I've only been a Spyder owner for 3 months, so I speak from much briefer experience than many. However, I do understand the reason for your initial question; just a short while back, I had to decide. But may I suggest that, by attempting to "wrap your head around" the answer by analyzing the technical reasons why one model might be better for you than the other, you are going about it in the wrong way, and seeking advice from the wrong part of your anatomy. The better answer will come from your butt, and be felt in your legs, hips and back, perhaps also your arms. Chupaca's advice is right; you need to test ride both models extensively. YOUR BODY will tell you which one to buy. Go by 'feel'; forget the analytical reasons conjured up in your brain. And, if you plan to ride two-up, make sure your passenger goes along on the tests. Listen well, and give due respect to your partner's opinion. In fact, if you can't decide on your own, give the 'casting vote' to your passenger/partner. You'll both be happier that you did.
A couple of additional points which I believe are highly relevant: I believe you are right to make your comparison of the RT to the F3 Ltd. In so doing, you are matching as closely as possible the physical/mechanical features of the two different models. Other variations of the F3 do not provide as much 'equivalency' of features, and thus will not give you a truly 'balanced' comparison. Having so recently gone through this exercise, I concluded that I really needed to compare the 2017 F3L to either the 2016 or 2017 RT's to put my choice into the proper perspective.
On a personal note, I went to three different Spyder dealers, each time starting out with the thought that I would probably ride away on an RTL. On each occasion, I first sat on an RT in the showroom. Within minutes my hips began to ache, and I wasn't even out on the road. My right leg felt cramped; I was worried about being able to get my foot on the brake if I became road-weary when riding. So I got off, and went and sat on an F3. I felt much better; not perfect, but not cramped and little or no hip discomfort. A test ride was set up. We (missus and I both) went out on an RTL. It was OK, but I still felt hip discomfort. We liked the Spyder enough to be convinced we could be owners, but did we have the right one? We then rode an F3L. For me, it was clear which one suited; my body told my brain which way I needed to go. The decision was made much simpler and easier when my passenger said she preferred the F3L. It's a much breezier ride, but she enjoyed that. She also likes sitting so that she looks over my head, not around my ears. Her opinion is that the F3L 'feels' smaller, more compact, and that the RT felt 'too big'. All 'little things' that tipped our decision to the F3L. Nothing that you could analyze or decide on technical specs; nothing that is based on analogies with automobiles. Just simple 'guidance' based on body reaction and 'gut feel' that came as a result of a test ride. And that's the only way you or any of us, as individuals, will ever know which one works, personally. Book your test rides, then come back and let us know which one you bought (the one your butt chose for you).
My wife rides with me 95% of the time and loves the ride on the RTS today. Its me that is looking forward into the future. Listen, listen, listen.:roflblack:
