This is my unsolicited opinion of the 2015 F3 SE6 after 2000 miles, in comparison to the 2008 GS SE5 that I owned for three years, plus dozens of customer Spyders that I’ve worked on for five years.
The purpose is to help others who are considering an F3.
Overall I am extremely happy with my F3 and would, without hesitation, recommend it to a first-time Spyder owner or as an upgrade from a GS/RS.
BRP got nearly everything right this time!
PROS
Reliability
Comfort, adjustable pegs and bars, upright seating, built-in mini-backrest
Consistent drivetrain performance
More HP and torque
Added sixth gear
Better brakes
Very stable engine temperature
Less heat from radiators onto lower legs
Increased maintenance interval
Improved fuel mileage
Optional fuel economy mode
No wrist or back pain (this made me give up my GS due to its sport posture)
Fuel tank can be filled from either side, while remaining seated on bike
Can add BRP cruise control to base F3 for about $200 and two hours
No hard engine re-starting caused by heat-soak
CONS
Loss of 40% trunk space
Driveline vibration at specific speeds (awaiting BFP fix)
Non-adjustable, too-soft rear shock (awaiting BRP fix)
Handlebar controls hit and mar the body panels at full-lock
Low chin, hits speed bumps and driveway entries
Passenger foot pegs will not stay in up position
Dim instrument panel turn signal indicator (fixed using Muth LED mirror indicators)
Black fenders on non-black F3 (fixed with color-matched fenders)
Still using incandescent bulbs on a modern $22k+ vehicle!
High BRP accessory cost
Limited body color choices
Extensive oil level checking process
Some handlebar switches not backlit, a safety issue
Unacceptable saddlebag quality (fixed on 2016 F3-T?)