Time to make a decision - will I regret upgrading to 2021 RT Ltd?

[Peteoz]

Indeed you did: "the stock ‘21 RT handles as well as my F3 did"..........Now you are going to make me lust after the Silver '22 again. LOL

Sorry Ulflyer :roflblack: ……. But it’s only money…….:2thumbs:

Pete

 

[Peteoz]

I have both an F3-T and now a 2021 RT base with Ron's sway bar.
The Rt is a plush ride and with the upgraded bar corners flatter than my F3-T.
I find the RT to be a very tight and constricted riders triangle in comparison to the F=3, but it fits my 5 foot tall spouse very well. Like the way they have simplified panel removal. We have 33,000 and 11500 miles respectively on the F3 and the RT. If its a good deal go for it.

Al in Kazoo

Isn’t that interesting, Al. Sure, I had to get a bit more seat height from Daylong, and add Helibars to get a good wrist angle (but I was about to do that on my F3 anyway), and I am of the opinion that the RT is a more comfortable riders triangle for me, at 6’7” than the F3-L was…….and it also fits a 5 footer.:thumbup:

Simplify panel removal? Yep, you can get the painted panels off very easily, but those giant black panels underneath, if you want to get at belt dampeners, belt, shock etc etc, are a pain in the backside. (Ooooops, I’m talking about backsides again:roflblack: )

 

[PeterKelly]

I have both an F3 and an RTL (in different locations) and I think I very much prefer the F3 riding position over the RTL. I say “think” because I haven’t ridden the RTL in 6 months. I will be reunited with the RTL next month when we return to the desert for the winter and will be able to confirm one way or the other.

I’m not particularly tall at 6 feet but have 34” inseams and I find the RTL somewhat cramped even with highway pegs. My legs are splayed and not stretched out and my hips and knees get painful after an hour or two.

Just my $0.02 (Canadian) worth

 

[Peteoz]

I’m not particularly tall at 6 feet but have 34” inseams and I find the RTL somewhat cramped even with highway pegs. My legs are splayed and not stretched out and my hips and knees get painful after an hour or two.
Just my $0.02 (Canadian) worth

That’s interesting, Peter. I have a 38” inleg. I wonder if that extra length reduces leg splay, which is why I find my comfort better on the RT than it was on the F3.:dontknow:

Pete

 

[baxter]

I went from a 2020 RTL to a 2022 F3 Limited Special. The Frunk is smaller than the RTL but the rear case is a little bigger so stowage wise I did not see any problems on long haul trips. I did purchase the filler panel for when I took off the rear case when I bought the RTL bike but only used it maybe two times because I got use to having that stowage handy. The F3 is sportier and more fun to ride, I think. With the side stowage along with the front and rear stowage, I don't miss the RTL.

 

[tntnj]

Go for it. The new RT's are the best long distance touring bike. I bought a 21 RT base bone stock, rode it home 950 miles. I couldn't do that on my 2017 F3 LTD.

 

[blacklightning]

Well, i made the move from my F3 Limited Special edition to a 2021 RT Limited! Bike currently has 712 miles on it after a 100 mile ride from Va. to pick it up. It is super smooth and rides like a luxury car. I think this is the first bike that I have ever owned that I believe I can actually complete a 1000 mile 24 hour ride with. Going to check into the service date and see about getting the extended warranty. I believe I will see about adding some highway pegs also, because at 6'-2", it is a little cramped compared to my F3. But the first mod will be a pedal commander. It really winds up and goes, but I am wanting more off the line throttle response. I will be posting pictures after I get it cleaned up, as well as listing my wife's 2016 F3T for sale.

 

[Peteoz]

Great to hear Blacklightning:2thumbs:

If you like it as much as I do after switching from my ‘16 F3-L, you’ll be a happy man. That extra length in the rear shock, the LED lighting and the adjustable screen are brilliant. The ease of removing the trunk depending on the look you want is clever. Plus BRP have refined the handling to the point where I find it as good as my F3. I also found that despite bad knees, having my feet in a more rearward position does not create the comfort issues that I thought it would after the F3. It’s a very comfortable position even with a 38” inleg. On a recent 6 hour day, I didn’t feel the need to use highway pegs at all as I could change foot position easily.

The only improvement I could recommend, if your finances allow, is outlaying for a set of Helibars to allow for the perfect shoulder/wrist position for even more comfort. (I also have the Pedal Commander and it certain removes any acceleration lag)

Looking forward to your thoughts after a few miles, as we all have different requirements and drivers.:thumbup:

Pete

 

[jcthorne]

The new RT is a nice ride to be sure. I could never step down from my F3 to an RT. I hate the upright and uncomfortable (for me) riding position. Also its top heavy handling in the corners. Nice as it may be, I could not move from my vette to an escalade either.

 

[MONK]

It's about time, blacklightning. (You should have bought my RT. ) The $600 for Helibars is well worth it.

I haven't taken a "long" trip in years. If I'm ever able to get another Spyder, I'll get an F3S. I know that wouldn't work at all for you.

 

[blacklightning]

It's about time, blacklightning. (You should have bought my RT. ) The $600 for Helibars is well worth it.

I haven't taken a "long" trip in years. If I'm ever able to get another Spyder, I'll get an F3S. I know that wouldn't work at all for you.

I will be keeping my f3.limited. it has all the pluses of the F3S, but none of the minuses. I got a great deal on this one, and just couldn't refuse.

 

[JohnRuckus]

Congrats!

 

[Mikey]

Congrates, :thumbup:

 

[blacklightning]

First bath (ever I believe)

Took an extended lunch and gave my new (to me) 2021 RT Limited a good hand was. I actually wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't the first time ever for it having a wash (only had 469 miles when I went to see it the first time). I was not a fan of the color at first, but I think it will grow on me. Especially since the blank sheet gives me unlimited choices for pin strip, wraps, or whatever else i want to do. I don't normally give my bikes a name, but I think i will call this one Ivory, and the Black F3 Limited will be Ebony. Going to check on getting the extended warranty later this week, or next. I already can tell that the saddle bag latch might be an issue (both of my riding buddies had to have theirs replaced on their 2020 RT limiteds).

 

[RiderDuke]

Congrats... Names remind me of....... LOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZtiJN6yiik

 

[blacklightning]

Congrats... Names remind me of....... LOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZtiJN6yiik

Lol! Yep. I used to use that name when I was active in the mustang club. I had a black 02 lightning (still own it), and a white 03 terminator. I wish I had kept them both.

 

[Rag]

I have been in the spyder game for about 8 years now. Started off with a 2014 RT after having an accident on my 2 wheeler. I loved the bike, but since I ride 95% of the time solo, I always wanted a way to take the top trunk off. I picked up a 2012 RSS on a whim because I wanted something a little sportier to ride, and it seemed to fit the bill. I only kept it for about 6 months. I loved it, but the heat was a bit much. I decided to sell my 2014 RT and traded my 2012 RSS for a 2016 F3T. That seemed to have the best of both worlds. I logged in almost 28k miles on that bike, but eventually came across a deal on a 2016 F3 Limited Special edition. This is my current bike, and I love it. Since my 7 months of ownership, I have logged in over 6k miles. The 2020 and up RT has really interested me because it appears to give me back the storage space that the F3 series lack, and I can still remove the top case for the more sporty look. I got a chance to test ride one for about 30 miles and it felt silky smooth, but didn't seem to have the power of my F3T or the current F3 Limited. It ran good up top, but the initial starting thrust was lacking. I might have an opportunity to pick up a 2021 RT Limited with about 500 miles at a great price. I am just wondering if I will regret making the change. I know no one can answer the question but me, but I am wondering if anyone has made the move to the newer RT series, from any of the F3 platforms, and what are your experiences?
Here is a picture portfolio of my spyder history, and the 2021 that I might aquire.

This is Ragbag, different owners.
I had a 2013 RT limited, the quality was much better and very, very reliable.
I changed to a newer model only because my Wife wanted us to have matching bikes, the 2021's are not even close to the 2013 quality.
Sorry BRP but this is a real customer's opinion.
The two bikes have been in for warranty repairs 13 times total in the first 2 years, now I have to pay for repairs.
I still have problems with the bike.
I am disappointed in my decision.
Two 2021 Spyders - 2021 RT Limited.