Thinking of making a trade

[fulltimer]

Thanks for the heads up on the F3. I will be weighing my ST in the next couple days and see where I can go from here. Are the F3s generally heavier or lighter than the RTs when comparably dressed?

 

[bushrat]

FWIW, I believe an F3L should weigh in about 50 lbs. lighter than an RTL, comparably dressed (I've always figured mine at 950). If it matters, the tracking width of the F3L is a couple of inches narrower than the RTL; not certain how that compares to your current STL. Length-wise, the rear edge of the top case on the F3L does overhang the back wheel by about 7", so if complete overall bike length is a concern, you need to take that into account, not just wheel base, extent of rear fender or tow hitch.

 

[Poasttown]

I would also like thank everyone for their comments. This is exactly the type of info. I was looking for.

Poasttown

 

[fulltimer]

Ahhh, we're not done yet.
I had my ST-L on the scales yesterday with a full tank of gas and it scaled 950, +- 10 lbs. Truck scales are only so accurate.
So, bushrat, if your number is correct, the F3 might be the way to go for me. I admit not wanting much more weight than I have now. I would have to load the beast on my truck to see if that tail trunk would be a problem or not. The good news is that I load the bike on to the platform flat on the ground so before any lifting goes on I can see how it is going to fit.
Have you ever had your F3 on a scales?

 

[Wildrice]

Thanks for the input. I had kind of "shelved" the idea of the F3 models as I was told none of them have a Cruise control. A must for me. I use it all the time.
We have air hawks currently and swear by (not at) them. As we only day trip between 100 to 200 miles max, the cured the seat problem.
I really appreciate your "heads up" on changing the stock seat on an F3 should we get that interested in one. Another consideration for us is that we transport the bike backwards in the back of the pickup. Thus windshield height is a consideration. If I could just find a set of arm rests for our ST, we would be happy campers.

My 2015 F3's came with a Cruise Control. Back in 2015 Cruise Control was the main difference between a F3 & F3's.

 

[P3EWO]

Recommend you test ride both the RT and F3 Limited. My wife found both back seats compfy... But the upright seating on RT was not compfy for me. The F3 allowed me to stretch out my legs.

The only issue we had with F3 LTD was the Stock windscreen. It doesnt block mich air... So we got the extended one. Works great...

 

[fulltimer]

Sorry I've been away so long. We've been on the road and busy for the last couple weeks. I'm not sure I could make the F3 comfortable for me. I have never liked the cruiser position. But can anyone here ferret out the dry weight of the F3 limited? I have not had any luck finding that. As mentioned before, weight is a critical concern.

 

[askitee]

The RT definitely has more secure seating for the passenger ….. also if you have a Driver backrest … the passenger can use that for more lateral control …… jmho …. Mike hyea:

I agree with BlueKnight911. On the weekend while at a Ryker Demo day I looked at the F3 Limited and noted the passenger back rest is narrower than the one on my 2017 RTL. Even my friends 14 y.o. daughter couldn't fit in the recess where the pillions back is meant to sit.

My wife is petite, loves the support the RTL back rest provides, and I've had cause to have the odd sleep on the back seat on long journeys... is that wierd?

 

[fulltimer]

I agree with BlueKnight911. On the weekend while at a Ryker Demo day I looked at the F3 Limited and noted the passenger back rest is narrower than the one on my 2017 RTL. Even my friends 14 y.o. daughter couldn't fit in the recess where the pillions back is meant to sit.

My wife is petite, loves the support the RTL back rest provides, and I've had cause to have the odd sleep on the back seat on long journeys... is that wierd?

Yeah, I am leaning toward the RT if it loads OK and if I can tie it down in the bed of the pickup properly (sounds crazy huh). I think I will be able to find a riding partner who is willing to let me try to load their bike and if all goes well, a RT may be in our future.

 

[Wahrsuul]

Neither the RT nor the F3 is going to fit in a standard pickup. They're a bit too wide.

 

[wyliec]

fulltimer,

Have you thought about reducing the zipping in the corners? That doesn’t cost anything.

I had a different problem. I had a 2008 GS, much less comfortable than the other Spyders. My g.f. had this bad habit of falling asleep in the wind. I corrected the problem with a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Now, I take the top panels off, and she can sleep all she wants in the wind and sun.

 

[fulltimer]

Wyllec Not even an option. I can't hardly get out the door with the key in my hand without my B.H. She thinks that I can just figure out how to put arm rests on the ST (like we had on the Goldwing) and with a Ultimate seat, all will be well. NOT SO MUCH.

Wahrsuul That is why I want to try loading an RT. My loader, loads the bike rear end first. The ST fits fine. My biggest concern is weight. The RT is going to be about 100 lbs heavier.

We'll see when we get to Arizona in a couple of months.

 

[Wahrsuul]

I'd be concerned about the windshield if you're loading it backwards. Not sure it'll hand'e the wind in that direction. Other than that, I get it. I've wondered if I could get my RTS on the truck that way. In the end though, I'll probably find an inexpensive trailer.