F3 – Likes, Dislikes, Loves & Hates

[kenfromhv]

F3 – Likes, Dislikes, Loves & Hates




The F3 is a significant change (being acruiser) in style and performance. Overall I am extremely happy, however there are some hits and misses with any new model. These comments are the way I see' em. (I am a retired Quality Engineer/Manager so I am very critical of anything less than perfection – but, the F3 is very good/great, and could have been great/perfect – my opinion only)


Likes (very much / almost love)

• low end torque (wow – feel the power), quicker
• handlebar and leg (brakes and clutch) positioning (custom fitting)
• less shifting of gears (have SM6), range in gear has doubled (low end torque - great)
• gas can be added from either side of the bike, without passenger or seat bag removal
• Fixed/eliminated most of the overheating and gas smell issues
• looking at the rear view mirrors and not seeing you hands
• Lighted instrument gauges for hand grip and aux light (nice buttons to depress)
• extra 12 volt ports (3 in total), but one in trunk needs a quick disconnect
• easy to check - oil, temperature, and get to (replace) battery

Dislikes

• trunk space (cut in half?) - I know – this fixed the overheating problem
• BRP saddlebags (small and expensive) and back ordered
• rear view mirror still has a blind spot (and an additional angle mirror is needed)
• BRP options – many not available (back ordered), or canceled (RT 66!)
• “triple” vibration at 4,000 rpm (need better belt tensioners – help someone)
• temperature gauge not accurate at start up (too much hot engine effect)
• clutch (SM6) is lower (angle) on the handlebar
• buying aftermarket windshield and saddlebags

Loves

• WOW factor (aggressive looks, stance, overall uniqueness)
• Handling, response, lower center of gravity, ergonomics (4 unique items listed as one)
• Increased gas mileage (what a pleasant surprise, being much more powerful)
• legs more relaxed, less cramping, more riding

Hates

• BRP's windshield selection – NO adjustable windshield (like on the RT's - stupid)
• NO trailer hitch available (someone please make one – with little storage this is needed)

To be determined

• Handlebar position (pulling instead of pushing) – always can change location if needed
• stepping on the passenger foot rest to get on/off the bike (different, but OK?)
• Switching the position of the flasher button and the engine kill switch

It is a different “type” of machine, and not for everyone – but for me – so far - GREAT

[Chupaca]

almost clinical.. but the end result is that you like it..thats the part that counts. Always have a few imperfections...

[GunDoctor]

Many items you mentioned are in the works, or available. Lamonster, Smoothspyder are two good places to start.

[jcthorne]

The angle of the clutch lever as it mounts on the round handlebar can be adjusted.

[ARtraveler]

Good review. Very complete indeed.

[JkRbbt]

Excellent! You folks keep fine tuning this already fine machine and I will probably jump in a couple of years! Still want to wait for Corbin, F-4, etc... to catch up! Ride on!

[Ben Burped]

You seem to be a very meticulous consumer and I have faith that the aftermarket will rise to meet your need for a better windshield, better storage, and eventually a trailer hitch. It sounds like you are happy with the F3 and the few things that you aren't thrilled with shouldn't detract much from your ride.

[Cez]

I hope that Vertika Trikes will come out with better looking front for F3.

[bluestratos]

For its purpous I like everyting about the F3 other than the lack of wind protection but even that is fine given a full face helmut is worn. I took one for a test ride redlining every shift and it is great. I am older an like touring more than sport biking but given the money and more garage space I would own both the RT and the F3.

[jcthorne]

I hope that Vertika Trikes will come out with better looking front for F3.

At least it no longer looks like a snowmobile on wheels. I too thought it looked john deere tractorish when I saw the photos. In person it looks much more fighter plane ish. Especially the base version without the grey trim 'eyebrows' in the front grille.

[sledmaster]

Excellent post on the likes and dislikes, well thought out and detailed.

Every time I ride an F3, I have the feeling that it totally obsoletes the previous models. It is simply superior in function. From the 3-cylinder engine to the lower rider cg to the higher roll center, it corners so much better than a RS/GS or ST that it is ridiculous. Maybe this is more noticeable due to my taller height, but it is night and day IMO. My 2008 GS now just sits here, might be time to finally sell it, but someday it will be worth a bunch due to the single-digit serial number. It was one of the very first. I just wish my new F3 would hurry up and get here!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the new F3, it will be valuable information for many to learn from. Cheers!

[golfsferr]

I don't own one yet but test drove one for an hour plus and was very impressed with the power and handling, much flatter in a turn and the "Nanny" reduction really adds to the fun factor. Actually I could get in trouble with the reduction in governing in the turns. But it was more fun! Turning circle is much smaller too.

The rearview mirrors suck. I could not get a good view position. They definitely need more adjust-ability or be slightly larger.

The foot pegs weren't good for me, must be my wide foot but I felt like I was riding the brake. The foot peg needs to be Slightly larger and have a distinct "lip"on the outside to keep my foot from sliding outward and not feel cramped against the brake.

I drove one without a windshield and it damn near took my helmet off with all its extra torque/speed. It was much smoother than my STS and didn't "shutter" in reverse. I'm really thinking of diving in and getting one. Might need to put mine up for sale here!

F3 – Likes, Dislikes, Loves & Hates




The F3 is a significant change (being acruiser) in style and performance. Overall I am extremely happy, however there are some hits and misses with any new model. These comments are the way I see' em. (I am a retired Quality Engineer/Manager so I am very critical of anything less than perfection – but, the F3 is very good/great, and could have been great/perfect – my opinion only)


Likes (very much / almost love)

• low end torque (wow – feel the power), quicker
• handlebar and leg (brakes and clutch) positioning (custom fitting)
• less shifting of gears (have SM6), range in gear has doubled (low end torque - great)
• gas can be added from either side of the bike, without passenger or seat bag removal
• Fixed/eliminated most of the overheating and gas smell issues
• looking at the rear view mirrors and not seeing you hands
• Lighted instrument gauges for hand grip and aux light (nice buttons to depress)
• extra 12 volt ports (3 in total), but one in trunk needs a quick disconnect
• easy to check - oil, temperature, and get to (replace) battery

Dislikes

• trunk space (cut in half?) - I know – this fixed the overheating problem
• BRP saddlebags (small and expensive) and back ordered
• rear view mirror still has a blind spot (and an additional angle mirror is needed)
• BRP options – many not available (back ordered), or canceled (RT 66!)
• “triple” vibration at 4,000 rpm (need better belt tensioners – help someone)
• temperature gauge not accurate at start up (too much hot engine effect)
• clutch (SM6) is lower (angle) on the handlebar
• buying aftermarket windshield and saddlebags

Loves

• WOW factor (aggressive looks, stance, overall uniqueness)
• Handling, response, lower center of gravity, ergonomics (4 unique items listed as one)
• Increased gas mileage (what a pleasant surprise, being much more powerful)
• legs more relaxed, less cramping, more riding

Hates

• BRP's windshield selection – NO adjustable windshield (like on the RT's - stupid)
• NO trailer hitch available (someone please make one – with little storage this is needed)

To be determined

• Handlebar position (pulling instead of pushing) – always can change location if needed
• stepping on the passenger foot rest to get on/off the bike (different, but OK?)
• Switching the position of the flasher button and the engine kill switch

It is a different “type” of machine, and not for everyone – but for me – so far - GREAT

[Troystoy]

Love the style, handling , riding position, sound and power! Miss (don't really hate) the wind management of my Limited, the storage compartment where the gas cap now is, and the stereo. That said the new F3 has very few short comings if you came of another spyder. One thing I suggest everyone adds is the driving light kit, it really adds a lot of light for night time riding and is a must!

[jcthorne]

Love the style, handling , riding position, sound and power! Miss (don't really hate) the wind management of my Limited, the storage compartment where the gas cap now is, and the stereo. That said the new F3 has very few short comings if you came of another spyder. One thing I suggest everyone adds is the driving light kit, it really adds a lot of light for night time riding and is a must!

Several folks already are, and I plan to look for better and lower cost options to the VERY overpriced BRP aux lights kit.

[Troystoy]

Several folks already are, and I plan to look for better and lower cost options to the VERY overpriced BRP aux lights kit.

I got 20% off and free install, so it was easy to have these done and on when I picked up the bike. I don't regret this add on at all, extremely happy with the lighting and I ride country roads in Wi, deer all over the place to be concerned with. When I ride with the driving lights off, the lighting is not acceptable, but when on its pretty damn good! Lighting is better than my RT Limited now.

[OJ UK]

I got 20% off and free install, so it was easy to have these done and on when I picked up the bike. I don't regret this add on at all, extremely happy with the lighting and I ride country roads in Wi, deer all over the place to be concerned with. When I ride with the driving lights off, the lighting is not acceptable, but when on its pretty damn good! Lighting is better than my RT Limited now.

I agree with that! Here in the UK we have those auxiliary lights fitted as standard as they are the low beam and the light output is very adequate.

In respect of the OP's dislikes.... "trunk space (cut in half?) - I know – this fixed the overheating problem"...
The 1330 has never suffered from overheating problems!

[CreedFinancial]

Several folks already are, and I plan to look for better and lower cost options to the VERY overpriced BRP aux lights kit.

Was just fretting about the crazy priced fog lights! I'd buy another system but don't really know how to put them in correctly! can't wait to find a better solution.

[BeRight]

Other than pebble grinding engine noise and excessive belt/engine? vibration it is perfect for me in every other way. The belt vibration I can reduce to a reasonable level by changing gears/RPM - the engine now that is a long canamchris story that is TBD for the rest of us.

Still riding and still smiling