A not-so quick diversion before getting back on topic.
Whenever you put out over $20k for something, I figure you are a big boy or girl. You bought your ticket and you can ride it as you like it. I also guess that you could ask 200 riders on this forum "What does touring mean to you?" and get 200 different answers answers.
To illustrate, look at something a little different. When I go through a campground, the disconnect between what I think of camping and all the folks who have dragged every amenity they have at home ( hot tubs, barbecue pits, wide screen TVs, two cars, etc. ) is shocking. Different strokes for different folks. Grandpaspeed is right though, if that is what they want and they enjoy it - it is nobody's business but theirs.
Another example - there is a guy who lives nearby - I see him riding all the time - year around - rain or shine. Back in December, I parked my spyder in the supermarket lot next to him - I was looking over his bike and noticed the odometer, it was over 15,000 miles. It was a 2011 Vespa. His longest trip was to Florida and back to Albuquerque (said with a big proud smile ). That bike would not be my choice, but every time I see him, I shoot him a big Thumbs Up!
( almost back on topic )
The F3 is a great machine - though if you have been following peoples comments, a lot of people with RTs are like; "No way!" as far as touring. But, just like someone else mentioned, when the GS came out, people modified them into touring machines - and a bunch of them are still going. So if you like the looks and seating, go for it - it seems to have an excellent mechanical core, it can be done - it just takes time + money + ability in whatever ratio of those elements you have. In the end you will have a F3 that will not be a F3. The center of gravity will change, you might sway more, the nanny will kick in more, you might need to upgrade the shocks, the aerodynamics will be 'interesting', gas mileage will be down as will performance, and the original bare-bike styling will be obscured. Compromises are a royal pain. If it works for you, that is fine - really that is all that counts. If you love it, none of the above will make any difference to you, that is how love works.
The only time you will hear any disapproval from me is if you want to bend my ear with complaints about how much you had to pay and every little thing that didn't meet your expectations - AND you won't let me walk away without my agreeing with you. I would much rather hear about the kid's trip to Florida on that Vespa.
( now, back on topic )
On the spyder, I just do two Pendleton overnight bags - and maybe a tent - if I am 'touring' - now days my tours are not longer than 3 days. Yes, the F3 glove compartment is not adequate for much. But, I have been surprised by how much I can take along between that and under the passenger seat. Just from looking, I think that is as much if not more storage as I see on a lot of Harleys cruising/touring around.
If you have not toured, I would start out with some fabric saddlebags ( or equivalent like mine ) to discover what really fits your travel needs. Then I would watch for some 2nd hand hard bags being sold ( if you still feel you need hard bags ). Qualities I would recommend are quick connect/removal, lockable, waterproof. Lighted will add some overhead on the quick on and off. The slickest option I saw on getting around that was nylon carry bags that perfectly fit inside the hard bags and you just took the contents with you in those bags.
My BMW 650 GS has two huge indestructible bags ( or storage cabinets as I call them ) I took them off the bike and have never used them.
If you do two up, you will probably have to do a little more rigging than the bungie cord approach I use and it will take more storage than I use. Another option, on long trips, send stuff ahead and then send stuff you don't need back. The hardest thing in touring ( to me ) is cutting down to the basics you need to be safe and as comfortable as possible.
Tom
