Prospective Buyer

[mike5511]

I'm reading and researching on these machines (the RT series) trying to decide if I want to buy one. It seems the new 3 cylinder motor has made the older models, with the V-Twin, take a nose dive in price. After I discovered the changes, I knew immediately I wanted the new motor.

Checking out the new F3 I'm thinking much the same thing. I see some serious style changes for the RT series in the future if they want to keep sales up. I think many RT customers, like me, will opt for the F3 with a windshield and bags. If you are going to buy a trailer anyway, you can get by just fine with the limited storage space on the F3. And, I think it will be much more comfortable and more fun to ride.......and it looks better too!

I've toured on two wheels with a radio, you can live without it. I've got a CB on my bike and use it when riding in groups, but at $1000.00 to add on as an option, I wouldn't add one to the RT in the first place, so it's irrelevant to consider for the F3. Yeah, I'm thinking this new F3 is going to cause some big changes! It will take a year or two before we know for sure and how much. Thoughts?

 

[MRH]

I'm reading and researching on these machines (the RT series) trying to decide if I want to buy one. It seems the new 3 cylinder motor has made the older models, with the V-Twin, take a nose dive in price. After I discovered the changes, I knew immediately I wanted the new motor.

Checking out the new F3 I'm thinking much the same thing. I see some serious style changes for the RT series in the future if they want to keep sales up. I think many RT customers, like me, will opt for the F3 with a windshield and bags. If you are going to buy a trailer anyway, you can get by just fine with the limited storage space on the F3. And, I think it will be much more comfortable and more fun to ride.......and it looks better too!

I've toured on two wheels with a radio, you can live without it. I've got a CB on my bike and use it when riding in groups, but at $1000.00 to add on as an option, I wouldn't add one to the RT in the first place, so it's irrelevant to consider for the F3. Yeah, I'm thinking this new F3 is going to cause some big changes! It will take a year or two before we know for sure and how much. Thoughts?

There's a lot here, and your post is general enough that much of this has been discussed in other posts. Personally, I see at least one point of yours from a very different perspective. If I take a long trip, I would much rather have enough storage on my RT than have to pull a trailer behind me on an F3.

I agree on the radio, but then I use bluetooth with iPhone so to me it's a pointless extra.

I think changes to the RT design, especially, are several years away. BRP just doesn't seem to do much in the way of re-designs of body styles once they release a new design, and they don't seem to have the capability of doing more than one major change each year. With the update to the RT in 2014, that would put it at the bottom of the list behind the St and RS.

On the motor issue, I completely agree - the 1330, for me, has a made a huge difference in my ride, especially with a passenger on the back.

Since we've seen that despite their very best intentions, there have been some significant issues with some years of some models, I would consider waiting until mid-year to see how the F3's are working out for the early adopters before jumping in. Hopefully, they'll be a great a the 2014 RT's.

Major design changes, I would guess (and that's all we're doing) will take five years to make it through the lineup, if they happen at all.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

MY .02

:agree: .....with "MRH".....and I also think the 990/998 is going to be abandoned by BRP . The 1330 engine and transmission are so good why would they want to try to up-grade the 30 year old 998. That engine has NO PLUSES going for it . It's the focal point of a U.S. Govt. safety investigation.....Sorry all you " V " twin lover's but I don't see BRP throwing a ton of money at it , to save it..........The Ace engine will be in all Spyders .....JMHO......Mike :thumbup:

 

[OJ UK]

.....plus at the moment it's not possible to tow a trailer behind the F3....There are no hitches available.

 

[bscrive]

I am not too sure. A fully done up F3 is the same price as a RTS. Will they be worth the same after a few years or will the F3 be not worth as much. Maybe it will be worth more but I highly doubt it. Farkles don't account for much on a used machine. The F3 will also be considered a specialized machine since it is set up for each rider. So, what will work for one will not work for another. This fact will make them less desireable to someone who is buying a used one and the depreciation will be more. If you put the short bars on the F3 and then the next person buying it may need the longer bars. The new buyer then needs to buy new bars and get all the controls removed and put on the new ones. There is a cost associated with that if you cannot do it yourself. The same for the other controls as well. The RT is set up for everyone.

 

[Highwayman2013]

The 1330 engine is great but that doesn't mean the 998 is junk. I enjoy riding the RT as much as my two wheeler. I have ridden a 2014 RT and a 2015 F3 demo and I think the new engine is great. I love the ergonomics of the F3 and hope they can bring a similar system to the RT. I agree the radio is not needed on the F3 when you have a smart phone with bluetooth. For the value conscious a used RT with a 998 engine will do just fine. If you need a CB or other add-ons a little ingenuity will go a long way. BRP does not recommend towing with the F3 but many owners will be once the aftermarket or tinkering owners get a chance to build a hitch.

Still liking the 2012 RT. Len

 

[Chupaca]

Don't know..!!

You have seemed to convince yourself as to what you want. Easy to do and a test ryde will push you over the edge...I, on the other hand, love the high rpm twin and feel brp will keep the engine but maybe in only one model. It is a unique engine and I have worked with many of the twins out there. But there will be changes no doubt and the ST, RT, F3 will all end up with the ACE engine but I do hope the RS and RSS get an equally powered twin. Good luck and will see you on an F3 with trailer no doubt...:thumbup:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I would love it if they'd make the RT more F3-like. Or make an F3 bagger for touring.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

F -3 HITCH

.....plus at the moment it's not possible to tow a trailer behind the F3....There are no hitches available.

:dontknow:...If I had an F-3 or at least access to one there would be a HITCH for it .....I've built 3 it's not rocket science ( no matter what you've heard ) :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:...Mike :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

Lots of good discussion points.

Have had both flavors of engine. I do indeed like the performance of the 1330 better than the V-twin on the RT configuration. The RS is plenty "snappy" with the V-twin. The F3 is going to be an improvement in this area.

It appears that you can make the F3 into a touring bagger, but you are going to have as much invested in the F3 as a full blown RTL when you get done. You will be lacking storage and trailer towing capacity at the moment.

Style wise on the RT--that remains to be seen. The Gold Wing has been around for almost 30 years without much being done to the basic concept. Bigger engine, lots of changes to the plastic, but still the same basic machine.

 

[Dragonrider]

Even the base RT has a radio & iPod connector - the F3 does not, nor does it have the RT's adjustable windshield. If I were in the market for a Spyder today, my first choice would be a 14 RT (some really great deals around), or a 14 ST LTD (some even better deals) second, or a 2012 RT new/used as third. The RT offers me the most bang for my buck, giving me a nice comfortable touring platform.

Neither the RS nor F3 would even be a consideration - for the same reason - neither is a good touring platform. Both are fine for going to the store or for a beer with your buds, but so is a Honda Big Ruckus.... but that's why manufacturers have so many choices - some folks like the Vrod (me), and some the Ultra (not me)......

 

[Deanna777]

The new 1330 ACE engine is bigger and quiter , better on gas, more power then the 998 engines. A smoother ride, you have the power when you need it. A lot more comfortable then the 998's. ( I use to own a 2012RTS-SE5)

I took a demo ride on a 2014RTS-SE6, it was like night/ and day. So I up graded to a 2014RTS-SE6. You can shift @ a lower RPM to higher gear. The same amount of storage in the 2014RTS-SE6.

Deanna

 

[mike5511]

Even the base RT has a radio & iPod connector - the F3 does not, nor does it have the RT's adjustable windshield. If I were in the market for a Spyder today, my first choice would be a 14 RT (some really great deals around), or a 14 ST LTD (some even better deals) second, or a 2012 RT new/used as third. The RT offers me the most bang for my buck, giving me a nice comfortable touring platform.

Neither the RS nor F3 would even be a consideration - for the same reason - neither is a good touring platform. Both are fine for going to the store or for a beer with your buds, but so is a Honda Big Ruckus.... but that's why manufacturers have so many choices - some folks like the Vrod (me), and some the Ultra (not me)......

How does the "platform" differ? I acknowledge the radio/ipod thing. I'm 6-2 and the RT doesn't fit without some mods. The F3 is adjustable which makes it a lot more useful for me. With a back rest and a windshield, adjustable or not, i'd say I can spend as many hours, comfortably, on the F3 as the RT. To me, that is what touring is about! I was unaware there was no trailer hitch for the F3, that will change I'm sure. I'm not knocking the RT. I'm still on the fence as to what I will do. Just some thoughts that popped into my head as I've researched this. I'm still thinking the F3 will be a big hit and more people will want them because they are easily adjustable to different size people. Sales will drive whatever changes are to come.

 

[Highwayman2013]

You can get great deals right now on the 2014 RT.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

one thing i noticed about the F-3 is, when riding you don't have the option of changing your leg position as you do on a RT.

And before you jump my case about the u-fit system, you have to stop the bike to change the position, i was only referring to during your ride.

Cruzr Joe

 

[MRH]

BRP does not recommend towing with the F3 but many owners will be once the aftermarket or tinkering owners get a chance to build a hitch.
Len

Since, as I understand it, using any hitch except the BRP hitch on an RT voids the warranty, I would wonder if using a hitch on a F3 will do the same thing.

 

[mike5511]

one thing i noticed about the F-3 is, when riding you don't have the option of changing your leg position as you do on a RT.

And before you jump my case about the u-fit system, you have to stop the bike to change the position, i was only referring to during your ride.

Cruzr Joe

My thinking was being able to adjust it to fit, then leave it alone. Why would you move it? Your comment made me realize that there would be no moving around with the feet on the F3. Unlike a motorcycle, most have boards and highway pegs, and on the RT you can move your feet around on the the boards and install highway pegs too. With the peg system on the F3, you are pretty much stuck in one position riding down the road.......wonder if there is a way to put highway pegs on them as well?

 

[ARtraveler]

I wonder if John from Seal Floorboards is watching the comments about foot position?

 

[Dragonrider]

How does the "platform" differ? I acknowledge the radio/ipod thing. I'm 6-2 and the RT doesn't fit without some mods. The F3 is adjustable which makes it a lot more useful for me. With a back rest and a windshield, adjustable or not, i'd say I can spend as many hours, comfortably, on the F3 as the RT. To me, that is what touring is about! I was unaware there was no trailer hitch for the F3, that will change I'm sure. I'm not knocking the RT. I'm still on the fence as to what I will do. Just some thoughts that popped into my head as I've researched this. I'm still thinking the F3 will be a big hit and more people will want them because they are easily adjustable to different size people. Sales will drive whatever changes are to come.

You have to purchase a windshield for the F3, or Seal floorboards for the RT (assuming you purchase the BASE, as I did) - the floorboards give an infinite foot placement choice, and easy access to the brakes. Keeping my feet in one position for hours of riding really isn't my choice anymore. The BRP boards and road pegs just didn't fit me, nor did I care for the silly front fenders. Being able to move the windshield - like the K12/16 Beemer, is a real treat, and I use it a lot - especially up here in the great NorthWet.

You will probably be able to fix most of the issues with the F3 using aftermarket farkles - but the base price of the F3 is thousands more than I paid for my new RT. Feature for feature, the RT is the best overall buy.

Personally, I don't like the looks of the F3, and my wife wouldn't even sit on it - but that's personal. This from the rider that prefers the Vrod to the Ultra, and the Valk to the Gold Wing.

Now, I want a bike that can haul me on a 3K trip every year, and leave me looking forward to the next one. I really don't care if my buds think it looks Kool - I get plenty of positive comments on my RT.

 

[mike5511]

Since, as I understand it, using any hitch except the BRP hitch on an RT voids the warranty, I would wonder if using a hitch on a F3 will do the same thing.

My understanding about warranties is they have to prove whatever you did that you weren't supposed to do, caused the problem you are seeking warranty for. A trailer hitch isn't gonna cause much of a problem I wouldn't think. I think HD makes much the same statement about hitches on their bikes.......hasn't seemed to slow trailer towing down with that crowd. As with a lot of things these days, it probably has more to do with liability than anything else.