Never had forward controls but you would think that since you don't have to put your feet down or balance the bike, it would be a much better riding experience.
I tend to be opposed to motorcycle cruisers for the same reasons: slow-speed control, stability, and dear God, why do they all have to be so HEAVY?? But for the above, obvious reasons, I can't imagine any of those downsides of forward controls on two-wheels carries over to the three-wheeled Spyder, the F3 seating position really just providing more comfortable (for some) ergonomics.
No, my concern was the loss of the "sporty standard" seating position on the RS would be detrimental to weight-shifting on the Spyder, the surest way of wringing the best performance out of the twisties. I don't care all that much about 0-60 times on my RS, and top speed = what I'm comfortable defending before a judge. But twisty performance is the one area where I *won't* compromise.
However, all the early reviewers from those in the know attest that this is NOT the case-- and, surprisingly, the opposite is true: the cruiser position actually *improves* the Spyder's performance through corners.
Of course, I trust, but verify, so I'm looking forward to trying out the F3 myself. I'm still not sure I'd jump for one-- optioned out the way I'd want it, the price is VERY steep-- and, let's be honest: my gut still says BRP is going to offer something to refresh/replace the RS in the near-future, and that may ultimately be more my speed.
BUT, BRP had my curiosity... NOW, they have my attention.
