Out with the old .. In with the new!

[2RTsGV]

Well we decided after having the 12 & 13 RTs for 6 years and 31000 miles it was time to update to the 1330 motors.

16-0917 bikes.jpg

Yesterday we traded both bikes in for new 2019s (RT Ltd Phoenix Orange Chrome & F3 Ltd Pearl White Dark Edition). So until next Saturday we are bike-less. Can't wait to to pick the new bikes up!

sml2a.jpg sml9a.jpg

[triplethreat]

Congrats on the new bikes. I just purchased a new 2019 RT Limited in Phoenix Orange Metallic with the Dark trim. I pick it up the 28th and it's a 346 mile drive each way.....Knoxville, TN area to Nashville, IL. I'm going to try and make the trip in one day..........and I'm trailering it home, so driving instead of riding. I love that color for sure.

[2RTsGV]

Congrats on the new bikes. I just purchased a new 2019 RT Limited in Phoenix Orange Metallic with the Dark trim. I pick it up the 28th and it's a 346 mile drive each way.....Knoxville, TN area to Nashville, IL. I'm going to try and make the trip in one day..........and I'm trailering it home, so driving instead of riding. I love that color for sure.

Congrats on your new purchase. I agree the orange is a great color!

[ARtraveler]

Very nice, and I am also partial to that orange.

[bodymanpainter]

Congrats! I like the orange but love the pearl white!
Enjoy and ride safe.

Toby

[SpyderF3]

Congrats

[MonPaul]

But your "used" bikes look brand new to me!

[will]

I like the orange, I wish the 2020's came in that color.

[2RTsGV]

But your "used" bikes look brand new to me!

Thanks, we just kept them garaged and maintained .. they still rode with no hiccups and the dealer commented that they were in great shape.

[2RTsGV]

I like the orange, I wish the 2020's came in that color.

That's what we were hoping for and initially planned to wait til 2021 before updating (in the hopes they came out in the orange), but decided to do it now with the deals they have going on the 19's it was hard not to.

[CopperSpyder]

On the two new Spyders RT & F3 Wow they look Awesome!! But this time is just like last time, she got the better looking machine.

[2RTsGV]

On the two new Spyders RT & F3 Wow they look Awesome!! But this time is just like last time, she got the better looking machine.

you know the ol' saying, 'if Momma is happy ... everbody is happy'

[rab1951]

Great looking bikes congrats.

[RICZ]

Congrats! I am curious to see your impressions about the differences between the RT and the F3.

[2RTsGV]

Congrats! I am curious to see your impressions about the differences between the RT and the F3.

I'll let you know my thoughts, in fact at this time I have only ever sat on an F3 and haven't ridden one yet, so should be interesting getting used to it. I prefer the cruiser seating position over the sitting upright of the RT. I am guessing that for first couple hundred miles it will just be slow an steady (just taking it easy) until I get the feel of the ride. No different to what we did when we bought the RTs 6 years ago. In time I will be feeling like the F3 is just an extension of me.

[2RTsGV]

Congrats! I am curious to see your impressions about the differences between the RT and the F3.

I figured after the first 300 miles of riding the new F3 I would get back to you on my thoughts regarding my impressions of the difference (RT Vs F3):
I do like that the F3 sits lower, and I find it hugs the road more precise than the RT.

The feeling of getting thrown off the bike one gets on the RT is not present on the F3. I do admit that with the RT, you do adapt and get used to it to where it no longer bothers you though.

The F3 doesn't have the same wind protection that the RT has, meaning you get a lot more of the wind on the sides so I need to make sure I am dressing for the air temps.

Both of the (older) RTs had the Baja Ron bar attached and my thoughts thus far are the F3 handles better (with factory bar) than the RT (with Baja Ron bar) did in the twisties, so I am not anticipating it needs the bar at this time. I am still staying open on this though, and will get a better feel once we get to riding in the Ozarks this season.

Gas mileage is night and day difference to the 998cc, at this time we are both getting high 30's and this is just on the second tank of gas so far!

Was expecting the OEM seat to become uncomfortable after an hour or so in the saddle but the last ride we had done, (2 hours) I was shocked I had no discomfort. Still out on whether I will get a comfort seat or not. I did put the BRP comfort seat on the new RT though (which interestingly stopped a lot of whining i was getting in my headset).

Overall, though I did like my RT which served me well for 6 years and 31K miles, I am glad I swapped to the F3 Ltd and am looking forward to our new adventures this upcoming season.

Take care and ride safe.

[RICZ]

I am glad you are liking your F3L, I am enthralled with mine and could not be happier with my choice.
I have been marinating for a long time as to whether or not add a BR swaybar. Being a relatively new rider, I'm finding it handles well in the twisties and it's me who needs the improving, not the bike. In another thread, someone mentioned adding BR's shock adjusters gave them the improvement they needed. If I feel the need, that will be my first step and maybe replace the BRP plastic links with metal ones.
Thanks ever so much for that great review.

[Pandy]

Awesome