2016 F3-T...first impressions

[Vegasf3t]

Got it a few days ago so wanted to post while fresh on my mind.
So I am transitioning from a Honda GL1800 touring bike to a 3 wheel cruiser and as all of you are aware it is a totally different experience. It took about about 30 miles is city streets and freeway to adjust to the very sensitive steering and turning characteristics of the F3. After 300mi. I'm still trying to grab the brake lever!
Except for the totally inadequate stock shield, I'm enjoying the ride. Just have to remind myself that I'm no longer on a 1800cc touring bike. The auto downshift is interesting but I prefer to do it manually. Creature of habit I suppose. Too much engine heat on my legs which is no fun on 100 degree plus Vegas days. I wish the display was larger so I could better see time and temp. No fun getting old! I thought the transmission was very smooth, almost seamless. Didn't experience any of the vibration that many have reported here.
Now I understand this is not a touring bike but I was surprised that you cannot store a full size helmet in any of the 3 compartments!
I love this baby in crowded parking lots where slow speed maneuvers where an adventure on the Wing. And REAL reverse.
Overall, a fun ride and a new adventure! And none of the few negatives I mentioned are major or deal killers. Just wanted to share.
Hope to meet up with you on the road!

 

[Peteoz]

You can get all but the largest XXL in the Frunk!

Vegas, you can indeed get a helmet in the frunk, with the exception of Arai or Schuberth XXL and above.....A Shoei Neotec XXL will fit, as I discovered yesterday thanks to JCThorne:thumbup:

Just make sure you have the neck opening facing the rear of the frunk and the eye opening facing the sky. It'll slide right in.

Pete

Now I understand this is not a touring bike but I was surprised that you cannot store a full size helmet in any of the 3 compartments!

Hope to meet up with you on the road!

 

[Chupaca]

Nice review....

It will grow on you and your will adjust to the shortcomings along the way...congrats on your choice for your next ryde...:2thumbs:

 

[bigwhammy]

Vegas, you can indeed get a helmet in the frunk, with the exception of Arai or Schuberth XXL and above.....A Shoei Neotec XXL will fit, as I discovered yesterday thanks to JCThorne:thumbup:

Just make sure you have the neck opening facing the rear of the frunk and the eye opening facing the sky. It'll slide right in.

Pete

A modular Shark evoline 3 will also fit.
Different model aria, Kabuto, hjc and bell fit also, you will have to jiggle and try your particular one/ model. Try tilting to the side a bit.

 

[Vegasf3t]

A modular Shark evoline 3 will also fit.
Different model aria, Kabuto, hjc and bell fit also, you will have to jiggle and try your particular one/ model. Try tilting to the side a bit.

Thanks! Got my Nolan xl in! A bit snug but it works

 

[Vegasf3t]

Vegas, you can indeed get a helmet in the frunk, with the exception of Arai or Schuberth XXL and above.....A Shoei Neotec XXL will fit, as I discovered yesterday thanks to JCThorne:thumbup:

Just make sure you have the neck opening facing the rear of the frunk and the eye opening facing the sky. It'll slide right in.

Pete

Thanks Pete!

 

[SpyderSue]

Congrats on your F3! I've had mine for 4 months, 8k miles, and I can say the 'shortcomings' are minimal. I've felt the vibration, and have learned to ride around it without thought. My Shoei helmet fits fine in the frunk. I've compensated for the lack of storage by using Wolfman drybags for travel. The F3 is quick, stable, COMFORTABLE and everything I wanted it to be. I had a GS for 4 years, 36,000 miles. I loved it, but love my F3 exponentially more every day.

 

[murphybrown]

Congrats on your F3

I went from 115K + touring on RT to a 2016 F3t the last day of April. I am right at 12k miles and getting ready to leave in a few days to add another 5K or so...so not sure what your needs are for a touring Spyder...but my F3 gets me around the US/Canada just fine....personal choice I'm sure...NICE that you are still ryding. :thumbup:

 

[Highwayman2013]

Welcome, you must come and ride with our group. Spyder Ryders of America- Mojave Desert Chapter

 

[Tango]

:welcome::congrats:

 

[Samson]

I have about 400 miles on mine F3 T now and will add another 250 tomorrow. I am coming off a Suzuki M109 LE so really no comparison at all. I think the wind protection is awesome, no heat to speak of, Great power, love the transmission on the up shift, the down shift is still odd for me, have not decided if I want it to let do it automatically or for me to do it. I do have the vibration an will get the new BRP device soon. I need to move the foot pegs to the furthest point out and that should be much better. I feel a bit cramped to the tank but maybe the change in foot pegs will help.

Over all I am very impressed and the bike should suit my needs very well for in state travels and even some surrounding states should I have the time. Great forum and love reading everyones comments and solutions, hope to contribute as time goes on.

PS: I have order the fog lights from Lamonster so looking forward to adding those.

 

[No 2817]

My 2016 F3-T SE6

Big Head here. I can not get my Schuberth XXXL in the Frunk either. A six pack of beer will not fit in the side bags. I have a F3-T SE6. Other than that I love my F3-T. Yes I agree the front shield is more for looks than an actual WIND shield. The shifting did take a little getting used to, I still back-off on the gas when up shifting can not get my brain to unlearn that. I had a 2008 GS with manual 5 speed so the ride was easy to change over to. My Valkyrie is still sitting in the garage, I feel bad neglecting it. It was the most vibration free machine I have ever rode with a flat six.
The F3-T is my machine of choice now, the Valkyrie has a for sale sign on it. I got a cheap trailer and did not even know I had it behind me. I still think the GS with RT shocks in the front handled much better than the F3-T thru corners, I am still out to lunch on that matter. I did install the sway bar.


Chris