Shopping for an RS or F3?

[TallyAmNole]

Hi everyone! First, I'd like to say thanks for all the great information on these forums! I'm in the process of shopping for a Spyder and while I try to unload some 2 wheelers, I'm trying to get an idea of what I want to aim for. I've read the recent threads regarding BRP ending the RS line and some of the pros/cons of the F3 line up. I test drove a '14 RS at a local dealer...it was fun but I'm not sure how long trips would feel on it. I sat on an F3 and a smile came out immediately. I have ridden cruisers, crotch rockets and V-Stroms and I'm leaning towards something that is easy to get on/off and comfy.

What I'm wrestling with as a solo rider....a 2016 RS-S SM5 or 2015 FE3 SM-6? They are both in the same price range that I see online (maybe $1000 more for the FE3), except BRP is offering .9% financing on select 2016 models - not sure if the RS models are included. Yep...gotta finance this one! Does it basically come down to riding preference? I know that may be a silly question, but should I be concerned with BRP ending the RS line?

Thanks for any input or advice you can provide!

 

[SPYD3R]

F3

F3 ALL THE WAY....................
i put 50L+ miles on my RS and it was great... then the F3 came to market, and i got the 1st one in So. Carolina, and since have put almost 27,000 miles on her since Feb. 2015... NO COMPARISON between the two... the F3 HANDS-DOWN is so superior to the others it's hard to explain...
but, whatever you decide to buy, i'm certain you will enjoy it like a 10 year old with a new train set... or 'tablet'...
SPYD3R

 

[Capt. Bob]

The RS is a great sporty trike and I had to decide the same thing between a 2015 RS-S or a F3-S SM6 that was a factory demonstrator. Due to my aging and desire to have longer maintenance intervals and a torquier engine, I went with the F3-S and have been absolutely loving it! It is my new "sport trike" and brings lots of smiles. Is it perfect, heck no. Is it fun, heck yes!

 

[Sarge707]

I had 35,000 Miles on my 09 GS/RS and the 2015F3 sm6 Blows it away!!! Instead of feeling like I'm about to be tossed in a hard corner with the GS
the F3 just feels secure on harder corners !!

 

[GearHd]

Don't forget about the ST, that's more upright seating than the RS and your legs are under you rather than out front like the F3. Yes it's discontinued also but it's an option.

 

[ARtraveler]

I would not purchase an RS or an ST with any kind of financing unless they give you a really really good deal. Discontinued from the get go equals a lot of depreciation hit (more so than a current model) when you drive it off the lot. If you are financing and not planning on keeping it for the full term, you are probably going to take a big hit when you try to resell. You may also be upside down on the financing (owe the bank more than it is worth).

Go with the F3 IMO. Upside: you said you like that one better.

Let us know what you decide. :yes:

 

[robertl]

We like our RS after adding a comfort seat and madstad shield.
I didn't care for the RT all that much but if we were travelling alot guess it would be more comfortable.
Rode a F3t at bike week. It was comfortable and smooth. Wife didn't like the passenger seat position.

Go to the Aimexpo in Orlando and test ride a few. It is in October.

 

[Ron2andia]

F3 is also my recommendation!

 

[Chupaca]

Ahhhh....

It's all in the test ryde. I am a die hard RS fan and will ryde 800 miles at a time without a problem. I have only added a flip to the windsheild and a comfort seat and some suspension work.....but you seem to already know what you want...that smile says it all and it is true the RS, RSS and the ST are no longer in the lineup so go with the smile...:thumbup:

 

[deer30084]

Since the 2017s are out, be sure to ask your dealer about leftover models. Consider buying locally for service reasons. Also, I am happy with the stock seat on my 2015 F3 SE6. I was always a Mustang seat kinda guy on my motorcycles. See ya on the road!

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:
It's your money, so we shouldn't tell you what to do...


But what I'd do: buy the F-3! :2thumbs:

 

[TallyAmNole]

Thanks everyone for your input! I think I'm going to pursue an F3....now I just need to get rid of two bikes to get it. BRP called me today to let me know of their Yellow Tag Clearance sale and she said the .9% financing should work on the 2015s also. Gonna go by the dealer one day this week to chat more about details. Appreciate ya all!

 

[Bob Denman]

We're gonna need to the some pictures of her sitting on it... :2thumbs: