New to the Site and Seeking Advise

[PistonBlown]

If I was to place a bet - looking at the previous bikes you mention, and the hip-op, I suspect you'll end up with a F3 (possibly the F3-T). If you prefer the V-twin engine and a more traditional road bike position then an ST.

However it will be interesting to hear what you think once you've had a chance to try them so please post something when you have.

Personally I'm a RS nut. Hopefully it's not another RT, there's too many RT'ers on this forum already:-)

[Ron2andia]

I went in to buy an ST an came out with F3S... Try them all then you'll know!

[missouriboy]

...
Another choice you didn't mention is manual (SM) or semi-automatic (SE) transmissions...

I'm surprised there hasn't been more mention of the transmission option. I suppose you've been hand-clutching and foot-shifting for years now, but what about that problem you mentioned with your left knee?

With the SE transmission choice, there is absolutely nothing for your left leg & foot to do. Plus your left hand never has to squeeze that clutch any more. Those two things are a huge relief for older joints & muscles & bones, especially the arthritic type like mine. You'll get a callous on your thumb from the paddle-shifter, but that's OK. The upshifting under your control is still FUN, and you're relieved of ever downshifting, unless you just want to.

Then, for the right hand, there is also the *real* cruise-control that comes only on some upper models. For my right hand's achy bones, the cruise control is a must... I wouldn't be able to last an hour without it.
Just some more factors to consider here...

[Ph2ocraft]

If you have leg problems like some of us, get one that you can move your legs around. Floorboars with pegs are what I like. if I cant move to different positions, my hips start to cramp.

Thats exactly what happens to me on motorcycles so I'm hoping a little more stability and the ability to move around will get to my destination in better condition.

[Ph2ocraft]

I'm surprised there hasn't been more mention of the transmission option. I suppose you've been hand-clutching and foot-shifting for years now, but what about that problem you mentioned with your left knee?

With the SE transmission choice, there is absolutely nothing for your left leg & foot to do. Plus your left hand never has to squeeze that clutch any more. Those two things are a huge relief for older joints & muscles & bones, especially the arthritic type like mine. You'll get a callous on your thumb from the paddle-shifter, but that's OK. The upshifting under your control is still FUN, and you're relieved of ever downshifting, unless you just want to.

Then, for the right hand, there is also the *real* cruise-control that comes only on some upper models. For my right hand's achy bones, the cruise control is a must... I wouldn't be able to last an hour without it.
Just some more factors to consider here...

I thought about the semi auto for a few moment but realized I have no issue with clutching (good repair i guess;-) and I really do enjoy the entire shifting thing.
What I like the most at this point is the F3-S. I still get the excellent ergo's and the 1330.
Pretty easy to add bags and foot rests id imagine.
I do have a question. Does it have cruise? couldn't seem to find that on the can am site.
Thanks for all the info, I'm getting close and looking forward to the norcal ride in sept.

[Motorcycledave]

I am sorta local not far from you with just about all the replaced body parts as you
I may be of some help in the info dept. Give me a call. 209-887-3283
Dave



QUOTE=Ph2ocraft;1114889]I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al[/QUOTE]

[StanProff]

I thought about the semi auto for a few moment but realized I have no issue with clutching (good repair i guess;-) and I really do enjoy the entire shifting thing.
What I like the most at this point is the F3-S. I still get the excellent ergo's and the 1330.
Pretty easy to add bags and foot rests id imagine.
I do have a question. Does it have cruise? couldn't seem to find that on the can am site.
Thanks for all the info, I'm getting close and looking forward to the norcal ride in sept.

I have ridden two wheelers for over 50 years, I also thought changing gears manually was a "must have" and my first RT, a 2010 model, was a manual. I put over 25,000 miles on that one and traded for a 2014 RTS, I tried out the semi auto and found it to be awesome! You should at give it a good chance and try and get to know it a little. The shifting is fast, it is like speed shifting. I really like the fact that it downshifts automatically, It really is much more than I expected.
Stan

[Ph2ocraft]

I have ridden two wheelers for over 50 years, I also thought changing gears manually was a "must have" and my first RT, a 2010 model, was a manual. I put over 25,000 miles on that one and traded for a 2014 RTS, I tried out the semi auto and found it to be awesome! You should at give it a good chance and try and get to know it a little. The shifting is fast, it is like speed shifting. I really like the fact that it downshifts automatically, It really is much more than I expected.
Stan

Ive actually heard a few state that now. Also heard a few say the clutches will go away on the standard kind of quick.
How reliable has the semi auto been?

[Ph2ocraft]

I am sorta local not far from you with just about all the replaced body parts as you
I may be of some help in the info dept. Give me a call. 209-887-3283
Dave



QUOTE=Ph2ocraft;1114889]I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al

[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the chat and info Dave

[Bluedog136]

I have been trying to get so info on how to get access to the panel switches please. I m trying to learn how to repair my own RT and wanted to insert a USB port on the panel where the shock and heated hand grip switches are.... Does anyone know of a easy way to access please.

DOG

[Ph2ocraft]

Well I went to a local gathering and rode a couple more Spyders today.
Im definitely drawn to the F3-S or the F3-T. I'm still undecided between the semi auto and standard clutch
Can anybody tell me the mechanical pros and cons?
Longevity
Type of issues
etc.
Thanks!!

[Deanna777]

Well I went to a local gathering and rode a couple more Spyders today.
Im definitely drawn to the F3-S or the F3-T. I'm still undecided between the semi auto and standard clutch
Can anybody tell me the mechanical pros and cons?
Longevity
Type of issues
etc.
Thanks!!

Pros on a semi auto: No clutch to deal with, and no foot shifter. The semi-automatic transmission uses paddle shifting like the sport cars do, for quicker, smoother shifts. Simply apply pressure with your left thumb to shift up and use your fore finger to downshift. It will down downshift for you. The transmission does if for you.


Cons: You are not shifting all the time, ( up or down, reverse etc. in gears).

Deanna

[Ph2ocraft]

Pros on a semi auto: No clutch to deal with, and no foot shifter. The semi-automatic transmission uses paddle shifting like the sport cars do, for quicker, smoother shifts. Simply apply pressure with your left thumb to shift up and use your fore finger to downshift. It will down downshift for you. The transmission does if for you.


Cons: You are not shifting all the time, ( up or down, reverse etc. in gears).

Deanna

Hi Deanna
I've ridden both versions
paddleshiftets and standard.
I like them both and can live with both.

Im trying to find out which has more mechanical issues or failures.
Do both systems last as long without maintenance?
Does one work better in the mountains or the hills?
Anything that might tip the odds in favor for paddles or standard shifting:-)

I have standard plus column
fun going through the gears
less up front costs
less electronics to fail

Paddle shifter plus column
just press a button
anybody with no shifting experience can ride it to bring it home or move it.
No hand fatigue in lots of hills

So I'm thinking mechanically strongest/safest would be my decision maker?
decisions decisions...

[Highwayman2013]

There have been some failures of the gear position sensors on the SE6 and some hydraulic leaks on the SM6. Less problems or failures probably go with manual (SM), but it's close. The transmissions are the same with the SE needing a filter change at 28,000 miles.

[Ph2ocraft]

There have been some failures of the gear position sensors on the SE6 and some hydraulic leaks on the SM6. Less problems or failures probably go with manual (SM), but it's close. The transmissions are the same with the SE needing a filter change at 28,000 miles.

I'm a little confused.
The same?
In my head I'm thinking the SE6 (paddle shift version) would be electronically shifted with a valve body in the transmission.
The SM6 (standard) would be like a motorcycle and push a series of clutches and you manually select the gear (s)

[reissooz]

I thought about the semi auto for a few moment but realized I have no issue with clutching (good repair i guess;-) and I really do enjoy the entire shifting thing.
What I like the most at this point is the F3-S. I still get the excellent ergo's and the 1330.
Pretty easy to add bags and foot rests id imagine.
I do have a question. Does it have cruise? couldn't seem to find that on the can am site.
Thanks for all the info, I'm getting close and looking forward to the norcal ride in sept.

The F3-S comes with cruise control (F3 doesn't) and neither have heated grips. Cruise can be added to the F3 easily as well the heated grips and are reasonably priced accessories.

[JagHag]

I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al

I finally got my 2012 RS, btw, I live in Saratoga! So close. I have a love affair with my Spyder, being Canadian and all. The best thing is to take a test ride. The dealership in Livermore does test rides but you should call to see if someone is available to take you out. That's the closest that does service, and they're kind of douchebags, so it really helps if you can work on it yourself. The Spyder is a unique beast, kind of temperamental, but too much fun! Completely different from a 2 wheeler, the first time I went around a corner I thought I was gonna fly off! But now I zip around pretty good. If you plan on taking your wife, the RS is kind of uncomfortable for the passenger without a backrest.
let me know if you have any questions

[Ph2ocraft]

I finally got my 2012 RS, btw, I live in Saratoga! So close. I have a love affair with my Spyder, being Canadian and all. The best thing is to take a test ride. The dealership in Livermore does test rides but you should call to see if someone is available to take you out. That's the closest that does service, and they're kind of douchebags, so it really helps if you can work on it yourself. The Spyder is a unique beast, kind of temperamental, but too much fun! Completely different from a 2 wheeler, the first time I went around a corner I thought I was gonna fly off! But now I zip around pretty good. If you plan on taking your wife, the RS is kind of uncomfortable for the passenger without a backrest.
let me know if you have any questions

Good to know somebody local!!
Ive actually decided on an F3-S or T
i was settled on a T until I found a helmet doesn't fit in the rear bags.
I think I'd rather purchase an S and install my own bags (that fit a helmet) and fairing (even if it's oem to the T model).
I can at that point have somebody set up some shock for me:-)
PS The new guys in San Jose let you test ride.