Looking for some advice... contemplating purchase of a Spyder:

[Thunderchief]

Good question - similar situation

I appreciate your question and the answers you have received. I am 81-years old and currently riding a Honda ST1300, having sold the FJR last year. My wife will not ride with me on this bike but she thinks she would ride on a RT-Limited. I live in Waynesville, NC and this is a great place for motorcycling with the Blueridge Parkway nearby. I do not know of anyone around here who owns a Spyder nor is there a dealer within 50-miles so I am not getting any local help. I don't think I want to buy a new Spyder as I might find out the hard way that she won't ride on the Spyder either but I would like the Rotax engine, which leads to my question. What would be a very good (low) price to pay for a 2014 RT-Limited?

 

[BlueRidge]

The ergonomics of the F3 are quite good as the UFit system will allow you to make the adjustments to suit your body and comfortless. I have the F3S and am very pleased with the factory settings but was sold on the fact that UFit will allow me later to make any fine adjustments as required. Nothing worse than having to sell a machine because your body can't work or is discomforting in the only one fixed position. Go with an F3 series long test ride.

 

[Woodaddict]

What would be a very good (low) price to pay for a 2014 RT-Limited?

just start searching cycletrader.com, dealers use cycletrader to get more views of there inventory, new or used. I had been looking and searching of prices, and got good #'s for what a new 2016 would be. then I found online cycletrader a used 2015RT Ltd with only 224 miles on it, just under 20K. grabbed that up in a hurry.
just be an informed and educated buyer!!

 

[CA Railwhale]

Fiat

I would stay far, far away from anything made by Fiat (or Chrysler). If you want a trouble-free sports cage go get a Mazda Miata.

The new Fiat Spider is a modifed Mazda Miata. According to Car and Driver, it's actually been derated and not only costs more than a Miata, but has lower performance.

 

[bushrat]

The answer is in - 2017 F3 LTD.

Had our 2-up test ride of a 2017 RT Ltd. on Monday (two days ago). Very enjoyable, and we felt encouraged enough to continue with our consideration of purchasing a Can-Am Spyder. Yet, after dismounting back at the dealership, my hips felt sore from the RT's vertical riding position. There wasn't an F3 Ltd. readily set up and available for immediate comparison, and I was reluctant to go ahead without a similar test. Dealer offered to take a brand new F3 Ltd. out of its packing case, set it up, and be ready the next day or so. We went back this morning, Wed., for the second session. Found the F3 Ltd. was a much more comfortable ride for me; no sciatic pain, no soreness. Yes, it was 'breezier' and 'sportier'; far more reminiscent of earlier 2-wheel biking days in that 'airy' sense. Was almost expecting the girlfriend to be disappointed. Surprise, surprise!! She loved the F3 Ltd. Thought it was even more lively and enjoyable than the RT Ltd. She liked the higher passenger perch, looking over my head; didn't mind the breeze and thought it was a more fun ride. That did it. We rode back and signed the deal. We then spent an hour or so picking out new helmets, jackets, etc. Since neither of us has ridden much for several years, we no longer had any gear; we simply borrowed enough to do the test. So, in a few more days, after adding on some arm rests and GPS, we'll go back and pick up the new toy - a 2017 intense red pearl F3 Ltd. Not going to add a lot of farkle just yet; we'll put on some miles over the summer, then maybe personalize. Come fall, we'll leave Ontario and head south to Leesburg, FL, for the winter, dragging the Spyder behind us so we can continue the fun. Thanks to all who helped contribute to our decision with your knowledgeable and generous comments. As many suggested, the decision really comes down to personal preference and the ergonomics which work best. We found our answer, and hope others equally enjoy their choice, whatever it turns out to be. Hope to meet you on the road someday. Cheers.

 

[Bob Denman]

:clap::congrats:
Now... the FUN begins! :yes::yes::yes:

 

[Trailboss]

RT vs F 3

Being brutally honest about it, I’m 76, wife is 72. Both of us remain in decent shape, physically active and appear younger. I haven’t ridden a bike in years, but still hold a valid motorcycle licence. She has ridden, but is not licensed to drive; she intends to try her test. We are contemplating purchase of a bike, or sportscar – one last fling before surrendering to old age. We have the luxury of choice, and ability to indulge a bit of late-life fun. We’re seriously looking at a Spyder – BRP, or perhaps even a new Fiat sports car. I’m tempted by the RT Limited; however, I don’t find it all that comfortable to sit on. Don’t quite like the vertical position of my lower legs, and my hips feel sore. Haven’t done a test ride yet, but have sat on a few in the showroom. I feel more comfortable sitting astride the F3, with lower legs somewhat forward; wife thinks it suits us better. Wife also thinks the RT is "too big". Salesman likes to push the RT. Our use will likely be daily or weekend light cruising, maybe the odd overnight. Not likely to do extended travel. Don’t really need speed, power or noise. My question(s): do other, older riders have experienced opinions on the difference in feel of the F3 vs. the RT? Is the F3 a suitable choice for our needs/plans? If so, I think I’d be going with a 2017 F3 Limited, with rear top case, GPS and maybe a couple other basic options. Probably will turn out to be a 4-5 year proposition which I will then re-sell in hopefully good shape and limited miles to someone else for their continuing enjoyment. Comments and advice most welcome. Thanks for your input.

I'm about 12 years your junior but feel exactly the same way you do about the sitting position of the RT. I am taking a three day rider course in early July. After that I'll probably firm up my decision. The RT is pretty and costs 2,000 more than the F 3. the F 3 has adjustable footpegs and linkage for the brake peddle and/or shifter. I'm looking at the SE transmission.

 

[Bob Denman]

T.B.
You sound as if it's all about the ergonomics...



Just pick the seating position that makes you the most comfortable, and get ready for some FUN!! :yes::yes::yes::yes:

 

[al0vely]

Great decision

Congrats on your decision to purchase a new F3. I hope you enjoy yours the way I do mine.

 

[pegasus1300]

Had our 2-up test ride of a 2017 RT Ltd. on Monday (two days ago). Very enjoyable, and we felt encouraged enough to continue with our consideration of purchasing a Can-Am Spyder. Yet, after dismounting back at the dealership, my hips felt sore from the RT's vertical riding position. There wasn't an F3 Ltd. readily set up and available for immediate comparison, and I was reluctant to go ahead without a similar test. Dealer offered to take a brand new F3 Ltd. out of its packing case, set it up, and be ready the next day or so. We went back this morning, Wed., for the second session. Found the F3 Ltd. was a much more comfortable ride for me; no sciatic pain, no soreness. Yes, it was 'breezier' and 'sportier'; far more reminiscent of earlier 2-wheel biking days in that 'airy' sense. Was almost expecting the girlfriend to be disappointed. Surprise, surprise!! She loved the F3 Ltd. Thought it was even more lively and enjoyable than the RT Ltd. She liked the higher passenger perch, looking over my head; didn't mind the breeze and thought it was a more fun ride. That did it. We rode back and signed the deal. We then spent an hour or so picking out new helmets, jackets, etc. Since neither of us has ridden much for several years, we no longer had any gear; we simply borrowed enough to do the test. So, in a few more days, after adding on some arm rests and GPS, we'll go back and pick up the new toy - a 2017 intense red pearl F3 Ltd. Not going to add a lot of farkle just yet; we'll put on some miles over the summer, then maybe personalize. Come fall, we'll leave Ontario and head south to Leesburg, FL, for the winter, dragging the Spyder behind us so we can continue the fun. Thanks to all who helped contribute to our decision with your knowledgeable and generous comments. As many suggested, the decision really comes down to personal preference and the ergonomics which work best. We found our answer, and hope others equally enjoy their choice, whatever it turns out to be. Hope to meet you on the road someday. Cheers.

I think you did very well. I love the Intense Red Pearl. After I bought my Spyder (2012 RTL 50+ years riding,70years old) I took some time deciding what I needed to add befor buying anything. Now after 2 years when something comes along I know if I want it.

So ride ride ride. You all will come to love that Spyder.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: That color is just amazing! :bowdown:

 

[JayBros]

Congratulations! You made a great choice. I was very impressed with the 2016 F3 Ltd on a test ride and probably would have been more comfortable had it been set up with the U-fit system for my long legs. FIAT = Fix it again, Tony! Egads, NO!

 

[ARtraveler]

:congrats: Another F3 hits the road. :yes::yes:

 

[bushrat]

Took new bike home today ...

After nearly 77 years of trying, I may just have discovered how to become a 'chick magnet'... whatever took me so long???

 

[LateLifeCrisis]

After nearly 77 years of trying, I may just have discovered how to become a 'chick magnet'... whatever took me so long???View attachment 148974

:congrats: on the purchase and welcome! Wishing you MILES of SMILES with your new toy! Our friends are 50/50 - as to whether we're crazy or think it's a great idea. My Honey drives a RT Ltd and I have the F3 Ltd. With back problems, he found the RT to be more comfortable.....and I had a full right hip replacement last year so the F3 fits me to a "T." We throw some snacks and drinks together and hit the road - a lot of time with no particular place in mind - don't need one! It's interesting how different the world looks from the vantage point of a bike and we've been places we never would have gone with 4 wheels. Thanks to our Spyders, we have met the most interesting, diverse group of people and are learning together and sharing a great new way of life. Definately keeps the "spark" alive - - if you get what I mean......:thumbup: But since you mentioned a "chick magnet," I'm now thinkin' about the wisdom of Honey out ridin' with the boys so :lecturef_smilie:maybe it's time to have that meaningful conversation.....