Should I go with ST or F3?

[peatmoss]

So I've been looking at Spyders for a few months now. First a little history on me.... I'm an ATV guy looking to get on the open road. I like the safety and security of the three wheels including a bigger bike for drivers on the road to notice. When I saw the F3 I wanted it bad! It just looked awesome and the seating position looked comfortable. I've been sitting on one at the local shop about once a week for the past three months. They sold the one I've been sitting on and I sat on the ST. It was very comfortable too! Plus it had a stereo!! I mean how cool is that? (Sorry I'm new to all this stuff) So then I started checking at price tags and realized I could get an ST with stereo and more storage for around the same as an F3. My wife and I don't like the RT. We don't want to be in that demographic yet. (No offense)

My friend is buying a two-wheeled Victory in a month or so and I will be riding with him I'm sure. He is already talking about going on day trips and such. So I need help from the Spyder folks.... Give me some direction. Should I stay with my initial cool factor and go with the F3 or should I go with the ST? Keep in mind that I haven't been on two wheels since I was a kid riding an 80cc dirt bike.

Thanks for your help! I've been secretly "stalking" the site for months and finally decided to register. I've learned a lot already. So I hope I don't kick a giant bee hive here but I want thoughts and opinions.

 

[ingramwc]

You need to be comfortable most of all! If budget is a big consideration a left over 2014 ST would save you a ton!!!!! There aren't any left over F3's it is brand new for 2015.
Both are awesome! Take a test ride on each and see which fits you best. Good luck!!:thumbup:

 

[peatmoss]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't know if the F3 was such a better handling and more comfortable ride than the ST.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:
Well; which one is "scratching your itch" the best? :dontknow:
Do you have any way to possibly ride both models; back to back?
The ST can carry a pretty decent amount of stuff up in the frunk... the F-3 comes up a bit short in that department.
The F-3 has the 1330/6-speed, while the ST runs the 998/5-spped.
The F-3 will get better fuel mileage, and the maintenance stops are less frequent...
You're the one who will be writing the check...

Lastly: Which one does your Wife like the best?????

 

[Chupaca]

Choices choices..!!

Its all in the test ryde and the checkbook...its a recreational vehicle and for me the other factors did not matter. It is a lot of fun fonding the right one and you have the added knowledge that the 16's will be announced soon and you can test them all at the international bike shows....I had no patience, saw it, loved it, bought it (the wife bought it) rode it home. :thumbup:

 

[peatmoss]

See, didn't know about the gas mileage and maintenance stuff. The wife likes them both. We initially had our hearts set on the F3. She has been on the back with me during my weekly dream trips. She like the F3. The only thing that really got me interested in the ST was the stereo and storage. I'm really torn now. I like the way that you sit in the bike on the F3 vs on the bike like the ST.

I'll ask another question too.. What about cruise? I originally was going to purchase the base model F3 with no cruise to save money but my friend told me not to buy a bike without cruise.

 

[HIspyder]

See, didn't know about the gas mileage and maintenance stuff. The wife likes them both. We initially had our hearts set on the F3. She has been on the back with me during my weekly dream trips. She like the F3. The only thing that really got me interested in the ST was the stereo and storage. I'm really torn now. I like the way that you sit in the bike on the F3 vs on the bike like the ST.

I'll ask another question too.. What about cruise? I originally was going to purchase the base model F3 with no cruise to save money but my friend told me not to buy a bike without cruise.

You can always add a stereo to the F3. I see more and more owners doing so lately.

The cruise control on these machines is excellent. I wouldn't want to drive long distances without it.

 

[MMMII]

I had a ST-S and preordered my F3S so I have experience with both. The only thing they have in common is 3 wheels.

My advice is to weigh the following:

• Comfort
• Budget
• Your riding style

Personally, I think in-dash radios are garbage (my opinion). I'd much rather have speakers in my helmet for better sound at speed. I like the Sena units for sound, passenger/group communication and navigation from my phone.

 

[jcthorne]

See, didn't know about the gas mileage and maintenance stuff. The wife likes them both. We initially had our hearts set on the F3. She has been on the back with me during my weekly dream trips. She like the F3. The only thing that really got me interested in the ST was the stereo and storage. I'm really torn now. I like the way that you sit in the bike on the F3 vs on the bike like the ST.

I'll ask another question too.. What about cruise? I originally was going to purchase the base model F3 with no cruise to save money but my friend told me not to buy a bike without cruise.

If you buy the base F3 and decide you want cruise control later, you can add it for about $220 in parts. Approx 1 hour labor or its an easy plug in DIY.

 

[peatmoss]

MMII......

Since you've had both, any regrets going with the F3 or anything you miss about the ST?

 

[MMMII]

MMII......

Since you've had both, any regrets going with the F3 or anything you miss about the ST?

None what-so-ever. I love my F3 and its what "I" always wanted in a Spyder.

If I had to pick something..... My ST had larger saddlebags (overall storage) Vs. the F3. It's really not an issue (I just carry less "stuff").

The engine (power and nanny) of the F3 fits my style of riding much more so than the ST. For me, the comfort of the F3 is much much better than the ST. The range of the F3 is also better.

With all that being said, re-reading my response further drives the point I was trying make earlier. These are all subjective items that people here (or anywhere) are not going to be able to really help you with.

We can point out the things to look for but ultimately you will have decide if you are more of an aggressive ryder or not, what "stuff" you are going to take with you, how much range fits into your equation and what is more comfortable for you.

Another re-read tells me that the above might come off as preachy. I'm so NOT trying to be. Both are great machines but without a good self assessment you might buy the wrong machine for you.

I'll be curious to what you decide.

-Cheers

 

[peatmoss]

Well I think you and others have helped reaffirmed what I already knew....... I want an F3!!!!! haha

 

[Retired 2012]

Peatmoss,
I rode MC's for 35 years before my back put a stop to it. I decided to test ride the spyders before giving up riding all together.
I sat on the ST, RT, and F3. Then test road the RT-L and the F3S. The ST just wasn't a comfortable position for me. The RT-L
handled ok, has lot of storage and all the bells and whistles. The F3S has the best positioning for me and my bad back. It
also sits lower and handles the corners better. Storage blows but there are a lot of F3 owners adding saddlebags and trunks.
I did a 1400 mile ride, earlier this month, the cruise control helped a lot, the stock seat was fine, my back held up fine and the small
blue ridge windshield worked just fine. Road in rain for a few hours and still was smiling when I got home. The point is the F3S is a
great bike for short rides and also works good for the longer trips. The 1330 and 6 speed are worth the extra money in my book.
Only compliant I have is the belt vibration between 68 and 73 mph. But with cruise control on the vibration wasn't as bad, also
I used 5 gear to get around it a lot as well. Ride them before you purchase, find the fit you want, most other components can be added on later.
Hope this helps.

 

[peatmoss]

Thanks for the info. I like getting the different perspectives.

 

[Darren111]

Well I think you and others have helped reaffirmed what I already knew....... I want an F3!!!!! haha

F3 all the way for me:yes:

 

[lousd1]

I have had an 2013 ST Limited for 2 months now and love it. For me it was partially driven by what I was willing to spend. I purchased it from a private party for $14k in perfect condition with only 4800 miles and 1 year BEST warranty remaining. How could I pass that up? It was what I originally wanted before the F3 came out. I priced an identical new 2014 ST limited and with rebates, it would be $22k out the door.

I am sure that no matter what you decide, you will love it.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[ARtraveler]

The bottom line...test drive both and see which one plucks the magic twanger.

If money is a consideration--the ST will be the best choice.

Many of us have gone from the 998 to the 1330 engine configuration. The difference is night and day. Maintenance cost is less on the 1330. Performance on the 1330 is outstanding.

I currently have one of each in the stable (both are the RT models). The 1330 is the preferred one.

Good luck on the hunt. Decisions can be hard sometimes.

 

[Bob Denman]

MMMII mentioned the power delivery of the engines... :thumbup:
If you like them to rev... go with the ST
If you're into torque... it's got to be the F-3

choose wisely...

 

[one2doo]

Just got off my F3 love it more each time I take her for a ride with the windshield and the vibration fixed it just what I wanted :yes::cheers::yes:

 

[Retired 2012]

one2doo,
What did you do to fix the vibration issue?
DJ