Newbie Questions

[DLC]

I'm a current FJR 1300 rider thinking about moving to a Spyder as my next bike. I'll be doing some test rides over the next month or so but for now have been reading up. I have a question about the F3-S versus RS-S for those of you long-experienced ryders who have spent time on both.

As you all know it's hard to find reviews of the Spyder by people who have actually spent enough time riding them to get over the habits and expectations they bring from the four- or two-wheeled worlds. I've seen the F3-S praised a lot for being better in the twisties than the RS-S because the ryder sits lower down and can more easily brace with feet forward.

My question to you guys is whether that difference still exists for people who have several thousand miles of seat time, or whether it means the F3-S is just easier to feel comfortable on.

My reason for asking is that there are lots of great deals on old stock RS-Ss now, and if the difference isn't that great for the experienced ryder I might go RS-S rather than F3-S.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:

For a bunch of reasons: it's easy to suggest that the newer bike should be chosen...
But why would you want the RS? :dontknow:
It might fit you better...
(Ergos are ALWAYS important!)
Sitting down into the F3 might seem to make it tougher to move around on the saddle.
(If that's how you prefer to "get 'er done'!)
The RS also has a much larger frunk!
The RS pricing will probably hurt a bit less too!

So happy shopping, and choose wisely! :thumbup:

 

[Trbayth]

If you've been riding two wheels for any length of time it doesn't matter much whether it's an RS or an F3; you'll still have a lot of things to "un-learn."

If you prefer a cruiser, feet-forward feel, look at the F3. If you prefer a more sport-bike/crotch-rocket feel, look at the RS. Just keep in mind the RS was discontinued. It should still be covered by warranty but farkles will start to dry up as vendors focus more on the F3 and RT.

Have fun shopping!

 

[loisk]

I've done lots of miles on Rs, st and now f3s.

Had decades of two wheel experience before switching to the spyder and have never regretted it.

Which one for You? Only you can decide, but for me the f3s wins hands down - tho there are many happy rss riders too!

One consideration is servicing - the 1330 requires far less at double the service interval and that means $ in your pocket.

another consideration is mileage range. An unofficial survey of our two spyders, then an st and f3s, over a couple of thousand kilometres gave a 25% greater range for the triple over the twin.

Resale value may come into the equation too.

Have fun deciding!

ps for me the f3s is quite simply a better, more comfortable ride - and I have way more fun pushing the boundaries. The ergonomics, once set up via u-fit, are brilliant. You don't have to have your feet pointing forward more than you may feel is comfortable. Biggest difference for me is that knees can grab the tank, just like on two wheels. The twins were more upper body only, for me.

 

[Yazz]

I'm a current FJR 1300 rider thinking about moving to a Spyder as my next bike. I'll be doing some test rides over the next month or so but for now have been reading up. I have a question about the F3-S versus RS-S for those of you long-experienced ryders who have spent time on both.

As you all know it's hard to find reviews of the Spyder by people who have actually spent enough time riding them to get over the habits and expectations they bring from the four- or two-wheeled worlds. I've seen the F3-S praised a lot for being better in the twisties than the RS-S because the ryder sits lower down and can more easily brace with feet forward.

My question to you guys is whether that difference still exists for people who have several thousand miles of seat time, or whether it means the F3-S is just easier to feel comfortable on.

My reason for asking is that there are lots of great deals on old stock RS-Ss now, and if the difference isn't that great for the experienced ryder I might go RS-S rather than F3-S.

I still have my '09 GS/RS-S and have a '15 F3-S too. I came off a HD and have to say the F3 was a draw for me because of the feet-forward configuration and lower center of gravity.

Yeah, the F3 is just easier to feel comfortable on. Also, it's my first bike with cruise control. On my way home from picking it up, going through the mountains of Arkansas, had my first taste of the twisties. Left Hubby's truck in the dust and the F3 handled like a champ. I bought it for long road trips and it is very comfortable.

The GS, have done some very long hauls on it. You can make it as comfortable as you like. Lots of after market around to make it your own. The center of gravity is higher on the GS/RS, but the same rules for overcoming centrifugal force is the same for both types of Spyders. Lean into the curve. You can lean more on a GS/RS. The reason I still have it is... it's too much fun! When you get experienced riding it, you can slap that puppy through the twisties cleanly like no tomorrow. There are some Spyder riders I wouldn't keep up with, but not many.

It all depends on what you want out of a ride...

Hopes this helps...

 

[DLC]

Thanks for your thoughts! It's going to be tough to decide. I learned that iMotorsports does rentals so may have to go to Chicago and get a day of seat time on the F3T