Is the F3 rear shock different to the RT's?

[Baron14y]

I've been looking to replace my RT that I gave to my son and didn't realize how much I would miss it. Found a 2018 F3 that looks interesting. Passenger backrest and arm rests. I've never driven an F3, but I hear a lot of people complaining about bottoming out when 2 up and having to change out the rear shock. Is the shock different on the F3 than on the RT? I ride 1 up 90% of the time, but when I ride with my wife, I don't want to have to worry about bottoming out.opcorn:

 

[IGETAROUND]

I am fairly certain that without upgrading the rear suspension that the F-3 will not handle an additional person well.

Al in Kazoo

 

[Gwolf]

Can't say about 2 up, but I weigh around 200 pounds, and sometimes have 30 or 40 pounds strapped on the Pax seat. Hit some bad dips and a few unexpected speed bumps. Never had the shocks bottom out yet. Mine is 2019 - F3-S - Special Series, with the OEM rear shock still on it. It might be best to upgrade if you ride 2 up very much, but I have had no problems with my weight and some cargo weight tied on the seat.

 

[Jetfixer]

Bottoming out is why they sell a 2-up shock for a base F3.

 

[Peteoz]

Which model F3 are you looking at, Baron? The Touring models have the 2 up shock, but the base and S models do not, as they are effectively set up for single riders. Regardless, it all depends on the individual. I had to upgrade my rear ‘16 F3-L shock. With me, at 300lbs, and my wife on board, it couldn’t cope.
Just for info, there is an extra inch of travel on the RT (6”) over the F3 (both the Touring and S series are around 5”)

Pete

 

[ulflyer]

Baron, not sure about the 18 model but I have a '16 F3T. Mine does not have the self inflating bladder (or whatever its called) but one that you have to inflate yourself to whatever lb works for you. I do not have any air in mine and the rear is very soft which makes for a very comfortable ride, one up at 170lb. I had a '14 RT at one time but like the lower stance, method of adjusting the floorboards to suit, etc, much better. Give it a try.....you might find you don't need an upgraded shock. If so, then you can.