Plain F3 or F3S??

[SASR]

Hello, looking for some opinions about the differences between a plain F3 and a F3S. I am planning to buy a Spyder again. I had a 2015 F3S before and sold it last year. I am trying to get into riding again but cannot decide if spending the additional money on a F3 S is woth it. My local dealer has decent prices on both models as 2017 and I know there are some small cosmetic diiferences like the front wheels, front fenders but according to specs the plain F3 has a bit less power and the front shocks are different, not mentioning also the lack of cruise control.
Besides the fenders and wheels, does anyone know if the horsepower difference or the front shocks performance is noticeable for cruising around town or taking country back roads on weekends? Definitely not looking to take it on a track.
Thanks

 

[Rattlebars]

Personally I like the F3-T. The extra storage is welcome, the stereo is adequate and cruise is essential. I find the lines of the body to be sleek and attractive. If you have no frequent passenger it's ideal.

 

[jcthorne]

The 2017 base model in addition to lower HP also comes with the smaller rear pulley. There is a significant and noticeable performance difference between the F3 and F3S for 2017 and 18. 15 and 16 models the performance was the same between them.

There are a few other differences as well. Cruise control that you mentioned. Some trim and color options and the forward rails next to the instrument cluster are plastic on the base model rather that metal and have to be changed out to mount a BRP windshield. Some years the base model is missing the transmission side cover. The front shocks are different but neither are great. They have the same lack luster rear spring/shock.

 

[ARtraveler]

Upline is usually preferable to the base model--if you want some of the "must have" stuff. Usually you get "package" accessories that are less than if purchased separately. All companies make their extra money by selling you "add ons." By the item is much better for them as compared to a package. :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[ofdave]

I added the Blue Ridge windshield to my 2017 base model at time of purchase.
There was no change to the forward rails to mount the shield. They are metal.
I chose the base for two reasons, one being price.
The second being less "stuff" to go wrong. No air pump to fail, no airbag to leak, no radio or other electronic gizmos to fail.
I see very few problems mentioned here with the base model. Admittedly, there are much fewer of them but I think a lot of the issues folks have is because of all the electronic complexity on the upper level models.

 

[blacklightning]

Personally I like the F3-T. The extra storage is welcome, the stereo is adequate and cruise is essential. I find the lines of the body to be sleek and attractive. If you have no frequent passenger it's ideal.

:agree:, I went with an F3T for the reasons stated above. But if I was to choose only between the F3 and F3S, I would probably go with the F3 and just have cruise control added. That is a must for me. Good luck shopping.

 

[Highwayman2013]

I added the Blue Ridge windshield to my 2017 base model at time of purchase.
There was no change to the forward rails to mount the shield. They are metal.
I chose the base for two reasons, one being price.
The second being less "stuff" to go wrong. No air pump to fail, no airbag to leak, no radio or other electronic gizmos to fail.
I see very few problems mentioned here with the base model. Admittedly, there are much fewer of them but I think a lot of the issues folks have is because of all the electronic complexity on the upper level models.

No air pump on the F3S

 

[Highwayman2013]

Hello, looking for some opinions about the differences between a plain F3 and a F3S. I am planning to buy a Spyder again. I had a 2015 F3S before and sold it last year. I am trying to get into riding again but cannot decide if spending the additional money on a F3 S is woth it. My local dealer has decent prices on both models as 2017 and I know there are some small cosmetic diiferences like the front wheels, front fenders but according to specs the plain F3 has a bit less power and the front shocks are different, not mentioning also the lack of cruise control.
Besides the fenders and wheels, does anyone know if the horsepower difference or the front shocks performance is noticeable for cruising around town or taking country back roads on weekends? Definitely not looking to take it on a track.
Thanks

There is a new model coming out this fall, an under $10K Spyder. For the occasional ride it might be perfect.

 

[jcthorne]

I added the Blue Ridge windshield to my 2017 base model at time of purchase.
There was no change to the forward rails to mount the shield. They are metal.
I chose the base for two reasons, one being price.
The second being less "stuff" to go wrong. No air pump to fail, no airbag to leak, no radio or other electronic gizmos to fail.
I see very few problems mentioned here with the base model. Admittedly, there are much fewer of them but I think a lot of the issues folks have is because of all the electronic complexity on the upper level models.

Sounds like the dumped the plastic side rails in the later base models. i always thought it was a dumb way to try and save a few $$.

 

[blacklightning]

There is a new model coming out this fall, an under $10K Spyder. For the occasional ride it might be perfect.

I must say, I am anxiously waiting to see if this is going to really happen, and what it might look like.

 

[Colin]

Sounds like the dumped the plastic side rails in the later base models. i always thought it was a dumb way to try and save a few $$.

I have a 2015 Base Model, and no plastic side rails on mine when I mounted my Blueridge Screen.

 

[Bob Denman]

Since it's your money: you get to make the call! :2thumbs:
But if it were my money: I'd want the "S"!

 

[jcthorne]

I have a 2015 Base Model, and no plastic side rails on mine when I mounted my Blueridge Screen.

Are you sure yours are metal? I have had to replace 3 sets on 2015 and 16 base model F3, one of them my own.

 

[jcthorne]

Since it's your money: you get to make the call! :2thumbs:
But if it were my money: I'd want the "S"!

There are also color differences. Thats why I started with a base model and added. I wanted the gloss black frame, not matte and the silver metallic side castings and rear wheel to go with the planned blue paint. None of that was available on the S trim level. Adding cruise and the other bobbles was not hard, easier than changing out frame parts to be sure.

 

[SASR]

I added the Blue Ridge windshield to my 2017 base model at time of purchase.
There was no change to the forward rails to mount the shield. They are metal.
I chose the base for two reasons, one being price.
The second being less "stuff" to go wrong. No air pump to fail, no airbag to leak, no radio or other electronic gizmos to fail.
I see very few problems mentioned here with the base model. Admittedly, there are much fewer of them but I think a lot of the issues folks have is because of all the electronic complexity on the upper level models.

Thanks and I agree that is why I am choosing between F3 and F3S, which I think the only electronic difference is thecruise control.

 

[SASR]

There is a new model coming out this fall, an under $10K Spyder. For the occasional ride it might be perfect.

Where did you see that information? I have not seen anything on the BRP site and if I remember correctly, new models are released in late August.

 

[SASR]

Since it's your money: you get to make the call! :2thumbs:
But if it were my money: I'd want the "S"!

I think I will go for the S soon. Thanks

 

[SASR]

No air pump on the F3S

What is the air pump for??

 

[fatenhappy]

:agree:, I went with an F3T for the reasons stated above. But if I was to choose only between the F3 and F3S, I would probably go with the F3 and just have cruise control added. That is a must for me. Good luck shopping.

:agree: …. and totally … from another more than happy F3-T brother! :yes::yes::yes::yes:

 

[fatenhappy]

What is the air pump for??

If its the same as my 2017 F3-T … its found under the pillion seat and used to adjust the rear shock ride height for various loads … fat - fatter or Ouch that hirts! :yikes: