pondering F3

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

THE CHOICE

Thanks for the comments, good stuff. It may be hard to sniff out the "pep" difference in test rides, as I'll be first time riding, and somewhat timid on a test ride. If anyone has more specific experience in this regard it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Barry

....I'm back from post #7, unless you buy a 2015 F-3, you will pay big bucks ( I just saw a 15 F-3s with SE trans for $16,000 NEW )....I suggest you take what you think you will want to carry with you to the dealership.....and see if you can get it on/in/over the F-3 ( not happening ).............as far as sporting goes, when I'm with a group of Spyders, if I'm in the lead, I will be far ahead of the pack , not matter what Spyders they are riding...........Once you learn HOW to drive one , it's plenty sporty.....jmho......Mike :thumbup:

 

[vondalyn]

Thanks for the great information everyone, I appreciate such a helpful and encouraging community. I took my motorcycle endorsement class last weekend. I am prepared (and have hall pass) for a two wheeler immediately, but if I'm going to up the cost to that of an F3, I may be looking at sometime in February before I am ready to drive one off the lot (I need to research, process and get wife on board, even though the 2015 deals are sweet, I may miss them).

I would like like to refine my expected use and ask a couple of further questions:

-My preference is sporty and fun, but also functional. I won't be doing much overnight travel (maybe a rare solo trip), my wife won't leave town without her dog, so we will be in car. The flip side is that I'll likely want to ride to work every chance I get; this means I need to be able to carry my gym bag, a laptop, and be able to grab a few things at grocery store. I'm thinking I can use a laptop backpack, gym bag in front compartment, and added on storage (or -t) for groceries, and other stuff. I'm thinking the F3 would be functionally ok, and since my preference is sporty over travel, it's the right choice.

- My understanding is that the RT is tuned less hot rod than the F3 models (not sure if it's hardware, or software, but regardless it's set up for a more touring style of enjoyment). Can anyone comment on this? Also, is it safe to assume the F3 would be comfortable for 2-up day trips (I'll add sissy bar for back seat.. but nothing compares to that throne of a backseat on the RT).

I'm going to call my insurance agent, and make sure I have coverage for test riding (two or three wheels), and plan to test ride Spyders in the next week.

Thanks again for all the help.
Barry

I sold my RT Limited for an F3. I could fit my laptop and extra riding gear, and room for groceries on the RT without having to carry anything extra. On the F3, I have the saddlebags, and I cannot fit my laptop into anything on the spyder itself. I wear a laptop backpack when I ride to work, or I use my top case if I don't feel like wearing the backpack. With that, I have SOME room for riding gear and/or groceries, but there's not that much room. For me, the fun of the F3 is worth the tradeoff of storage, but it sounds like that may not work for you. You may want to rethink some stuff -- maybe you go home and drop off all the work stuff and THEN go to the grocery store (more riding time that way )

 

[Bob Denman]

Storage... :shocked:
This is where you need to carefully look at your needs...
I'm all about carrying stuff with me: the "RT's for me"!
If you're more about the "minimalist side of life"; the F-3 could be your ride! :thumbup:

(But riding two-up: no other Spyder model can match the RT's saddle.)

 

[pville]

....I'm back from post #7, unless you buy a 2015 F-3, you will pay big bucks ( I just saw a 15 F-3s with SE trans for $16,000 NEW )....I suggest you take what you think you will want to carry with you to the dealership.....and see if you can get it on/in/over the F-3 ( not happening ).............as far as sporting goes, when I'm with a group of Spyders, if I'm in the lead, I will be far ahead of the pack , not matter what Spyders they are riding...........Once you learn HOW to drive one , it's plenty sporty.....jmho......Mike :thumbup:

I called the sales person, he is getting back to me with 2015 inventory and pricing. Thanks for the kick in rump!

 

[pville]

I sold my RT Limited for an F3. I could fit my laptop and extra riding gear, and room for groceries on the RT without having to carry anything extra. On the F3, I have the saddlebags, and I cannot fit my laptop into anything on the spyder itself. I wear a laptop backpack when I ride to work, or I use my top case if I don't feel like wearing the backpack. With that, I have SOME room for riding gear and/or groceries, but there's not that much room. For me, the fun of the F3 is worth the tradeoff of storage, but it sounds like that may not work for you. You may want to rethink some stuff -- maybe you go home and drop off all the work stuff and THEN go to the grocery store (more riding time that way )

Thanks for the first hand experience, being that you've owned both.

Best Regards,
Barry

 

[roddyhelen]

Would a 6 foot by 10 foot enclosed V - Front ENCLOSED Trailer be sufficient for my 2015 Spyder RT Roadster?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Bob Denman]

Yup! :thumbup:
But a 7x12 gives you more "wiggle and wrestling" room... nojoke

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

INVENTORY

....A lot of Dealers sell on E-bay, so I would check there. A low mileage used spyder from someone could be the ticket......Also check with IMotorsports ( look on Home page for their AD ) and Holzaur Motorsports in Illinois I got mine there and got a killer deal.....Unless you are a MECHANIC and love to do maintenance and have lots of extra money.....I would stay away from anything with the V-Twin..................I know I'm going to get YELLED at for that last statement , but I'm sticking to it.........Mike :thumbup:

 

[griffontamer]

Barry, my brother wanted an F3 but his wife was more comfortable on the back of an RT so they got an RT. Well, guess what? She doesn't want to ride on it at all now, and he still wishes he had an F3. If your wife doesn't like the F3's seat as much, you can always upgrade the seat. If you are lucky enough to get a 2015 close-out model, you will save more than enough to get whatever saddle bags you want. So both seat and storage can be addressed while you still get the machine you like

 

[hollylmh]

F3T

I think that without a doubt, the spyder is a lot safer than any 2 wheeler due to the reasons that you mentioned. As for choosing between a F3 and a F3T, I am definately not a fan of the storage amount on the F3. If I had a F3, I would have to bite the bullet and purchase a set of Corbin bags (they are the best looking of any IMOP). I have not seen the F3T in person, but I like the photos that I have seen. My only hope is that the bags are large enough to be useful. Good luck with your shopping.

The F3T bags will not hold a full face helmet. My SHAD saddlebags do.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

ABSOLUTELY

Would a 6 foot by 10 foot enclosed V - Front ENCLOSED Trailer be sufficient for my 2015 Spyder RT Roadster?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

..........Sorry but I don't have pics. but I built a flatbed on my Toyt pk-up and then built a cover over it.......I put my 2014 RT inside.....it measures 66 inches wide ( inside )..............Yes that leaves almost no room around it, but I only use one heavy duty Rachet strap over the rear tire ( in-line ) and that holds it down extremely well. It will again be at Spyderfest this year...............Mike :thumbup:

 

[hk31]

Samesy...

Barry, my brother wanted an F3 but his wife was more comfortable on the back of an RT so they got an RT. Well, guess what? She doesn't want to ride on it at all now, and he still wishes he had an F3. If your wife doesn't like the F3's seat as much, you can always upgrade the seat. If you are lucky enough to get a 2015 close-out model, you will save more than enough to get whatever saddle bags you want. So both seat and storage can be addressed while you still get the machine you like

My wife has made the same decision, but I bought the F3-S so ha!

To the OP, I may be interested in selling (in Nashville) as I am taking a job opportunity overseas assignment so I won't be around to enjoy my toy... Love the F3. Way more fun than any other Spyder - the relaxed nanny on this byke makes it fun for sure!

 

[pville]

Barry, my brother wanted an F3 but his wife was more comfortable on the back of an RT so they got an RT. Well, guess what? She doesn't want to ride on it at all now, and he still wishes he had an F3. If your wife doesn't like the F3's seat as much, you can always upgrade the seat. If you are lucky enough to get a 2015 close-out model, you will save more than enough to get whatever saddle bags you want. So both seat and storage can be addressed while you still get the machine you like

that sounds like the exact trap I would fall in,and the exact way it would play out with my wife! Thanks for story... perspective!

Thanks,
Barry

 

[pville]

The F3T bags will not hold a full face helmet. My SHAD saddlebags do.

I'll look into SHAD bags, I'm about convinced to just buy the -s model (not the -t), so my options will be open for storage.

Thanks for chiming in with that info, that helps with one of the decision points for sure.

Barry

 

[pville]

My wife has made the same decision, but I bought the F3-S so ha!

To the OP, I may be interested in selling (in Nashville) as I am taking a job opportunity overseas assignment so I won't be around to enjoy my toy... Love the F3. Way more fun than any other Spyder - the relaxed nanny on this byke makes it fun for sure!

Thanks for the comments. What is your timeline to sell? The deals on the 2015 blow out are pretty good right now through the end of February, it might make sense to let the 2015s blow out if you have the time. I'm in Austin, and pretty busy with family, I'm not sure I've had osmosis time to get fully behind the idea of buying a toy this expensive; I had been looking at two wheelers half the cost (on the high end) and had rationalize that pretty well (and had wife buy in). I'm pretty distracted (excitedly) by the thought of an F3, and a good deal tempts me to bypass my normal osmosis process...

Keep me in the loop on your plans, I'm in Austin, so it may be a long shot, but it's possible it could work out.

 

[hk31]

PM sent

I'll send you a PM so as not to further hijack the thread.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

F3T

As for storage, having had the opportunity to see the F3T up-close and personal, they have not added much in the way of storage. You could cram some very small soft sided bags in the saddle bags, a couple of t-shirts and a change undies perhaps. I can't say that it would be worth the added expense to go that route. I will say that as far as riding two up, if you want your wife to feel safe and secure (if she doesn't she won't ryde with you) the back seat of the RT is indeed plush, and more importantly, secure!

 

[vondalyn]

back seat/passenger

the F3 back seat (if you have one) is actually very comfortable, but the passenger backrest is absolutely needed. the rear shock with 2 up leaves a lot to be desired, so if you go the F3 route, you'll want to look into a different rear shock.

 

[OJ UK]

The new upgraded shock (being sold at $230) may be the cheapest way to go.

Part# 219400739.

 

[Dtryke]

Owner again

Barry,

here's another 2 cents.. I owned a 2009 SE.. Lots of fun but leg heating issue limited summer riding in Tucson. Sold it a couple years back.. BTW, the point of this post is I bought it used. I live in Tucson and drove to Las Vegas and trailered it home for a good deal.

just getting back into it. Bought a used F3S manual. Used again for $14,500. If you look used enough, you can find great deals