The Verdict--2016

[ARtraveler]

I guess that I am slightly underwhelmed--but not down and out.

Likes:
:ani29:: They have spiffed up some of the packages on the F3. I think they look nice.
:ani29:: The rear end treatment on the F3 T and F3 Limited looks an awful lot like the Honda F6B or Valkerie--which I like.
:ani29:: The new blue RT color is nice. Many wanted that back.

Not so much:
:ani29:: No new back end treatment on the RT.
:ani29:: Color choices are down and black is back.

My prediction about the demise of the RS was not correct.
My prediction about not much change with anything except for color was on.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: sort of...
I like the look of the F-3 "Bagger". After all; it sure did need more storage anyway. :thumbup:
And having a BRP hitch available (finally!), will bring it's touring capabilities into a whole new realm.
And Having a Blue RT available again always tickles me in the right places! :2thumbs:

 

[MMMII]

I was under the impression that the F3 was brought to production last year to appeal towards a (no offense to anyone here) younger demo.

With this product line they aged up the F3. These new models look like a RT and F3 had a baby.

I'm disappointed.

 

[HamburgerHelper]

I guess sometimes evolution produces less than spectacular results.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I like the F3T and Limited with the sidebags. But then I'm "aged up."

Today, I was reflecting on how much I like my RTS and about the upcoming announcement of the 2016 line-up. I resolved that they'd have to come out with something really WOW or new technology . . something revolutionary . . to get me to trade my '14. This line-up just doesn't do it. But I'm liking where the F3 is going. Someday my '14 will be at the point it just has to go and I'll see what they have then.

 

[spacetiger]

The beloved ST is heading out the door...by 2017?

Long live the RSS.

The backside of the new F3 variants is not impressive. IF they thought sales were soft before...

At least they largely left the RTS alone.

Someone in marketing is going to take some lumps for a while.

Jerry

 

[Chupaca]

So..!!

Not much..as I suspected..but they do need a breather. I do believe they will have a better showing next year. I have no plans to change anyway. The Jag (RS) is just where it should be and we are having a great time..:yes::yes:

 

[Tazzel]

The F3 with the larger front and saddlebags. I dont get it. Why not just purchase a RT. The windshield still looks to short. Did they fix the vibration?

 

[RotaxDuramax]

I like the F3T in triple black. It's kinda like the RT for solo riders that want just a little more pep on take off.

 

[Tazzel]

on the Tripple black the saddle bags look different. Bigger

 

[garb55]

In 2014 they introduced the 3 cylinder and 6 seed transmission
In 2015 they introduced the F3
In 2016 they have introduced upgraded versions of the F3
BRP has done more in 3 years than most motorcycle companies do in 10 years
We all want certain things on certain models but they can not change everything at once
I think they are moving ahead very fast
Just my $.02

 

[MRH]

I got this one completely wrong, but I see where they are going.

I think they move is smart - don't mess with the RT but do add a version of the F3 that has some touring character. They didn't take anything away, and the colors look good. It looks the the new F3 is really more a cosmetic rather than a mechanical change, which makes sense after two years of adding or changing major aspects of their production process. Since there seem to be so many of us with RT's, a second model that might make it easier for older riders to transition from two wheels to three wheels makes a lot of sense. From an aesthetic point of view, the F3-T just looks more like it's two wheeled brethren than my RT does, and that may help sales, and it doesn't add much production cost.

I'm happy that my 2014 is essentially still unchanged (that's selfish, of course, but I don't want to feel like my model has a better version out there).

The last two years seem to have been more or less free of major issues and I don't blame them for not screwing with what is finally working right.

 

[DrewNJ]

Seems like all they did was change the available options on the f3 to compete with a model that already has those options, the RT. Interesting move.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Brettssunshine]

Two more years until my car is paid for......then I'll see where they're at with the :spyder:models. I've got all of the payments that I can handle right now.

 

[spacetiger]

In 2014 they introduced the 3 cylinder and 6 seed transmission
In 2015 they introduced the F3
In 2016 they have introduced upgraded versions of the F3
BRP has done more in 3 years than most motorcycle companies do in 10 years
We all want certain things on certain models but they can not change everything at once
I think they are moving ahead very fast
Just my $.02

All true, its just they made a BIG deal about the 2016 lineup in advance - like there was something BIG coming... 2014/2015 crushed what they unveiled for 2016...

You know what happened to the little boy who cried wolf one too many times don't you.

 

[Lamonster]

Baggers are now over 40% of the market, go to a rally and look and see. The lack of a trunk is what most folks like in the bagger world and most are not riding two up. I think the bagger version of the Spyder on the F3 platform was a move in the right direction and being able to tow a trailer is a big plus. The RT doesn't have the fun factor of the F3 so this is a great mix, little RT with the fun of a F3. I also think that everyone that was wanting a 1330 in the ST has no need now.

 

[Pampurrs]

The RT Special Series comes in Triple Black for 2016. Very nice!

Pam

 

[daveinva]

I hadn't thought about it before, but I agree with the contention above: the bagger look really ages the F3's appeal, which is 180 degrees opposite to BRP's entire marketing campaign for the F3. Money well spent, guys. :joke:

Makes me wonder whether all their market research bombed when confronted with the reality of sales, i.e. Spyder owners still overwhelmingly skew to the retiree touring crowd, thus making an F3 that looks and act more like an RT a smarter way to go than continuing to think it's enough to grab the attention of a less-than-robust younger marketplace. :dontknow:

Anyway, the other point above mustn't be lost: these things were never cheap, but every year, they just keep going going going in the wrong direction. At $25K++, you have to be REALLY sold on getting a Spyder. If you're under 40 in America, you have to be doing really well for yourself to consider buying a Spyder.

But hey, I'm sure that BRP will continue to cast sexy and scruffy young models in all their ads just the same!

P.S. I'm critical because I love, guys. I *want* to buy another Spyder... but I also want BRP to build a new one that sings to *me*, and they haven't yet. Always next year...

 

[spydaman60]

didn't see anything mentioned about the rear shock on the new f3-t or limited, but with such a soft shock, how in heck is anyone going to be able to put any tongue weight on it (towing a trailer) when they can't even ride their wife comfortably without bottoming out? did I miss something about a new shock?:dontknow::dontknow:

 

[spacetiger]

Baggers are now over 40% of the market, go to a rally and look and see. The lack of a trunk is what most folks like in the bagger world and most are not riding two up. I think the bagger version of the Spyder on the F3 platform was a move in the right direction and being able to tow a trailer is a big plus. The RT doesn't have the fun factor of the F3 so this is a great mix, little RT with the fun of a F3. I also think that everyone that was wanting a 1330 in the ST has no need now.

Lamonster, all valid points except the last one - "I also think that everyone that was wanting a 1330 in the ST has no need now."

In the US, we buy things that appeal to us and visual appeal is very important to many. For me, I didn't care for the [front stubby nose] styling of the F3, and the changes they made for 2016 only make it worse because the rear end now looks awkward. I believe the drivetrain and sitting position maybe superior, but the flowing lines on the bike are awful. I am drawn to the body lines on the ST... so it looks like I will be holding on to my 2013 STL for a while. The sale numbers for the F3 models will bare out how well the market guys got the strategy right.

How far in advance did you know which way things were going to go?

Jerry