Which year to buy?

[cafejimlv]

Hi all, its been awhile since I last posted or owned a Spyder (2014 RT). Are there any significant model changes since 2015 that I should consider? Thank you all in advance for your help!

[ARtraveler]

Hi all, its been awhile since I last posted or owned a Spyder (2014 RT). Are there any significant model changes since 2015 that I should consider? Thank you all in advance for your help!

The F3 configuration has been expanded to the T (touring) version and the L (limited) version. Technology wise--not much going on. Color choices pretty good. I don't think you get what you pay for in the F3 upline versions. They feel much different from the plusher RT. That's my opinion, and others who have made the jump will tell you different. The looks are there with the new F3 configurations and I personally love that red color.

The 1330 powerplant is very good. You can't go wrong there. Still loving my 2014 RT-S version. Not enough change to make me bite and make my usual upgrade at three years.

[Bob Denman]

Welcome back!
Which model are you interested in, and what sort of riding do you enjoy the most?
(commuting, short hops for pleasure, Long distance touring?)

[cafejimlv]

Welcome back! Which model are you interested in, and what sort of riding do you enjoy the most?(commuting, short hops for pleasure, Long distance touring?)

Daily short hops and occasional group touring. I'm leaning towards the f3s sm6. I'll mod it as needed. Thanks Bob!

[Bob Denman]

That's a good choice! They had one problem with the 2015s, where frames were cracking...
Beyond that: the year to year differences are pretty much just small things that wouldn't be game-changers!
(Although you might like the F3-T or Limited models, for the windshields, better rear shock, and the 'Bags...)

[JayBros]

Look at the 2016 F3 Ltd and see if it's cargo carrying capacity would meet your short tour needs. The test ride I took on it was very good, was impressed, but it would not meet the short tour needs my RT-S meets for two up.

[Bob Denman]

I forgot to mention this: If you're going to ride two-up a lot: the RT series cannot be beat for passenger comfort...

[cafejimlv]

That's a good choice! They had one problem with the 2015s, where frames were cracking...
Beyond that: the year to year differences are pretty much just small things that wouldn't be game-changers!
(Although you might like the F3-T or Limited models, for the windshields, better rear shock, and the 'Bags...)

I saw posts on frame cracking/recalls on the 15's. Were the frames beefed up on the 16/17 models?

[Bob Denman]

I would have to assume that the bracket that they added to the 2015 bikes, has been made a permanent part of the package?
How about a confirmation of this???

[ARtraveler]

I would have to assume that the bracket that they added to the 2015 bikes, has been made a permanent part of the package?
How about a confirmation of this???

Am guessing a big Yes!. If not--what are they thinking??

[Bob Denman]

I suppose that I should have re-phrased my question:
Has that bolt-on bracket remained a bolted-on addition, or is it now welded to the frame?

[cafejimlv]

I suppose that I should have re-phrased my question:
Has that bolt-on bracket remained a bolted-on addition, or is it now welded to the frame?

Would that be a deal breaker on the 15's?

[Malathion]

16 has an improved steering box to assist with alignment , could save dollars down the road.

[cafejimlv]

16 has an improved steering box to assist with alignment , could save dollars down the road.

Thanks!