Looking for the right spyder

[TigWelder]

Hello all,

My wife and I are thinking about buying our first Spyder. We would like to go on long rides and just enjoy the ride. We have no need to go super fast, but comfort would be our best choice. I do not know much about Spyders yet, this would be the main reason for reaching out. Any information about a Spyder that meets the above criteria would be great before we spend that hard earned money.

Thank you

[bluesfanatic]

My wife and I were in the same situation. We went to a dealer that had an older RT, new RT, and an F3. After sitting on them all, we came to the conclusion that the F3 would be our pick. I'm 6'2" 270lbs and the older RT seemed a bit cramped to me. The new RT was better and way more comfortable, but I was concern about not being able to stretch out my legs. On the F3, you can adjust the floor boards to fit your height. Good luck finding a place with all them in stock though..

[ARtraveler]

Hello all,

My wife and I are thinking about buying our first Spyder. We would like to go on long rides and just enjoy the ride. We have no need to go super fast, but comfort would be our best choice. I do not know much about Spyders yet, this would be the main reason for reaching out. Any information about a Spyder the meets the above criteria would be great before we spend that hard earned money.

Thank you

Sounds like you may like an RT. Test drive to make sure that is really what you want though. RT is better than F3 for two up riding.

I have owned both versions. I liken the RT to a Cadillac. You sit on the couch. I liken the F3 to a Jaguar. Closer to the ground, lower center of gravity. You sit "in" it and not "on" it. A big investment either way. Test drive, test drive, test, drive. Big dealer in Springfield, should have stock to test drive. Call first to make sure.

[Bangorbob]

Once in a while used ones come up for sale in the "For Sale By Owner" section on this site. You might want to check it out.

[Mikey]

Only you can make the discission of which one will fit you, go out and test drive, or sometimes you can find a place that will let you rent for a day and try them out. The new styles they have now are much more comfy than the old styles, I have the 2012 RTL, and think I would like a F3L next time!! Good luck in your search.

[Copperman]

A lot has to do with your budget. Give us an idea?

[JayBros]

IMO, Mikey and Copperman have the best advice and in the correct order. You need to do everything you possibly can to decide which Spyder fits you best physically and then financially. For example, I have 81K miles on my 2014 RT-S SE Spyder. I have ridden an F3 also and, while I found it peppy and fun to ride, it was uncomfortable because of where the Tupperware hits the inside of my knees and therefore is not an option for me.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

ABSOLUTELY test both ..... IMHO the F-3 is lots more comfortable for the Driver than it is for the Passenger. Also the F-3 has waaaaaaaaaay less cargo space ...... Don't be surprised when you first Drive one - you are disappointed - most are ...... It has a very different feel than anything else you've driven except maybe a sno-mobile or large ATV. Once you learn how they handle Fantastically .... I wouldn't go back to TWO wheels under any circumstances .... Any Spyder ( 14 & up ) will have the 1330 motor lots better for many reasons ..... The Can-Am " SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION " is far better than the manual ... Think Ferrari PADDLE SHIFTER ...and the newer Corvettes arn't even available with a manual trans. good luck and .... Mike

[Bfromla]

& suggest finding a motorcycle training course, for you & wife to enjoy (more experience the better) in meantime can visit dealers - sit & feel various models finding what’s comfy for y’all. Most likely RT or F3T *(also variants there of- RTL- RTlimited -has more options ; heated grips, seats, & other features. Dealer can show you more as well the F3). May actually go further with 1 each instead of driver -passenger , most couples seem to get another at least.:dontknow Either way also look into helmet communications when shopping. enjoy

[TigWelder]

My wife and I were in the same situation. We went to a dealer that had an older RT, new RT, and an F3. After sitting on them all, we came to the conclusion that the F3 would be our pick. I'm 6'2" 270lbs and the older RT seemed a bit cramped to me. The new RT was better and way more comfortable, but I was concern about not being able to stretch out my legs. On the F3, you can adjust the floor boards to fit your height. Good luck finding a place with all them in stock though..

I am 6'4" and weight in at 260 myself. Thank you for your info.


As for budget, I would like to stay in a used 10K- 20K range, if there is such a thing.

For the motorcycle training portion. I used to ride a Harley, I don't anymore because my current wife being an RN/EMT has seen to many injuries resulting from two wheel crashes. So, I am now looking into the Spyder scene as she said she would ride one of these.

As for comfort I would want my wife to have more comfort as the passenger than me being the driver. If she is comfortable she will enjoy the ride more. I would be fine with whatever is available.


Thank you all for the replies, and thanks for the welcome

[CopperSpyder]

Welcome to the forum Tigwelder! Look at the F3 Limited and the RT Limited the newer the better. Test ride them if you can, they are not like a two wheeler that's for sure so don't look for that feel. The F3L will be more adjustable for the floorboards and the RTL has better windshield and comfort for passenger I think but both have the same great engine and trans. Good luck with your research.

[bigbadbrucie]

I am 6'4" and weight in at 260 myself.
For the motorcycle training portion. I used to ride a Harley
Thank you all for the replies, and thanks for the welcome

As a former 2 wheel rider, you have a lot to un-learn. You won’t get on a Spyder and be instantly comfortable. The 3-wheel
course will be beneficial. I came off 2 wheels and it took me a couple thousand miles to become comfortable.

Welcome to SpyderLovers, and please...keep is posted on what you end up with.

[Mikey]

I am 6'4" and weight in at 260 myself. Thank you for your info.


As for budget, I would like to stay in a used 10K- 20K range, if there is such a thing.

For the motorcycle training portion. I used to ride a Harley, I don't anymore because my current wife being an RN/EMT has seen to many injuries resulting from two wheel crashes. So, I am now looking into the Spyder scene as she said she would ride one of these.

As for comfort I would want my wife to have more comfort as the passenger than me being the driver. If she is comfortable she will enjoy the ride more. I would be fine with whatever is available.


Thank you all for the replies, and thanks for the welcome

On the comfort part, make sure you get the bride a nice set of armrests, she will love them, and a happy wife gives you a happy life!!! My bride will just sit back there like a queen, and be a back seat driver threw the communicators!!!

[Poasttown]

The passengers needs, comfort and opinions are critical for the spyder experience to be successful. Long trips can become very unpleasant if the passenger is uncomfortable. The major deal breaker for us was if my wife couldn’t have some forward visibility over my head/ helmet. She did not want to spend hours leaning to the right or left trying to see toward the front. For many passengers this doesn’t seem to be a concern. The F3L allowed this. The floor boards needed to be lower allowing her to stretch her legs out more. The F3L fit her needs. I did have to add OEM arm rests to add to her comfort. I also added a Baja Ron sway bar to reduce the side by side rocking.

Not sure if this is helpful, just some of our experiences.

Poasttown 2019 F3L

[blacklightning]

Welcome! As others have said, the RT is definitely more comfortable for the passenger. But you really need to sit on both and decide for yourself. For your budget, you should be able to get a nice one. Prices are a little crazy right now, so be patient and the right deal will show up. If you are willing to ride or drive a couple of hours, there are deals out there. Patience is the key thing when buying used. Good Luck.

[Pooch]

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...021-Sea-to-Sky

Check this out..for sale right now on the Spyderlovers Classified forum.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Spyder RT Ltd or this Sea-to-Sky.. which is a slightly fancier RT Ltd.
I was looking for something as comfortable with all the bells and whistles as my Gold Wing trike. The 2021 Spyder RT Ltd filled the bill. The 2020 models and up are a little different design than previous models. I love the roomy top trunk and heated seats. The reverse is a lot better than my Gold Wing reverse ever was. Have enjoyed it a lot so far.

[baxter]

You stated ur wife's comfort is before yours...RT limited.

[ARtraveler]

You stated ur wife's comfort is before yours...RT limited.

[FrogmanDave]

You stated ur wife's comfort is before yours...RT limited.

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[Pooch]

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...RTL-Sea-to-Sky

Heres another one right here on SpyderLovers classifieds… also, closer to you..

[Partzman23]

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x3
Your wife will be the most comfortable on an RTL