Moving from RT to F3 - Have a few questions for those who have done this

[Peteoz]

Mark, hop on o the F4 site and you will find lots of info about torso heights for the respective F4 shields. You should be able to sort exactly which height will best suit. Also, make sure that those who are commenting are comparing the RT to at least a 2016 Limited and not a standard F3. The difference is significant with the two up shocks, better element protection, potential for rear trunk, etc etc etc.

Heck, I can still remember when I was trying to work out which way to go, seeing a comment from a vocal member stating that the F3 was effectively an unfairinged sports bike, which nearly caused me to buy an RT, until I saw the F3 Limited. Turns ourt that member simply hadn't bothered to stay in touch with the latest models, but was still prepared to voice an opinion.

 

[Bob Denman]

Really, Bob? :hun: For you, the F3 will never match the RT for two-up comfort. For me, the RT will never match the F3 (Limited) for two-up comfort. It's all relative, and model specific :thumbup:

I'll stand by my assessment; please feel free to disagree!
The Touring Saddle on the RT has a wider perch for both rider AND passenger... nojoke
(measure them...)

 

[Peteoz]

I'll stand by my assessment; please feel free to disagree!
The Touring Saddle on the RT has a wider perch for both rider AND passenger... nojoke
(measure them...)

hahaha......I thought disagreeing was what I was doing in my first post, Bob .....and I fully respect your personal assessment about the fit of the two trikes.....to you :thumbup:

......it may be a fact that the RT has a wider seat than the F3, but if you are assuming from that fact that that (how many "thats?) automatically makes them more comfortable, that is NOT a fact. My wife much preferred the narrower F3 seat as it gave her support where she needed it, and a perfect reach to the floorboards. Once again, everyone is different, and you don't know what will be a better touring model for you until you have spent time on both. :dontknow:

 

[armyspydervet]

The F3 will never match the RT for two-up comfort... nojoke

 

[vtrider]

I traded my 2013 RT LTD for the 2016 F3T LTD. For me I can't say anything bad about either ride. My reasons for trading was more want than need. I can say that the RT was a more plush ride with the added storage that made it better for longer rides or trips. I don't do much two up riding, so that wasn't much concern for me. The F3T I find handles better with it's low center of gravity. It is still comfortable for me. It's just a different comfort level than the RT with a lower seating and more stretched out position. I wanted the F3T for the sportier ride. When I had my 2008 GS, I've always enjoyed the fun factor it gave me over the RT and I kind of missed that. The F3T brings that thrill back, especially with the 1330 engine. If I could have afforded to keep both the RT LTD and the F3T LTD I would have, but I couldn't do that because of financial reasons. That's when I made the decision to trade in the RT for the F3T. I will probably get the rear top case option for the F3T when they become available next spring to get the added storage. That option will be pricey though, so I have to still give that one some thought.

 

[MKrone]

Thanks all for the input. While I agree the RT will probably be the long distance comfort and storage leader due to the built-in bodywork, I'm more comfortable and confident sitting down in the bike versus on top of the bike which is the RT position. Bob, I can appreciate your thoughts regarding seat width, etc, but if you recall I mentioned I have installed a Russel Day Long and the seats don't come more comfy than that. As for the longer trips, I think the new top box on the F3 L certainly has the RT top box beat and with the air shock for two up riding, I think the boss will be happy. Good idea on checking the F4 site regarding wind screen height. I'll have a trailer hitch installed should we get the itch for a multi-day trip so that settles any how much can the boss pack question.

So the decision is made, I'm going with the 2017 F3 L in the Pure Magnesium color. I'll be putting the 2016 RT-SS up for sale right when this years riding season ends so if anyone is hankering for one, I've got one to part with.

Quick list of the goodies:

2017 RT-Special Series - 3,000 careful miles
Spyderpops LED Bumpskid
Tricled LED headlights, fog lights, safety package and front fender light kit with flasher
Custom Dynamics rear tail light on the top box
KOTT grills
Garmin GPS attached to a Kradlelock mount (works very well and no worries of it getting stolen)
Lidlox & foam grips
Spyder cuff with large X grip
USB and 12V power in the fuel and amps gauge openings from JT
Baja Ron swayer and links
F4 Tall and Wide vented windscreen
Wolo Airhorn
Russell Day Long heated driver, passenger seats with backrest (black leather with titanium grey seating area in a diamond stick pattern) I also have the old seat to throw in as well

Probably about $33K to build a duplicate, I'm looking to get about $27,500

 

[Paula]

Comfort?

Thanks for this post. I am debating the similar thing... going from my 2013 RTL to a F3TL. One of the main reason is back pain. I have some sort of arthritis/spurrs? In my lumbar area. The RT feels like it is " down hill" position for me ( hard to explain but the down hill position kept me from buying lots of good horses...).

I stopped at a dealer but didn't have one for me to test ride at that time. In the spring I will wait until a day my back is sore and give it a test ride. Until then have any of you noticed a releif in low back pain on a F3?

Thanks:doorag:

 

[Tango]

I went from an RTS to a F3 Limited. Rider comfort was better for me, passenger comfort wife likes the RT better. The F3 is quicker, and brakes better to me. Handles better also. Storage to the RT, unless you get the new F3 Limited with the trunk. Wind protection, RT. But with a W/S from F4 Customs it is much better. I called Don and we talked wind protection for some time. He suggested I get one that I have to look through. I think it's a 25". Don't really remember. Give him a call before buying one. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[ncgrl1]

We switched from a 2015 RT Limited to a 2016 F3 Limited. I would never ever ever ever go back to the RT. I will admit the RT is more comfortable for the passenger...

 

[Michaelscs]

I went from an RTS to a F3 Limited. Rider comfort was better for me, passenger comfort wife likes the RT better. The RT is quicker, and brakes better to me. Handles better also. Storage to the RT, unless you get the new F3 Limited with the trunk. Wind protection, RT. But with a W/S from F4 Customs it is much better. I called Don and we talked wind protection for some time. He suggested I get one that I have to look through. I think it's a 25". Don't really remember. Give him a call before buying one. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

Tom, your the first person I've heard that feels the RT is quicker, brakes better and handles better. Is that what meant to say, or did you mean the F3?

 

[F4 Customs]

Video from F4 customs on the F3

Just a quick note we have this video on our web site that might be of help:
http://f4customs.com/index.php?route=information/videos&information_id=23
Thanks
Don

KJ

Your build profile mentioned a 21" F4 windscreen, do you look over it or through it? I guess I'm also asking if your body trunk is longer than the average as I'm 5'8. Strange question I know but it goes towards your eye level while seated so i know how much height I need in a screen. Does your wife get a lot of wind with the screen at that height?

 

[Peteoz]

Tom, your the first person I've heard that feels the RT is quicker, brakes better and handles better. Is that what meant to say, or did you mean the F3?

Hahaha........Tom has obviously drunk too much over the Christmas break, Mike......he must still be recovering. hyea:

Pete

 

[meljr]

Thanks for this post. I am debating the similar thing... going from my 2013 RTL to a F3TL. One of the main reason is back pain. I have some sort of arthritis/spurrs? In my lumbar area. The RT feels like it is " down hill" position for me ( hard to explain but the down hill position kept me from buying lots of good horses...).

I stopped at a dealer but didn't have one for me to test ride at that time. In the spring I will wait until a day my back is sore and give it a test ride. Until then have any of you noticed a releif in low back pain on a F3?

Thanks:doorag:

I have an F3, and I also have titanium rods in my lower back. My back will hurt from sitting on the couch, but I have ridden my F3 for long distances, i.e., 450 miles from KY to FL, no back pain. My left hand was killing me from the oh so hard to pull clutch, but the ol' back was fine. I am 5' 3", the sitting position is really good for me. I do love this bike.
Barb

Just a quick note we have this video on our web site that might be of help:
http://f4customs.com/index.php?route=information/videos&information_id=23
Thanks
Don

Tom, your the first person I've heard that feels the RT is quicker, brakes better and handles better. Is that what meant to say, or did you mean the F3?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Tango]

Tom, your the first person I've heard that feels the RT is quicker, brakes better and handles better. Is that what meant to say, or did you mean the F3?

No way. My bad. F3 is quicker! :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[Tango]

Hahaha........Tom has obviously drunk too much over the Christmas break, Mike......he must still be recovering. hyea:

Pete

I have recovered. LOL And it has been corrected. :thumbup: Tom :spyder: