• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Do Older F3's have any reliability issues?

delkhouri

Member
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...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I just recently sold my F3L with 22,500 miles and never had any problems with it. I took it the dealer for the 3,000 mile service and never for anything else.

The only reason I sold it was to get a newer RTL and change my riding style because of hip problems. The F3L is so much more graceful and has a different fun factor.
 
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...

The Major issue is the front sprocket ..... they are on Re-call ..... if it's a 15 to 18 the DESS module may also be an issue .... however that can be a DIY fix for about $ 145.00 in parts .... Mike :thumbup:
 
53k and rising on my 2015 F3S. Only issue is the DESS which I'm disabling through BUDS. They haven't changed anything significant with the F3 Lineup through the years. The 20+ F3 models are not under the sprocket recall - but it's still undetermined as to why - since they have the same sprocket as the earlier models. But the sprocket recall will correct the issue on an older one anyway (when they are more readily available). 2018+ saw the new Dash and BRP Go but many folks don't like the BRP Go.

2017 in the F3L trim added the Top Case if that's important to you - 2016 didn't have it. 2015 was Base and S only - the T and L didn't come out till 2016.

Frankly - I'd more more concerned with an older model with super low mileage than an older model that was clearly ridden. Sitting can take a toll on hoses/etc. Not that I'd avoid a low mileage old one - just that I'd pay more attention to the rubber/fluid/etc when buying it.

That's my 2+ cents.
 
If I remember right, the earlier F3s had a different rear sprocket. All F3s are reliable as far as I know. Bruce

2015 F3 and F3S share the same "sport" rear sprocket. (Only 2 F3 Models made)
2016 F3, F3S, F3T, F3L share the same "sport" rear sprocket. (All F3 Models made)
2017+ - F3T/L got the "touring" sprocket that is on the RT. F3S kept the "sport" sprocket. I'm not sure on the Base F3 but think it's the "touring" sprocket as well.
 
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.
 
on my list of options is a 15 f3s with 4600miles... Should I be worried about so few miles and what should i be looking for when inspecting it?
 
on my list of options is a 15 f3s with 4600miles... Should I be worried about so few miles and what should i be looking for when inspecting it?

That low of miles means it's sat a lot. Also - unless documented otherwise - assume it's had only 1 if that "service." Recommended Oil Change is at least once a year or 9300 miles (after the first service). Again, that low of miles means original tires likely - think about them being 8+ years old and sitting a lot. Check for dry rot. You won't be able to see things like hoses/etc - but but they are possibly dry rotting as well. If it runs rough at all that would be a possible culprit. Maybe it fires right up and runs great. 8 years, that much sitting - I'd want to have the brake fluid flushed - wouldn't hurt to have the coolant flushed as well.

None of the above is a "big" deal if you are getting it for a great price and willing to do a bit of maintenance. There is a possibility you have ZERO issues taking it and just riding it - but working on them as a hobby gig - and knowing what I know - I'd want the peace of mind knowing things were looked at, tires were replaced, I'd flush the fluids myself, etc.

By no means trying to scare you off - again - you may have zero issues - but when I hear about an 8 year old bike with less than 5k - I know it's sat A LOT. Did it sit in temperature controlled space or was it subjected to extreme heat/cold? How old is the gas and other fluids/etc. Why was it a garage queen? Bought to show off? Owner had an issue and just let it sit? Didn't like it? Whatever the reason - all that could factor into the decision making.

Again, just my 2+ cents.

EDIT: Let me add for clarity - For the right money - I'd buy it in a heartbeat - but I know I can check/do all of the above.
 
That low of miles means it's sat a lot. Also - unless documented otherwise - assume it's had only 1 if that "service." Recommended Oil Change is at least once a year or 9300 miles (after the first service). Again, that low of miles means original tires likely - think about them being 8+ years old and sitting a lot. Check for dry rot. You won't be able to see things like hoses/etc - but but they are possibly dry rotting as well. If it runs rough at all that would be a possible culprit. Maybe it fires right up and runs great. 8 years, that much sitting - I'd want to have the brake fluid flushed - wouldn't hurt to have the coolant flushed as well.

None of the above is a "big" deal if you are getting it for a great price and willing to do a bit of maintenance. There is a possibility you have ZERO issues taking it and just riding it - but working on them as a hobby gig - and knowing what I know - I'd want the peace of mind knowing things were looked at, tires were replaced, I'd flush the fluids myself, etc.

By no means trying to scare you off - again - you may have zero issues - but when I hear about an 8 year old bike with less than 5k - I know it's sat A LOT. Did it sit in temperature controlled space or was it subjected to extreme heat/cold? How old is the gas and other fluids/etc. Why was it a garage queen? Bought to show off? Owner had an issue and just let it sit? Didn't like it? Whatever the reason - all that could factor into the decision making.

Again, just my 2+ cents.

EDIT: Let me add for clarity - For the right money - I'd buy it in a heartbeat - but I know I can check/do all of the above.

Thanks for the info... I would absolutely change all the fluids and check the tires. The owner bought it a year or so ago and moved/changed jobs and he has a commute with a work vehicle so he rarely rides it. He says he always kept it in the garage but i dont know anything about the previous owner. I do know its an f3s with passenger seat, adjustable passenger backrest, can am cross country saddlebags, windshield, drive and passenger floorboards. In my estimation it's a good price but not a once in a lifetime sort of deal.
 
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...

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
 
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

I think Jay Leno has over 300 Auto's and Mtc's in His collection, plus trucks .... how often do you think they are driven ????? JMHO .... Mike :thumbup:
 
Last edited:
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

I think Jay Leno has over 300 Auto's and Mtc's in His collection, plus trucks .... how often do you think they are driven ????? JMHO .... Mike :thumbup:

Don may have an over generalization - but it's a generalization based on some facts and one I agree with. Absolutely there are some out there that are babying their garage queen they don't want to put any miles on and I wonder why they bought it to begin with - but many others sit with no attention.

And Jay Leno is not the average Joe selling a low mileage machine. He's loaded money wise and whether he does or not - certainly has the money to pay folks to keep his low mileage rides in pristine condition and ready for him to enjoy at any moment.

You both make good points - but could be on very different ends of the spectrum.
 
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...

Mine is trouble free
 
I have a 2016 F3L bought from new. Zero problems. Though I'm still having trouble locating the side stand.
 
I have a 2015 F3 SE6. The only problem was the front sprocket going bad and breaking down on the road. THE DEALER IS THE PROBLEM!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
2015 F3 and F3S share the same "sport" rear sprocket. (Only 2 F3 Models made)
2016 F3, F3S, F3T, F3L share the same "sport" rear sprocket. (All F3 Models made)
2017+ - F3T/L got the "touring" sprocket that is on the RT. F3S kept the "sport" sprocket. I'm not sure on the Base F3 but think it's the "touring" sprocket as well.

Hello Jdr00ejr, I have two 2018 F3-T's that came with the larger 89 tooth rear sprocket. In 2019+ the only F3 with the larger sprocket is the F3-S.
 
My 16 F3-T has been very boring from a repair standing. Besides maintenance, it's been a reliable, well behaved steed.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I had a 17 F3 Ltd. When we parted it was to get a 22 Plasma Red SS. The 17, when I parked it for the last time, had 68K miles. It went all over the lower 48. The only issue was replacement of the front sprocket, which was done before it caused any problems.
 
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?
 
Back
Top