F3 limited vs RT

[MikeT]

Of course it is up to your preference. But.. I am 6'2 and a large build. I drove a 2016 RTS and loved it at the time. I traded it in at the beggining of this summer for a 2018 F3 limited.
RT- Better wind deflection. Easier to hear the radio. More comfortable for the passenger.
F3- not nearly as comfortable for a passenger especially on road trips.

This is why we are sticking with our '15 RT Limited. Happy Wife, Happy Life. PLUS, the lid on the F3T/L top case is the flimsiest POS. Most owners have added a luggage rack to stiffen the lid so it closes correctly. I'm not a fan of the F3 "stretched out" riding position, and the additional pieces of the U-Fit system aren't free(they should be).
Mike

 

[Lew L]

Old,slow.........

My " old slow RT..." is just fine for my wife and I. It's long legged gearing make running along (or flying low ) in hinterlands of Nevada a breeze ( literally ). Some of the truckers and others like to do well over the limit, so I'm not spinning the motor so tight. It's speed up or get blown off the road. But in the fun factor, I'm seriously looking at the ECU flash.

It's like my old slow V-Max ( which I couldn't leave stock ) ------ I ride like an old man---- just try to keep up:yikes:. Please feel free to substitute ski for ride also.nojoke

Lew L

 

[Blue Raider]

F3 mort comfortable for me a short ryder. I had no adjustment on the RT. Wife likes back seat says she's just as comfortable traded in a 2010 rt for the 2021 F3

 

[Peter Aawen]

ldpost: Not that it really hurts to add to the collected info in this case, but you probably shouldn't expect too many of the posters from back in 2018 to respond. . Some maybe, just not all!

But welcome to posting anyway! It's always good to finally get that first one up! hyea:

Cheers! :cheers:

 

[rjinaz86323]

I know, old thread, but the info is still valuable. I am 5'9". I came from decades of riding Harleys (most recently a TriGlide), so no surprise I like the F3 riding position much better. I recently finish a 3600+ mile road trip on my 18 F3L. Great Spyder for the road. Only limitation for me was it would be nice if there was a little more storage.

AND ALL SPYDERS SHOULD COME WITH A HANDBRAKE!!!!!

 

[ARtraveler]

Old thread: but an update from me. In post #14, I said not interested and did not like/

UPDATE: December 2019...started shopping for a new bike again. Time to replace the 2011 RT. Made a good deal with iMotorsports. Bought F3L sight unseen, but did my homework about getting set up for my height and weight. Saved a couple $K over an RT for starters. The first 50 miles were interesting.

I LIKE THE F3. Rides a little more "perky" than the RT. You sit IN the F3 and not ON it like the RT. Think Vette vs. Cadillac. Think cruiser vs. gold wing. I liked it so much, I bought a new 20 F3L in January 2021 for Linda. At first, Linda wanted nothing to do with the F3. After putting about 500 miles on my F3, she was quickly won over. We are both happy campers.

 

[Peteoz]

Old thread: but an update from me. In post #14, I said not interested and did not like/

UPDATE: December 2019...started shopping for a new bike again. Time to replace the 2011 RT. Made a good deal with iMotorsports. Bought F3L sight unseen, but did my homework about getting set up for my height and weight. Saved a couple $K over an RT for starters. The first 50 miles were interesting.

I LIKE THE F3. Rides a little more "perky" than the RT. You sit IN the F3 and not ON it like the RT. Think Vette vs. Cadillac. Think cruiser vs. gold wing. I liked it so much, I bought a new 20 F3L in January 2021 for Linda. At first, Linda wanted nothing to do with the F3. After putting about 500 miles on my F3, she was quickly won over. We are both happy campers.

Yep, yep, yep, AR………and I have gone the other way, now that the 20/21 RT is out. I find the new RT is as “perky” as my F3-L and, for me, more refined:thumbup: . I would NEVER have been interested in an RT before the current 20/21 models.

If only I could find a way to lower the boards and brake pedal a little, I would be completely satisfied (hopefully, Daylong will be able to give me an inch or two back, and an inch or two up, which will solve the problem. They are going to call me back in a couple of weeks as they are currently looking at the complexities of modifying the new “hinged” RT seat.

Pete

 

[Wheelman]

I am new to the Spyder world and I started with a used 2018 F3-T with 3000 miles. My only experience with the RT was sitting on it in the showroom. It reminded my of my BMW R1100 RT. I felt like I was sitting on top of the bike. The F3-T feels like my BMW R1200C where you are sitting "in" the bike. The R1200C was the most comfortable bike, for me, I have ever ridden. I just finished an over-nighter and fell more in love with my F3-T. Handled the twistys like a champ and no problems on the freeway. It's a little windy but then that is all part of the ride. Storage was not a problem. If I need more, I'll just throw a dry bag on the back.

 

[bigbadbrucie]

Yes, I agree with all of the comments, however I opted for the RT for one MAIN reason....that’s my arthritis which became prevalent back in ‘05. Sitting in the F3 it’s a real effort for me to “hit the brake” and it ain’t quick. Sitting on the RT there is no effort, “bang, brake’s on”. SAFETY. That’s paramount. jmho

 

[Pooch]

As to all the comments about sitting on top of the Rt vs sitting down inside of the F3….
With my new 21 RTL I never felt like I was perched on top of it and now as the miles start to add up it feels like I am sitting more down in it…. Maybe the foam in the seat cushion is beginning to give in some? Its still comfy and I really do like this thing.