I am new to the forum and just started looking for a three wheeler after getting bad news from my Dr. I test drove a F3 yesterday but the dealer I was at had no GS in stock. I would like to know the difference in riding position between two models. I am also going to look at HD because I have ridden harley motorcycle for years.
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GS vs F3
- Thread starter TMC
- Start date
Let me start by saying I'm no expert. The GS is the old model, I think you really would want to compare an RS vs ST vs a F3 for a single rider. The RT is the way to go for two up.
RS is the sport model with a sport bike seating position.
ST is a standard seating position with some nice upgrades
F3 is a cruiser seating position with a bigger engine and the next generation.
RS is the sport model with a sport bike seating position.
ST is a standard seating position with some nice upgrades
F3 is a cruiser seating position with a bigger engine and the next generation.
Chupaca
New member
There you have it....
in a nutshell...if your coming from the harley types you will be happier with the F3 for the seating position and the the low rpms. Personally I love the RS/GS but was never a harley type. Bob should be along with the graphics of the seating positons, hang in there...:thumbup:
in a nutshell...if your coming from the harley types you will be happier with the F3 for the seating position and the the low rpms. Personally I love the RS/GS but was never a harley type. Bob should be along with the graphics of the seating positons, hang in there...:thumbup:
Bob Denman
New member
35 years?
??? Say what?1998 was the first year of the v990 and it has 18 years of tried and true race and reliability history.
The 1330 is 2 years old, so while the "wave of the future" performance and long term reliability are yet to be proven.
The revs a motor runs means absolutely nothing. That's like saying a Ford pickup is better than a Ferrari 458 because it runs lower revs...[emoji23] [emoji23]
To the OP. You REALLY need to ride them and decide what works best for you. They are completely different machines.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Slagiatt
Member
RT to GS to F3
After owning an RT for 2 years, I traded for an '09 GS manual because I wanted a bit more "motorcycle" feel. Using aftermarket accessories, I tried to turn it into a cruiser, with some limited luck. However, when the F3 was announced, I immediately sold the GS and ordered an F3.
I've been riding for just over 40 years...all types and sizes of 2-wheelers, and three Spyders to date.
I don't know of any other way of saying this....but the F3 is THE most amazing machine I've ever ridden. You just can't get the smile off of your face.
Comparing riding positions: GS (RS/RSS now) has an "upright" seating position like the RT. It almost requires you to install highway pegs to ride it for extended periods. The F3's normal riding position pegs are in a highway peg (forward) position. With my driver's backrest, the only way I can describe the F3 is that it is like sitting in a recliner. I've never, in the past, wanted to do more than 50 miles without a stop and stretch...on any motorcycle. With the F3, I can just keep going. On my Arizona trip last year, I did just over 650 miles on the last day and could have done more.
Summary: IMHO, there is just no other motorcycle/trike/two-wheeler that is as fun and comfortable to ride as an F3. By the way, did I say that I like it?
:yes:
After owning an RT for 2 years, I traded for an '09 GS manual because I wanted a bit more "motorcycle" feel. Using aftermarket accessories, I tried to turn it into a cruiser, with some limited luck. However, when the F3 was announced, I immediately sold the GS and ordered an F3.
I've been riding for just over 40 years...all types and sizes of 2-wheelers, and three Spyders to date.
I don't know of any other way of saying this....but the F3 is THE most amazing machine I've ever ridden. You just can't get the smile off of your face.
Comparing riding positions: GS (RS/RSS now) has an "upright" seating position like the RT. It almost requires you to install highway pegs to ride it for extended periods. The F3's normal riding position pegs are in a highway peg (forward) position. With my driver's backrest, the only way I can describe the F3 is that it is like sitting in a recliner. I've never, in the past, wanted to do more than 50 miles without a stop and stretch...on any motorcycle. With the F3, I can just keep going. On my Arizona trip last year, I did just over 650 miles on the last day and could have done more.
Summary: IMHO, there is just no other motorcycle/trike/two-wheeler that is as fun and comfortable to ride as an F3. By the way, did I say that I like it?
:yes:
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
:welcome:
Bottom line--its different strokes for different folks--or--whatever floats your boat. You need to ride the actual models and see what suits your wallet and your riding style (likes and dislikes), best.
Let us know what you figure out. :yes:
Bottom line--its different strokes for different folks--or--whatever floats your boat. You need to ride the actual models and see what suits your wallet and your riding style (likes and dislikes), best.
Let us know what you figure out. :yes:
sledmaster
Member
I would suggest you study, very carefully, the four ergonomic diagrams of the four Spyder models posted by Bob (above). This is critical information.
The differences in riding positions between the models are very well detailed here. How far you lean forward. What kind of knee bend there will be. How much of a hip angle. How low you sit. Hence the RS is Sport, ST is Sport Touring, RT is Touring, and F3 is Cruiser, each with a unique riding position.
The RS leans you forward more than any other. The RT sits you upright. The ST is in-between these two. The F3 is the most different, it sits you much lower and your feet are out in front of you - cruiser riding position. Some riders LOVE this riding position. I personally found I was too tall for the F3, despite the superior handling it provided from the lower cg and shorter moment arm. My knees were constantly hitting the panel edges alongside the fuel cell, and the wind protection (lack of) was simply unacceptable for how and where I ride.
So, your physical size is a factor as well as your personal preferences. Personally I fit the ST better than any other. You will likely find one of them to "fit" you better than the others.
In an ideal world, you should sit on each model. Better yet, you should ride each model. But, try to find a dealer with all four models available for a test ride. Good luck.
For some, the three-cylinder 1330 ACE engine is reason enough to buy an RT or F3. It is not available in an RS or ST. I found the six speed tranny of the F3 to have the gear ratios way too tight, all I was doing was shifting. With that kind of torque, the ratios should be spread out further, not tighter. Ideally.
The differences in riding positions between the models are very well detailed here. How far you lean forward. What kind of knee bend there will be. How much of a hip angle. How low you sit. Hence the RS is Sport, ST is Sport Touring, RT is Touring, and F3 is Cruiser, each with a unique riding position.
The RS leans you forward more than any other. The RT sits you upright. The ST is in-between these two. The F3 is the most different, it sits you much lower and your feet are out in front of you - cruiser riding position. Some riders LOVE this riding position. I personally found I was too tall for the F3, despite the superior handling it provided from the lower cg and shorter moment arm. My knees were constantly hitting the panel edges alongside the fuel cell, and the wind protection (lack of) was simply unacceptable for how and where I ride.
So, your physical size is a factor as well as your personal preferences. Personally I fit the ST better than any other. You will likely find one of them to "fit" you better than the others.
In an ideal world, you should sit on each model. Better yet, you should ride each model. But, try to find a dealer with all four models available for a test ride. Good luck.
For some, the three-cylinder 1330 ACE engine is reason enough to buy an RT or F3. It is not available in an RS or ST. I found the six speed tranny of the F3 to have the gear ratios way too tight, all I was doing was shifting. With that kind of torque, the ratios should be spread out further, not tighter. Ideally.
Deer Slayer
New member
With my l4 and l5 fusions I find the F3 painful to ride on rough roads. Bridge dips the worse. My RS-S allows me to use the pegs to remove pressure from my spine. One may do the same on the ST. I completed 3400 mi trip to Texas. My 2014 RS-S is now at 21000 miles. Ryde on.:riding:
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griffontamer
New member
Same here, going over bumps on the F3 I end up absorbing the impact with my spine (NOT GOOD). The RS-S allowed me to use my legs as extra suspension and my back was ok. I imagine the ST would allow the same.
sledmaster
Member
Good observations. On an ST (with your feet under you) you can simply stand up at any time. The force of the impacts can be partially absorbed by your knees which have some flex to them, where on an F3 the forces of the bumps pretty much are going to your back with since your feet are out in front of you.
It is funny, the F3 is like a snowmobile from 20 years ago, rider sitting back and feet out front. Then came the ski-doo REV in 2003, feet under you so your back was relieved, allowing the rider to stand easily at will, able to use your legs instead of your arms. The ST is closest to a snowmobile riding position, most familiar to me and most comfortable through the bumps, for me.
It really comes down to what you like and what you are used to. People with bad knees have trouble with the ST and GS, people with bad backs might shy away from the F3. The RT is just too damn tight for a tall rider, where the ST is better suited for tall riders. I guess that is why we have four models with four different riding positions to choose from!
It is funny, the F3 is like a snowmobile from 20 years ago, rider sitting back and feet out front. Then came the ski-doo REV in 2003, feet under you so your back was relieved, allowing the rider to stand easily at will, able to use your legs instead of your arms. The ST is closest to a snowmobile riding position, most familiar to me and most comfortable through the bumps, for me.
It really comes down to what you like and what you are used to. People with bad knees have trouble with the ST and GS, people with bad backs might shy away from the F3. The RT is just too damn tight for a tall rider, where the ST is better suited for tall riders. I guess that is why we have four models with four different riding positions to choose from!
We can give a lot of feedback but most people will agree everyone is a bit different and the only way to really know is to ride them for yourself.
I bought a used RS. It already had adjustable bars and I added a comfort seat (set me back and with bars I have the same position as a ST minus feet position).
I probably should have looked more for a ST since the riding position was a little more relaxed, but the RS was local and in my price range.
If you are on the fence of RS vs ST, just take into consideration bar position/cost, windshield cost, seat cost, and floorboard costs.
Often cheaper to find a ST if you want all that.
I've ridden the F3 once and I really liked it. Smoother throttle response, less heat on my legs/feet, stock seat was comfy, but the wind noise was extreme.
I have a minor lower back issue that comes and goes so will be interesting to get a little more seat time and see how it affects my back. Will be riding again this October at AIMExpo demo rides.
I bought a used RS. It already had adjustable bars and I added a comfort seat (set me back and with bars I have the same position as a ST minus feet position).
I probably should have looked more for a ST since the riding position was a little more relaxed, but the RS was local and in my price range.
If you are on the fence of RS vs ST, just take into consideration bar position/cost, windshield cost, seat cost, and floorboard costs.
Often cheaper to find a ST if you want all that.
I've ridden the F3 once and I really liked it. Smoother throttle response, less heat on my legs/feet, stock seat was comfy, but the wind noise was extreme.
I have a minor lower back issue that comes and goes so will be interesting to get a little more seat time and see how it affects my back. Will be riding again this October at AIMExpo demo rides.
Badco149
New member
F3 -T Special
Hi All
I just bought my F3-t last week and so far I am loving it so much. I have bad knees and with the U-FIT I was able to adjust so I ride with the greatest of ease. I loved the RT but found it was too wide at the tank and my knees were bend as to where I could not lift foot onto brake pedal. I used to ride a Yamaha 750 15 years ago and when I saw the F3-T I wanted it. Still getting the feel for it as it for sure is different but so much fun. Does anyone have any advice on what to use to wipe the bike down and to use on the matte finish hood paint?
Thanks
Badco149
Hi All
I just bought my F3-t last week and so far I am loving it so much. I have bad knees and with the U-FIT I was able to adjust so I ride with the greatest of ease. I loved the RT but found it was too wide at the tank and my knees were bend as to where I could not lift foot onto brake pedal. I used to ride a Yamaha 750 15 years ago and when I saw the F3-T I wanted it. Still getting the feel for it as it for sure is different but so much fun. Does anyone have any advice on what to use to wipe the bike down and to use on the matte finish hood paint?
Thanks
Badco149
Attachments
Use pledge on the glossy panels after a wash. Matt use nothing just wash. I want to try "Back to Black" on the matt sometime
HayRog
New member
Ergonomics:
Great info Bob :thumbup:
I'd like to lean forward a little on the RT (better for my back). The TriAxis bars will allow me to do that I assume ?
AY4B
New member
Those diagrams are good only if you ride like a stick man. I dont. I like to move as I ride and am constantly moving my legs and torso on my ST. If I see a bump ahead I can put more weight on my legs. If I want to ride with my feet forward, cruser style I just use my web pegs. On an F3, you are stuck pretty much in one position. Another point is a V twin when you put the right exaust sounds to me more like a motorcycle. Something about that V Twin experience that I like. :thumbup:
Peteoz
Well-known member
Too Tall
How tall are you, Sledmaster? I'm 6'7" with a 37" inleg and at my initial seating in the dealers, the F3 was the only Spyder that had enough legroom.....I have bad knees and am current riding a Victory Vision with a feet forward layout.
Pete
How tall are you, Sledmaster? I'm 6'7" with a 37" inleg and at my initial seating in the dealers, the F3 was the only Spyder that had enough legroom.....I have bad knees and am current riding a Victory Vision with a feet forward layout.
Pete
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