BRP Cares, please comment on the new line up.

[billybovine]

The information about the smaller rear sprocket on the base model came from the 2017 dealer rollout. Its been seen and photographed with the smaller sprocket on the base model.

OK I just found a youtube video mentioning the smaller sprocket on the base model. Not on the F3L as someone mention in another post. Must have been a last minute choice before production. Not on the parts fiche and the F3 owners manual says 89 tooth for all models as well.

 

[fritzer1]

No idea why you would want the smaller pulley on the F3. I just completed a 3 week trip of greater than 5000 miles on my F3. Not once was I riding down the highway saying to myself I sure wish I had less noise or better gas milage with lower gearing. I cruise at 85 or so and still get 38 mpg which is 2 better than the RTs in our group.

Well, JC - I ain't you and you ain't me. There are rational reasons 79tooth sprockets were put on the RT models and the European F3T & L models for touring. Even our renowned and respected Lamont of Lamonster Garage has indicated a desire for this and even a 7th gear. You might ask him, "why on earth for".

In my 70+ years, I have bombed all over America and Europe, riding one up with nary a concern about speed limits and roaring pipes. Now, I'd like to enjoy many leisure miles of 2-up riding with my 70 year-old wife.

As has been stated many times over on these forums - to each his own - I will be the last person to ridicule anyone else's ride, riding style or attitude.

And, by the way, at 71 years of age, I just completed a 3,000 mile unsupported bicycle ride from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida. Now, go ahead and ask me, as many others have, "what the hell compelled you to do that?"

Blessings - I do enjoy your contribution to these forums.

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Who's in need of a Snickers Bar?

 

[jcthorne]

Well, JC - I ain't you and you ain't me. There are rational reasons 79tooth sprockets were put on the RT models and the European F3T & L models for touring. Even our renowned and respected Lamont of Lamonster Garage has indicated a desire for this and even a 7th gear. You might ask him, "why on earth for".

In my 70+ years, I have bombed all over America and Europe, riding one up with nary a concern about speed limits and roaring pipes. Now, I'd like to enjoy many leisure miles of 2-up riding with my 70 year-old wife.

As has been stated many times over on these forums - to each his own - I will be the last person to ridicule anyone else's ride, riding style or attitude.

And, by the way, at 71 years of age, I just completed a 3,000 mile unsupported bicycle ride from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida. Now, go ahead and ask me, as many others have, "what the hell compelled you to do that?"

Blessings - I do enjoy your contribution to these forums.

I did not state my response well. I apologize.

I was trying to understand what it was you thought the smaller pulley was going to do for you while cruising on the freeway. At any speed up to well above the posted limits, the F3 pulley just does not have the ace engine spinning fast enough to be a problem. It's well inside its efficient torque curve range. I actually think the RT could benefit from the larger pulley. The only real downside to the large pulley has been the belt harmonics from the long belt. That issue is or has been solved with a small tensioner device.

Guess what I am trying to say is that the slight reduction in RPM for a given speed does not result in significant reduction in noise or vibration, nor does it lessen fuel consumption. It does cause a significant increase in gear shifts on the freeway.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: I rode to SpyderFest with a couple of F-3s.
We were comparing our fuel usages during this ride, and my RT was always using just a wee bit less fuel, than the un-faired bikes. I would say that aerodynamics made the difference in fuel economy: not the gearing.

 

[fritzer1]

I did not state my response well. I apologize.

I was trying to understand what it was you thought the smaller pulley was going to do for you while cruising on the freeway. At any speed up to well above the posted limits, the F3 pulley just does not have the ace engine spinning fast enough to be a problem. It's well inside its efficient torque curve range. I actually think the RT could benefit from the larger pulley. The only real downside to the large pulley has been the belt harmonics from the long belt. That issue is or has been solved with a small tensioner device.

Guess what I am trying to say is that the slight reduction in RPM for a given speed does not result in significant reduction in noise or vibration, nor does it lessen fuel consumption. It does cause a significant increase in gear shifts on the freeway.

It's all good, JC - hope to meet you sometime either at Spyderfest or soon at Lamonster's BBQ.
Incidentally, I rode through/around Houston(your home?) during all the rain and flooding back in April - what a mess.
Blessings, Fritz

 

[WackyDan]

I may be in left field. I can not ryde the F3 fue to forward controls. I have read others with back problems that have the same problem. I ryde the RS-S so I can stand on the pegs to prevent that big ole rear wheel from pounding my spine. Yeah, I know U-fit, but does not come back far enough as to allow one to relieve pressure on the spine. There are many folks don't like or can use forward controls (birthing position ). I think the U-fit can be modified to slide the pegs far enough back, I have been working up a design for me. We will have to see. The F3 getting slower with all the added weight. The RS-S in 0 to 60 is faster due to light weight. The 1330 eng in the RS-S frame would be fun. Ryde on ya'll. :riding:

My F3-s is lighter at 640 dry. My GS was 697 dry. I can tell you right now, the F3 is faster 0-60.

 

[billrob71]

My F3-s is lighter at 640 dry. My GS was 697 dry. I can tell you right now, the F3 is faster 0-60.

I dont get around here much any more but Id figured Id ask this I thought F3 dry weight was just shy of 900 pounds and not saying my RSS is a rocket by any means but Ive been up against a F3 playing around and it was not faster. Even seeing this comercial with the F3 racing around a professional race track and getting little over 120 mph come on. 125 ive seen on mine and im 220 in weight. My spyder is my second bike and I dont ride it a whole lot anymore but it is still fun to fo out and play around with.
What ever BRP has up on the horizon they need to put some real effort , unlocking the stability system like the direction it looks like they went on the Daytona bike is a good start , think that was my really only one complaint I had with my RSS. For the price there asking for the Daytona F3 is probably little much.

Have fun guys

 

[Deer Slayer]

My F3-s is lighter at 640 dry. My GS was 697 dry. I can tell you right now, the F3 is faster 0-60.

As I remember, the 2015 BRP spec sheet stated the F3 was .3 sec slower at 0 to 60 compaired to the RS.

 

[Bob Denman]

Per the 2016 catalog: it shows 850 pounds for the F3, and F3-S... :dontknow:

 

[Buckeye Bleau]

I think that many of you are missing one of the key market segments that BRP is focusing on. Yes, the 95% market is huge, and 2 wheelers have and MAY show interest in the products.

During the Live from Orlando video they mention that nearly a third of new Spyder owners are new to motorcycles, this may be a larger market to capture. Think of the Boomers retiring, looking for fun and recreation. Hey, as a former Business Development manager, this appears to be the direction they are going. Just my humble opinion!

Joe

 

[Bob Denman]

There's no doubt that if they can make inroads into an entirely new market segment: it'll allow for more future growth, than just fighting among the other manufacturers for the current marketplace. :thumbup:

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Exactly what I said Earlier

I think that many of you are missing one of the key market segments that BRP is focusing on. Yes, the 95% market is huge, and 2 wheelers have and MAY show interest in the products.

During the Live from Orlando video they mention that nearly a third of new Spyder owners are new to motorcycles, this may be a larger market to capture. Think of the Boomers retiring, looking for fun and recreation. Hey, as a former Business Development manager, this appears to be the direction they are going. Just my humble opinion!

Joe

I have it as a fact BRP is focused on non MC people 100%. They will get some motorcycle riders, but they want the bigger picture!

 

[WackyDan]

Per the 2016 catalog: it shows 850 pounds for the F3, and F3-S... :dontknow:

I was going by a sticker I found on the swing arm... THe catalog is probably right.

 

[BRPcare]

Question - which has been discussed previously - will it be possible to convert my bike to the higher gearing sprocket. If so, what steps and costs would be necessary

Hi fritzer1,
Yes it is possible to install the 79 tooth sprocket. You will need the sprocket itself (and labor to install it), and note that it will need to be hooked up to BUDS by a dealer so that you can select the right sprocket size to correct speedo readings once changed.
Hope this helps,
Steve

 

[Bob Denman]

Hi Steve,
I think that this is the first that we've heard that a BUDS hookup can account for the differing sprocket sizes!
Thanks! :thumbup:

 

[jcthorne]

Hi fritzer1,
Yes it is possible to install the 79 tooth sprocket. You will need the sprocket itself (and labor to install it), and note that it will need to be hooked up to BUDS by a dealer so that you can select the right sprocket size to correct speedo readings once changed.
Hope this helps,
Steve

Very interesting. I need to get the latest version of BUDS and have a look for this setting. Installing the sprocket and belt is no big deal.

 

[Copperman]

Very interesting. I need to get the latest version of BUDS and have a look for this setting. Installing the sprocket and belt is no big deal.

What's the advantage, if any, to changing the sprocket?

 

[jcthorne]

What's the advantage, if any, to changing the sprocket?

None that I know of. I am more just interested from a technical curiosity stand point and the subject comes up on SL regularly. I am keeping my large sprocket as is Louise.

 

[Copperman]

None that I know of.

Whew!