Do Older F3's have any reliability issues?

[Jdr00ejr]

a big concern i have is the longevity of all the electronics such as the nanny and dess etc. If those fail what can be done?

I think the big thing is "IF" those fail. The only electronic component on the F3 lineup with a greater than average failure rate that I'm aware is the DESS module. I did replace mine on my 2015 - $150 and easy DIY repair. That said, now that I have BUDS, I'm going to just disable the DESS altogether.

In the event the electronics fail - and I"m not hearing about any others having major issues - you can replace them - nothing major has changed on the F3 lineup since it came out - so even the 2015s which are now 8+ years old can get parts for since they share parts with the new ones. Dash is different - but I bet a new dash could be fitted to an old machine if necessary. If not - there are still old dashes out there.

I guess what I'm saying is - me personally, I'm not worried about failing electronics on the older F3 models at all.

 

[delkhouri]

There is near me a 2017 f3s. It only has 40 miles on it. They bought it new in 2018 and due to jobs and health issues just never rode it. So it sat in their garage under the cover. They said they just took it to have the oil changed. I am interested but also nervous that it basically sat for 5 years.

 

[BajaRon]

There is near me a 2017 f3s. It only has 40 miles on it. They bought it new in 2018 and due to jobs and health issues just never rode it. So it sat in their garage under the cover. They said they just took it to have the oil changed. I am interested but also nervous that it basically sat for 5 years.

We have 2 2015 F3's at the shop. They are both very reliable. My feeling is that the older F3's are as reliable as the newer ones except for the front sprocket issue. Which is much more universal than the BRP recall admits to. And this is a covered 'Fix' (yet to be determinized if it actually resolves the problem or not).

The DESS issue is really no big deal as it is easily delegated. While there are many who have suffered issues with this system. The vast majority work just fine.

Sitting this long may present issues of it's own. Especially if it has been stored with ethanol fuel (pretty much a given). You will probably need a new battery. Drain the fuel. Put premium straight gasoline in with a heavy dose of fuel injector cleaner. Wouldn't hurt to change the fuel filter, just because. They are inexpensive and not too hard to change.

Ride it for longer distances, if you can, through 2 or 3 tanks of straight gas doused with injector cleaner over a few weeks.

Get the oil hot and change it with the filter. Check tire pressures and the brake fluid and chances are, you'll be golden. The F3 is a great machine!

 

[JKMSPYDER]

I have a ‘15 F3-S with 76,000 miles. Has been trouble free except for the front sprocket which has since been replaced with the “new” sprocket. Never a DESS issue. I plan on riding it until at least 100,000 miles before I decide to sell or trade. I would be cautious about the ‘17 F3L with such low mileage.

 

[ARtraveler]

We have two f3's. One a 19 and one a 20. One with over 20K and the other approaching 8K miles. We have had zero mechanical problems so far.

The consensus on the site concerning f3's seems to be good as far as mechanical problems are concerned. My biggest complaint about them, when they first came out, I thought they looked like a Dodge Truck from the front. I have got over that. :yes:

 

[Motorcycledave]

I’m shopping for an F3 and budget wise most of the F3's I am looking at put me in the '15 or '16 model years. Do those first year F3's have any reliability issues compared to newer models? Something that scares me a bit is all the electronics that are in the Spyders and I'm worried that age will cause issues, and honestly, all the dealers around me have sketchy reviews...

I have a 2015 and never had any trouble at all.

 

[delkhouri]

I know bajaron gave some good advice about what to look for in buying used with such low mileage. Anyone else have any thoughts or experiences to share. Its local and they took it to a can am dealer close to my house for an oil change and inspection.

I am having a hard time finding anything in Ohio for a decent price. I keep seeing base model f3 locally with 10k miles for $16k… I am not scared by the 10k miles.. but the $16k price is prohibitive. I did see one locally with 32k miles and went to check it out buy he had painted stuff weird and the shocks seemed done. So for the price (11k) it didnt seem to be a good buy to me. I know that other members have seen deals in other places but i just dont have the time to fly to georgia and ride it back right now.

 

[XB12X]

I had a 2017 F3 LDT No issues. I only sold it to get a Freewheeler ( hated it). I sold that after 6 months and bought a 21 RT base (no issues with the RT) and not regretting it in the least.

Just out of interest, what didn't you like about the Harley Freewheeler?

 

[vondalyn]

I have a 2015 F3S with 70K miles on it and the only issue I've had other than normal maintenance/wear & tear is the front sprocket issue. I was even good on that until about 50K miles. I'm now on my third one which is supposed to be the "final" recall version. If I get another Spyder, it's going to be another F3S but I'm debating just riding my current one until it dies.

 

[Spyderman2018]

de...The only ones I would be leery of are those with real low mileage. To me, that means they were not loved. So probably not well taken care of either. Time unused is often more of a killer, than high miles.

Regards,

Don

OR... You live in a state that has winter conditions 5 months a year...

 

[Jdr00ejr]

OR... You live in a state that has winter conditions 5 months a year...

November - March? That just means more layers and more fun with snow and ice on the road. ;-)