What now??

[robmorg]

I honestly think all they need to do is offer midship controls on the F3 to provide a sport oriented riding position on the lower center of gravity and the RS riders will trip over themselves with the better handling and acceleration. Really believe this simple update can fill that market niche.

Looking at the mounting locations and controls hardware, it would not even be that hard for an aftermarket supplier like Lamonster Garage who already makes pedals etc to offer such a kit as an upgrade.

That may capture some additional F3 fans, but the forward foot position is NOT the only problem with the F3. The dang thing is just too wide. They need to slim it down in order for some riders not to have to wrap their legs around that wide engine. Maybe they could simply do that by lengthening the frame on some models - don't know how that would look, though.

 

[Bob Denman]

The seating position is also quite a bit lower... if you pull your feet back toward you: you're going to be all "scrunched-up". nojoke

Unless you raise the seat. (And ruin the center of gravity advantage! :shocked

 

[robmorg]

That's a good point. :thumbup:

 

[jcthorne]

That may capture some additional F3 fans, but the forward foot position is NOT the only problem with the F3. The dang thing is just too wide. They need to slim it down in order for some riders not to have to wrap their legs around that wide engine. Maybe they could simply do that by lengthening the frame on some models - don't know how that would look, though.

You are the first I have heard of anyone complain of the width of the F3. Its narrower in the console area than my RT was but I have only ridden an RS or GS a few blocks after an alignment and never any extended distance. The front track is the same as the RS and ST. Yeah if the width of the seat / tank area is a problem for you, there is not much they can do other than reduce fuel tank size and shrink the surrounding tupperware.

 

[robmorg]

You are the first I have heard of anyone complain of the width of the F3. Its narrower in the console area than my RT was but I have only ridden an RS or GS a few blocks after an alignment and never any extended distance. The front track is the same as the RS and ST. Yeah if the width of the seat / tank area is a problem for you, there is not much they can do other than reduce fuel tank size and shrink the surrounding tupperware.

The problem is that if you have long legs, your knees may not fit inside the cowling indent and may hit the widest part of the cowling instead. That, in turn, makes it hard to find the brake with your foot. The F3T I rode was slightly better than other F3's, but not by much. Other's with long legs, especially bigger guys with long legs, have reported this on the forum as well.

I am completely comfortable on any RT with a comfort seat, but the F3, as it's currently designed, is out of the question for me, and others built like me. I'm just pointing this out. I'm not really all that disappointed by it because my ride is the RT.

 

[PistonBlown]

The problem is that if you have long legs, your knees may not fit inside the cowling indent and may hit the widest part of the cowling instead. That, in turn, makes it hard to find the brake with your foot. The F3T I rode was slightly better than other F3's, but not by much. Other's with long legs, especially bigger guys with long legs, have reported this on the forum as well.

I am completely comfortable on any RT with a comfort seat, but the F3, as it's currently designed, is out of the question for me, and others built like me. I'm just pointing this out. I'm not really all that disappointed by it because my ride is the RT.

Yep I've found that when I test rode one as well. Us lanky people can't fit on a F3.

 

[jcthorne]

The problem is that if you have long legs, your knees may not fit inside the cowling indent and may hit the widest part of the cowling instead. That, in turn, makes it hard to find the brake with your foot. The F3T I rode was slightly better than other F3's, but not by much. Other's with long legs, especially bigger guys with long legs, have reported this on the forum as well.

I am completely comfortable on any RT with a comfort seat, but the F3, as it's currently designed, is out of the question for me, and others built like me. I'm just pointing this out. I'm not really all that disappointed by it because my ride is the RT.

There are replacement seats for the F3 to move you back 1.5 inches just like your comfort seat on the RT does. This would solve your long leg problem moving your knees below the body. The RT as delivered was out of the question for me too, had to replace the seat just like you did. Its no different for the F3 other than the F3 does accommodate a wider range of body builds in stock form than the RT does. Still it will not fit everyone as delivered. There is plenty of room for further adjustment to make it fit folks that fall outside that range.

Between the Tri-Axis bars and a Comfort or Ultimate tall boy seat, it cost over 2K to make my RT fit me. Cost far less to do so on the F3, less than 1k for my Russell Day Long Saddle. Louise will need a Russell seat along with the short reach bars so just over 1k for her.

Bottom line is both bikes require parts replacement to fit many folks.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Yep

Hi Chad,
Unfortunately; I think that "sticking a fork in them", is about your only option, for right now... :shocked:
The RS & ST models are done...

BUT... who can tell what BRP is cooking up? :dontknow:

We spent last week with three reps from BRP, they have new items coming down the pipeline but we're very tight lipped and could not say anything about what things were in store. I know they have told me a "entry level" Spyder is on the way though. Also they did confirm that their marketing focus is on the Non-motorcycle riding community. 95% of the US population does NOT ride motorcycles. This is their area of focus for their Spyder products. The 5% that do ride motorcycles have so many choices and the battle is so fierce, they have chosen the larger piece of the pie. Look to see them more involved with NASCAR and automotive shows in the future. So are they abandoning the sport market? To some degree they are abadoning the "motorcycle" market!

 

[Bob Denman]

We spent last week with three reps from BRP, they have new items coming down the pipeline but we're very tight lipped and could not say anything about what things were in store. I know they have told me a "entry level" Spyder is on the way though. Also they did confirm that their marketing focus is on the Non-motorcycle riding community. 95% of the US population does NOT ride motorcycles. This is their area of focus for their Spyder products. The 5% that do ride motorcycles have so many choices and the battle is so fierce, they have chosen the larger piece of the pie. Look to see them more involved with NASCAR and automotive shows in the future. So are they abandoning the sport market? To some degree they are abandoning the "motorcycle" market!

:shocked: I hope that's not as bad as it sounds... :yikes:
I hope that what you were trying to say, is that they are "re-focusing their marketing efforts toward a new and un-tapped demographic".

 

[otter28169]

Demo the new F3 entry level model, it will snap your head back and looks really cool and it can sail around the curves like it is on rails.

Cruzr Joe

I have ridden the model for approximately 1000 miles, it is no faster than mine (as my father and I have tested this fact repeatedly), and it does not have the same feel. As to the looks, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Buy a Ninja 300, Yamaha R3, Honda cbr300?

Sv650, FZ-07, gsx-s...zx6r, GSXR, R6?

You have loads of sport bike possibilities.

If I wanted a sport bike I would have kept one of the four I have owned. I want a spyder, just not one that feels like I am riding a couch. And what is with all the small displacement motors?? I am not poor or inexperienced, in my RS-S I have found something I like better. I just hate the fact that BRP is moving away from it.

We spent last week with three reps from BRP, they have new items coming down the pipeline but we're very tight lipped and could not say anything about what things were in store. I know they have told me a "entry level" Spyder is on the way though. Also they did confirm that their marketing focus is on the Non-motorcycle riding community. 95% of the US population does NOT ride motorcycles. This is their area of focus for their Spyder products. The 5% that do ride motorcycles have so many choices and the battle is so fierce, they have chosen the larger piece of the pie. Look to see them more involved with NASCAR and automotive shows in the future. So are they abandoning the sport market? To some degree they are abadoning the "motorcycle" market!

The customers you do tend to get out of the motorcycle market do tend to be the ones that are "settling" for the machine. It is a smart idea for them to market the machine to people that actually desire it. Entry level might also be nice for young riders, and if they offer customization options you might be able to create more of a family hobby similar to snowmobiling.

Just sayin'...........

 

[ingramwc]

I rode a F3-S before I got my ST-S SE5, my biggest problem with the F3 was the foot position, it is just not comfortable for me. The ST is far better for me, I put my foot on the floor board, swing my leg over and sit down, and I am good to go. I could not do that on a F3. That is due to I have short legs along with 2 replaced hips that limit my range of motion.
The foot placement on a RS is good as well, I preferred the ST, so that is what I got. I am considering doing a cat bypass, other than that I am very happy with the ST.
I do not see myself looking to replace my Spyder any time in the next several years! By that time who knows what the market will bring...

Y'all ride safe out there!!!!!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

I have ridden the model for approximately 1000 miles, it is no faster than mine (as my father and I have tested this fact repeatedly), and it does not have the same feel. As to the looks, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.



If I wanted a sport bike I would have kept one of the four I have owned. I want a spyder, just not one that feels like I am riding a couch. And what is with all the small displacement motors?? I am not poor or inexperienced, in my RS-S I have found something I like better. I just hate the fact that BRP is moving away from it.



The customers you do tend to get out of the motorcycle market do tend to be the ones that are "settling" for the machine. It is a smart idea for them to market the machine to people that actually desire it. Entry level might also be nice for young riders, and if they offer customization options you might be able to create more of a family hobby similar to snowmobiling.

Just sayin'...........

so, is what you're sayin'...

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Not Bad

:shocked: I hope that's not as bad as it sounds... :yikes:
I hope that what you were trying to say, is that they are "re-focusing their marketing efforts toward a new and un-tapped demographic".

I think they realize that they will get their share of the motorcycle market as we age and seek to remain with our knees in the breeze we will seek out something like the Spyder, after all most spyder dealers sell other brands too so that is where they see their position with the MC population. As for the 95% of the population they look to show this as something fun, safe, and unique, something that will cause them to buy a Spyder but not any other motorcycle. Look to see a focus on the ladies as well.

 

[ARtraveler]

Good to hear they are talking "entry level" :ani29:. It will be interesting to see where that hits the market. The big issue for many new owners is the price to get in. You can buy some pretty fine motorcycles in the $10K to $13K range these days.

I am not there anymore, but of those 95% non-riders--there is a big market out there. I just hope BRP does not loose their focus on the 200,000 owners or so that have currently made the company what it is. :yes::yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: That 95% figure is just riddled with folks who will NEVER ride...
Even I know that fishing in a dry hole, is a waste of time!

 

[otter28169]

so, is what you're sayin'...

View attachment 137862

Not so much now, but I am going to be looking to add another spyder to the stable soon, and I am not real excited to see my options cut in half. You know me Bob, I am definitely not your average spyder rider. What I resemble is a younger market that BRP has yet to address. I think they are headed in the right direction, with a couple (?) models one being less expensive and another being more performance oriented (?), but the current paranoia caused by the lack of information is a marketing technique I do not favor.

Just sayin'............

 

[Bob Denman]

...You know me Bob, I am definitely not your average spyder rider. I think they are headed in the right direction, with a couple (?) models one being less expensive and another being more performance oriented (?), but the current paranoia caused by the lack of information is a marketing technique I do not favor. Just sayin'............

Your lovely Bride tells me, that you are way above average. (just sayin'... )

 

[Jenfz09]

I have ridden the model for approximately 1000 miles, it is no faster than mine (as my father and I have tested this fact repeatedly), and it does not have the same feel. As to the looks, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.



If I wanted a sport bike I would have kept one of the four I have owned. I want a spyder, just not one that feels like I am riding a couch. And what is with all the small displacement motors?? I am not poor or inexperienced, in my RS-S I have found something I like better. I just hate the fact that BRP is moving away from it.



The customers you do tend to get out of the motorcycle market do tend to be the ones that are "settling" for the machine. It is a smart idea for them to market the machine to people that actually desire it. Entry level might also be nice for young riders, and if they offer customization options you might be able to create more of a family hobby similar to snowmobiling.

Just sayin'...........

You gave up your sport bikes for a Spyder? I guess if I physically couldn't ride mine, I would too. Hope you are okay (I don't know your history). If I did get hurt and couldn't ride my Yamahas, I would want a sportier Spyder as an option.

If you are physically able to ride but don't want to be bent over, test ride an Indian Scout. It rides close to a sport bike.

 

[palover]

I am looking at the 2017 models and I am a bit worried. I have heard plenty of rumors as to why there are no new RS or ST models. My concern is, what machine am I going to buy when I get my next one? After spending significant time on all four models of spyder I have come to realize that the RS is my favorite by a long shot. Is BRP giving up on the sport market? Am I stuck waiting for another company to build a fun roadster? If anyone has some details as to what is going on with the RS, or the future plans that BRP might have, I would love to hear them.

Just sayin'............

Wait for the Honda Neo Wing, there will be a flood of used Spyder's on the market. Too many people have been frustrated BRP not owing up to mgf defects. I have owned several Spyder's and will be the first in line to trade my Spyder for a reliable Honda. I've had it with BRP and their lack of integrity. The last straw was forcing me to buy a new shock if I plan on riding two up on my 2015 F3s yet they furnish the F3 with passenger pegs, seat and backrest. Come on!!

 

[Michaelscs]

The problem is that if you have long legs, your knees may not fit inside the cowling indent and may hit the widest part of the cowling instead. That, in turn, makes it hard to find the brake with your foot. The F3T I rode was slightly better than other F3's, but not by much. Other's with long legs, especially bigger guys with long legs, have reported this on the forum as well.

I am completely comfortable on any RT with a comfort seat, but the F3, as it's currently designed, is out of the question for me, and others built like me. I'm just pointing this out. I'm not really all that disappointed by it because my ride is the RT.

Yep I've found that when I test rode one as well. Us lanky people can't fit on a F3.

Did you guys test ride the F3 with foot position at position 5?
I'm 6'4" with long legs and the F3 fits way better than the RT or the ST. I had an ST, which I bought instead of RT because it fit my long legs and arms better. The RS was out of the question - legs way to crunchy. Then I got to drive an F3 set up in position 5.
It was the clear winner! I can stretch out my legs and arms. So much more comfortable! I just don't get it!