ST or F3T

[NCSpyderGurl]

i did the spyder demo ryde and fell in lust! Now I'm gearing up for a purchase. This will be my first 3 wheeler and have ridden 2 wheels for many moons. I plan on keeping my Harley Street Glide for now. So my question is this ...... bite the bullet on an F3 or find a great deal on an ST? Since it's my first do you think the ST will be a great intro or will it leave me wanting more right out of the gate? Pros & Cons are driving me cra cra. Pro ST less money and less invested if I don't like it........ cons older and not the newest technology. But biggest question is comparing the two rides? What do you guys think between the two?

 

[Centurion]

Recommend you ride both before you decide. The STs were/are an excellent combination of touring and sport features. However, the F3 seating position will be similar to your HD. The 1330/triple has proven itself to be an excellent engine with lower maintenance. However, many love the feel and sound of the venerable 998. Two different machines. Good luck with your decision.

 

[JKMSPYDER]

ST or F3?

My first Spyder was a new ST SE5 in 2013. I loved everything about it! In 2015 several of my Spyder friends bought F3's. They kept telling me how fun it was and how they loved the 1330 engine. They kept prodding me to demo one. So finally in December of '15 I demoed an F3 that belonged to the dealership owner. I was hooked! Ended up trading for a leftover '15 in January of '16. I love the cruiser style of the F3 and the 1330 engine. The U-fit system is also a big selling point. My shoulders and neck used to get sore on my ST during long trips due to the handlebar position. With the F3 I went with the A position bar. Now on long trips my shoulders and neck are relaxed and don't hurt. If money is an issue go with the ST. If not, I think you will be very happy with the F3.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

DPYDER CHOICES

Since you still have a choice , consider this Fact ..... BRP is NO longer making the engine ( for production purposes ) in the ST , or RS ( which they no longer make AT ALL ) /...... Mike :thumbup:

 

[SPYD3R]

ST vs. F3

I'm with JKMSPYD3R...
I had an '09 RS, very similar to the ST... i put 50,000 miles of smiles on her prior to purchasing my new '15 F3... the RS was fun, but could be very tiring on long hauls... and that high rev'ing 990 makes a tremendous amount of noise during those rides... your sitting position is 'bent forward' somewhat... Versus the F3: rev's are down, motor is much smoother and your sitting position is lower and more 'upright'... i now have over 40,000 miles of smiles on my F3, and would NEVER consider going back to the RS 990 for any reason...
as for your Harley... I'm certain you'll soon part with that if you get the F3... I kept my RS because I loved it, after a few days on the F3, I put her up for sale never to look back...
Whatever you deside, we all wish you well... keep us posted...
Dan P
SPYD3R

 

[Bob Denman]

The newer technology included in the 1330/6 speed combination goes far beyond horsepower, torque, and number of gears that are available.
Do yourself a favor, and pop for the bike that is still in production! :thumbup:

 

[loisk]

Another vote for F3t

i liked my ST - until I rode husbands f3s - just soooo much easier to get the most out of it in the bends especially. The u-fit is great and you do not need to have your feet waaaay out in front unless that's how you like it.

To me the f3 feels much more like my old two wheels than either the Rs or st - I think it's that my legs can do the tank grip thing on the f3.

Other ++ - half the servicing, way fewer stops for fuel, easier/cheaper to get bars & pegs just right..

Have fun choosing

 

[blacklightning]

After reading and considering all the post on here, remember that you are the person that has to ride the bike. The F3 series is more like your harley, but the ST is not a bad bike. You will need to take them both for an extended test ride and see what works for you. Try to find a dealership where they will not be following you on the test ride. A few miles will not tell you too much. I say that because I rode a harley Street glide in the NC mountains for a rental. On the first 25 miles, they couldn't have given me that bike. At around mile 30+, I started to like it. After logging in 50+ miles, I was impressed. Not enough to buy one, but it truly told me that first impressions are not always right.

 

[Highwayman2013]

The biggest transition from a Harley to the ST would be that the 998 engine needs to rev. It likes to live around 5,000 RPM. The more upright seating position would be next. If you are comfortable on the Harley the low end torque of the 1330 in the F3 would be a lot easier to adapt to along with the seating position. The F3 is also easier to adapt to your body size with the u-fit system. Overall it's your choice.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

It has to Fit

Ryde them both and choose the one that fits you best. That being said the F3 requires much less in the way of maintenance than the ST and the combination of the 1330 and the 6 speed transmission is smooth like butter!:yes:

 

[ARtraveler]

Another card for the pile of F3.

However: you should decide for yourself which you like better. Both are great machines.

IMO: The F3 with the 1330 is the better choice for all of the reasons suggested above. You might be able to purchase a ST for less because it is discontinued and has the 998 engine. That will also follow you when it comes time to trade or sell.

Good luck on your hunt. :yes:

 

[Slowpoke387]

1330 is a 6 spd. Worth it right there.