Question for all the people unhappy with factory F3 saddle bags.

[CanAmChris]

Thanks for the pics, Chris. They actually look really good up close! I noticed you got rid of the chrome (awesome!) but did you also have them reupholstered or is that the factory finish?

It is factory. The chrome part is the hinge. I disassembled the bags to get the hinge separate and shot it with white plasti-dip, then put it back together. Here is a link to the DIY: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?85698-F3-saddle-bag-hinge-remove-for-paint

 

[TommyBwell]

It is factory. The chrome part is the hinge. I disassembled the bags to get the hinge separate and shot it with white plasti-dip, then put it back together. Here is a link to the DIY: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?85698-F3-saddle-bag-hinge-remove-for-paint

Thanks for the directions. How long did it take you and how do you rate your mechanical ability? This could sway me but I would most likely just screw them up.

 

[CanAmChris]

Thanks for the directions. How long did it take you and how do you rate your mechanical ability? This could sway me but I would most likely just screw them up.

Four or five hours total. The biggest time span was waiting for the coats of plasti-dip to dry before applying the next one. I put on four or five. The second bag was easier since I learned from the first one. I would say 10 minutes disassembly and 10 minutes re-assembly per bag. It would have been much faster but I went slow to make sure things lined up as perfectly as they could.

To play it safe, I let the hinges sit overnight for the plasti-dip to cure before re-assembly The great thing about plasti-dip is if you screw it up, you just pile it on thick, let it dry, peel it off and start all over. It won't hurt paint or chrome. One $7 can will do the hinges with no problem. I only painted the outside chromed section and didn't care if some overspray got on the rest. You can't see it anyway when the bag is back together.

I have a pretty good working knowledge of mechanical things (I can describe in detail how a four stroke engine works, from the valve covers down to the oil pan), but when it comes time to put it into practice, not so great. If I use hand tools there will be blood involved at some point. I am the only guy I know who can manage to cut a knuckle taking out two hex head bolts.

Hope this helps!

Edit: I also put all the bolts and screws back where I took them from, even if they were the same size, and I masked off the majority of the reflector. To remove the overspray on the reflector I used one of those wooden cuticle push back things you get at the drug store.

 

[Gordon]

I agree, the black pannier boxes on the police edition looks great, I like the top box, too
Any idea on how to get them and mount them???

Response from BRP:

In response to your request, the saddlebags from the 2016 F3-P will fit on a 2015 F3 as long as you use the required supports/brackets from the F3-P. We would suggest speaking with your local BRP dealer to order.

 

[stebrock]

What is the 2016 F3-P?

 

[Magdave]

What is the 2016 F3-P?

 

[Blickdave]

What is the 2016 F3-P?

The "Police" Edition F3 Spyder.

 

[griffontamer]

The F3-P looks sweet

 

[eagleeye299]

What is the 2016 F3-P?

F3 Police Model

 

[jtpollock]

COOOOOOOL :thumbup: jtpollock

 

[dreid999]

Hi all!

I have heard so many complaints about BRP bags that I am glad I did not bite the bullet and buy them with the bike.

BUT... is it only the bags themselves that are the problem? Are you guys happy with the mounting hardware, and how well the quick disconnect feature works? Has anyone had issues with those parts?

Does anyone have a picture of the factory mounting hardware before installation?

I am considering trying to get a hold of the brackets and hardware and making custom bags for it or modifying another brand of bags to fit it. If I can get the hardware by itself and for a reasonable price, that is (if you guys have ideas on where to get it, even better!

I think the Corbin bags are quite attractive but first, they are way out of my budget (would have financed factory bags with the bike, hardly raising my monthly payment, but decided not to). And second, I am not 100% happy with the design (I wish the back wasn't notched as far) or the fact that they don't have a quick disconnect like the factory bags do so I thought I'd try something different.

Thanks in advance!

I have the BRP Bags, love them, make sure you have them adjusted correct on installation...no trouble after you figure them out.

 

[catfishyates]

Cross Country Saddle Bags F3 are not secure!

So I have installed my cross country saddle bags and I am pleased with how they look. The lock on the bag is a pain but figure some time will work it's stiffness out. So I thought: Are these bags really locked on the bike? To my surprise they slide right off with out unlocking them from the inside! Not sure if I am doing something wrong but the dial on the inside of the bag does not lock and the bar that slides to secure the bags will move at anytime! So not real happy right now. Instructions don't say anything about how it works other than showing an arrow on what direction to turn it. Suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[catfishyates]

I have the BRP Bags, love them, make sure you have them adjusted correct on installation...no trouble after you figure them out.

So I have installed my cross country saddle bags and I am pleased with how they look. The lock on the bag is a pain but figure some time will work it's stiffness out. So I thought: Are these bags really locked on the bike? To my surprise they slide right off with out unlocking them from the inside! Not sure if I am doing something wrong but the dial on the inside of the bag does not lock and the bar that slides to secure the bags will move at anytime! So not real happy right now. Instructions don't say anything about how it works other than showing an arrow on what direction to turn it. Suggestions would be appreciated.

These adjustments you speak of, are they anything to do with the locking of the bag to the bike?
​

 

[bboley]

There are a lot of options out there about bags for the F3 turns out that its not that hard at all to mount just about anything you want to using the grab bar mounts. I am going to use this combination using viking bags and a universal mount with easy disconnect designed for the F3. This may be one reason Can Am is building the bags into the F3 to have the buyers pay for the option up front and not having the money going to other vendors


http://www.greatbikegear.com/index.php/easy-brackets-for-2015-and-later-can-am-spyder-f3-f3s.html



http://www.vikingbags.com/viking-sid...QueryId=284703

I went with Viking Bags $250 and a "easy bracket" of of Ebay $150. The install was easy enough if you have a little wrenching experience.

 

[Daddy Long Legs]

Stay away from the Corbin bags. They look nice but:
1. The tops will not stay up so you have to hold them up with one hand while you load the bags with the other
2. The lock just fell off on mine while driving (during the first week after purchasing)
3. Corbin says they are colored match but they are not. The black is a different black and it shows in daylight
4. They are the most expensive thing out there

 

[VinnyMac]

So im thinkin about going with the shad bags wondering how hard they r to put on and off and how easy it is to the the bracket off