I really think I need an F3

[BajaRon]

You can make your RT handle better, as mentioned above. But it will never be an F3. 2 different machines targeting 2 different riding styles. Each does a very good job of satisfying its intended audience. But everything has its trade-offs. There is no 'Perfect' ride. You have to determine what is most important to you and be willing to live with the trade-offs that come with it.

I think the RT is a great machine. But I'm just not an RT guy. I know that I'm an F3 guy (though I don't own one). I am more than willing to trade comfort and storage space for performance.

You will definitely take a big hit in the wallet if you do the switch. I would be very sure it's what you want to do. But the entire reason for riding is to enjoy the experience. If you're not satisfied with the RT, throwing more money and upgrades at it may be the worst of the 3 options you have.

 

[RICZ]

I agree with Ron and that's why I am happy with my F3L as I ride quite aggressively. As far as comfort goes, I got an Ultimate saddle used and then we went to our go-to seat customizer and had it shaped to our seats. He corrected my riding posture by moving me back a thankful inch and widened the passenger's perch to make the wife more comfy. Did I mention that heat was added?

 

[MONK]

Might be the 1st time I've seen a single (all 1 piece) F3T/L seat. Interesting.

 

[RICZ]

Might be the 1st time I've seen a single (all 1 piece) F3T/L seat. Interesting.

It's an Ultimate I bought used that wasn't the Ultimate in comfort for either of us. This is why I never do mail order seat buying or customizing. I gotta be there in person.

 

[ChicagoSpyder]

I have a 2020 F3-S Special Series, riding position 5. My first addition was Pierre's Ultimate Footboards. I have had no issues with brake pedal hitting footboard. Even after installing a larger brake pedal it didn't hit. I did eventually install a spacer between the pedal and it's arm, just to ensure that as the miles and pad wear increases even if I get more pedal travel my brake will still not hit footboard. Bought mine at end of April, a little over 4000 miles now and I have enjoyed every one of those miles!

When I took my Spyder in for it's initial service I did sit on a couple different newest versions of the RT and other F3's. As for me I much prefer sitting in the F3 than on the RT. The RT is a very nice ride but I feel much more connected to the bike on the F3.

I agree with Ron and that's why I am happy with my F3L as I ride quite aggressively. As far as comfort goes, I got an Ultimate saddle used and then we went to our go-to seat customizer and had it shaped to our seats. He corrected my riding posture by moving me back a thankful inch and widened the passenger's perch to make the wife more comfy. Did I mention that heat was added?

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One of the snowmobiling techniques that is difficult with the stock F3L seat is the ability to side saddle in the corners as it's really a clumsy effort to move around on the seat, your seat looks like it might be easy to slide into a side saddle?

I'm sending my seat out to Laam in a couple of weeks and I was thinking of having opening the pocket and rolling the edge to make it easier to move side to side, thoughts?

 

[RICZ]

I don't know who at BRP signed off on the F3L saddle because that bolster that curves around to the sides is restricting and uncomfortable. A real PITA. So I knew I was going to have to change that. When I saw photos of the Ultimate and comments guys posted here and that it is one piece, I sprung for one a forum member was selling. The 2 piece design was frustrating, to say the least. Now I have rapid access to what's under the saddle - nice. Te bun warmer is nice on these cool days too.

 

[TxSpyderGirl]

I bought my 1st Can Am Spyder around the 1st of the year. Currently riding a new 2018 RT Limited. I've been on 2 wheels most of my life and I always thought of myself as a fairly aggressive rider but always had that low side fear in the back of my brain. Of course, with the RT, there's no possibility of a low side. The more I ride (I know, it's supposed to be spelled rYde ), the more aggressive I want to ride. I want to take the curves faster and faster. For the last few months, I've been seriously considering trading my RT in for an F3T/L but haven't had the opportunity to test ride one yet. I've had offers but they never quite pan out. Sometimes it's due to my schedule, sometimes not.

Anyway, every F3 rider I've listened to has said they handle better than an RT at least partly due to sitting slightly lower in the bike (as opposed to ON the bike like my RT). I love my RT. I've added a few hundred dollars worth of "stuff" (mostly lights) to my RT and since I just bought it (and the fact that it was a new 2018), it's financially stupid to trade it in. I already know there are about $1500 worth of stuff I'd feel the need to buy as soon as I bought an F3 ("real" windscreen, backrest, Pierres floorboards (since Lamont doesn't seem to sell the RIP boards any longer), fog lights and fender lights). I'll loose what I paid for the extras on my RT. My payments will be higher (I got a pretty decent deal on my RT), too.

I guess I'm just rambling, thinking about whether I should do this.

HAGO!

So Monk - I am there with you! I have had a 14 RT and a 16 F3T that I made dark as at the time they didn't make the dark version. Have had many 2 wheel BMW's and my heart keeps going back to CanAm Spyder F3L. With the amount of leftover 2020's it really is a buyers market. I found a F3L Magme Red Dark (even though it looks orange to me) in Arkansas for $19,495. That is a $5k savings. I do have to register it in Texas, so no taxes were added just the Doc fees of $129, Freight fees of $599 and Prep fee of $399. So out the door around $20,500. They were my 6th dealer that finally gave me the price I was willing to pay. Getting real close to pulling the purse strings and getting back to riding a Spyder!!

I still think you sit higher on the RT unlike the F3T (L) which you sit down in the motorcycle like a 2 wheel. I love the way the F3 handles in the curves and for me the fit is perfect. Also, the ability to adjust the footrest at different positions which is great as my husband is 6' 3" and I am 5'7". Not that I am going to let him ride it much, but it is the thought that counts. So you might want to see what is out there and what kind of deal they will give you. It doesn't hurt to see if the $$ part works out as well. Afterall, you are under no obligation other than time spent.

Just curious won't some of the lights you added go from the RT to the F3T(L)? My experience trading in bikes is normally they don't give you what you paid for the extras and rather have it more like stock.
Anyways good luck with your decision, but I vote that you at least see what is out there and what they will give you for your bike. You never know.....