile road trip on my 18 F3L. Great Spyder for the road. Only limitation for me was it would be nice if there was a little more storage.

AND ALL SPYDERS SHOULD COME WITH A HANDBRAKE!!!!!

[ARtraveler]

Old thread: but an update from me. In post #14, I said not interested and did not like/

UPDATE: December 2019...started shopping for a new bike again. Time to replace the 2011 RT. Made a good deal with iMotorsports. Bought F3L sight unseen, but did my homework about getting set up for my height and weight. Saved a couple $K over an RT for starters. The first 50 miles were interesting.

I LIKE THE F3. Rides a little more "perky" than the RT. You sit IN the F3 and not ON it like the RT. Think Vette vs. Cadillac. Think cruiser vs. gold wing. I liked it so much, I bought a new 20 F3L in January 2021 for Linda. At first, Linda wanted nothing to do with the F3. After putting about 500 miles on my F3, she was quickly won over. We are both happy campers.

[Peteoz]

Old thread: but an update from me. In post #14, I said not interested and did not like/

UPDATE: December 2019...started shopping for a new bike again. Time to replace the 2011 RT. Made a good deal with iMotorsports. Bought F3L sight unseen, but did my homework about getting set up for my height and weight. Saved a couple $K over an RT for starters. The first 50 miles were interesting.

I LIKE THE F3. Rides a little more "perky" than the RT. You sit IN the F3 and not ON it like the RT. Think Vette vs. Cadillac. Think cruiser vs. gold wing. I liked it so much, I bought a new 20 F3L in January 2021 for Linda. At first, Linda wanted nothing to do with the F3. After putting about 500 miles on my F3, she was quickly won over. We are both happy campers.

Yep, yep, yep, AR………and I have gone the other way, now that the 20/21 RT is out. I find the new RT is as “perky” as my F3-L and, for me, more refined . I would NEVER have been interested in an RT before the current 20/21 models.

If only I could find a way to lower the boards and brake pedal a little, I would be completely satisfied (hopefully, Daylong will be able to give me an inch or two back, and an inch or two up, which will solve the problem. They are going to call me back in a couple of weeks as they are currently looking at the complexities of modifying the new “hinged” RT seat.

Pete

[Wheelman]

I am new to the Spyder world and I started with a used 2018 F3-T with 3000 miles. My only experience with the RT was sitting on it in the showroom. It reminded my of my BMW R1100 RT. I felt like I was sitting on top of the bike. The F3-T feels like my BMW R1200C where you are sitting "in" the bike. The R1200C was the most comfortable bike, for me, I have ever ridden. I just finished an over-nighter and fell more in love with my F3-T. Handled the twistys like a champ and no problems on the freeway. It's a little windy but then that is all part of the ride. Storage was not a problem. If I need more, I'll just throw a dry bag on the back.

[bigbadbrucie]

Yes, I agree with all of the comments, however I opted for the RT for one MAIN reason....that’s my arthritis which became prevalent back in ‘05. Sitting in the F3 it’s a real effort for me to “hit the brake” and it ain’t quick. Sitting on the RT there is no effort, “bang, brake’s on”. SAFETY. That’s paramount. jmho