Two up riding Machine?

[Peteoz]

I have a Yamaha stratoliner which is a 1850cc bagger. When I'm riding with the guys I will exclusively be riding on that.. When it's time to do some two up riding I've decided to pick up a Spyder. Based on my reading on this forum, I think I will be most happy with the F3

Ted,

One thing that hasn't been really covered on here is that, as PrarieSpyder said, there are very different models of F3. The F3-S is your real sports model, akin to a naked bike, while the F3-T and F3-Limited are more your touring cruisers with similar features to your Stratoliner. If you are going to do 500+ mile trips, two up, the F3-Limited, with bags, beefed up rear shock, better wind protection, top shelf OEM passenger backrest (option) etc etc, is probably your best bet, if you aren't going for an RT (Goldwing). When people talk about beefing up the rear F3 shock, they are usually talking about the F3-S as it only has an "occasional" two up shock, which is way too light (and constantly copping criticism). Unless you are carrying over 400lbs, there is no need to consider beefing up the F3-L shock.

Of course, the extra F3-Limited features also come with an additional price, but if you want some comfort levels for the back seat, it is well worth considering. It can go pretty fast, too

Pete

 

[Take5]

Is there a difference between the 2106 F3T and the 2017 F3T, and a difference between the 2016 F3 Limited and the 2017 F3 Limited, other then the tour pack on the 2017 Limited? Can you 2 up on the either 2016 or 2017 F3T? :dontknow:

 

[Peteoz]

Is there a difference between the 2106 F3T and the 2017 F3T, and a difference between the 2016 F3 Limited and the 2017 F3 Limited, other then the tour pack on the 2017 Limited? Can you 2 up on the either 2016 or 2017 F3T? :dontknow:

The major difference between the 16 and 17 L is indeed the trunk, and yes, you can two up comfortably on either of them with the stock shock, unless you are over around 420lbs combined.

Pete

 

[Benggolf]

And oh BTW, I own both! My comment was based on extensive experience, and based on that experience I believe that the RT is a superior 2 up machine. I have ridden the F3L for the last 17000 miles, and for me it is the Preferred Ryde! If, as the OP suggested, I was going to be ryding 2 up I would be on the RT.

Like Pirate looks at..., I also own both the RTL and F3T and agree with his comments. :thumbup:
If I am riding solo and want to enjoy a exhilarating ride, I take the F3T. If the wife tags along, especially for a 2+ days
ride, the RTL will be my choice.

Benggolf

 

[bushrat]

As to differences between the 2016 and 2017 F3 Limited, I believe you will find that the 2017 has electronic adjustable rear suspension whereas the 2016 was manually adjustable. Additionally, the 2017 has the integrated back rest and top case. The 2017 F3T comes with manually adjustable rear suspension, without the rear top case.

When it came time for us to make the choice between an RT Ltd and an F3 Ltd just a couple of months ago, there were several factors to consider. First, there were a number of 2016 left-overs available at very attractively reduced prices (several thousand $$ in savings available as against 2017 MSRP). However, it is extremely important to attempt some equivalency of features when comparing prices. Once you balance out the equipment, then the issue becomes more simply one of ergonomics, and the all important decision of simply choosing which feels better and more comfortable. We were looking for a primarily two-up ride, for short trips and possible over night, but no long distance plans in mind.

To my mind, the truest and only accurate comparison of features was between the RT Ltd (either year) and the 2017 F3 Ltd - mainly (i.e., first) because of the electronic rear suspension (passenger comfort), and secondly, the rear back rest and top case (passenger safety). That comparison, to my mind, seemed to even up the playing field (equipment) as much as possible. One shortfall on the F3 was lack of GPS as standard equipment; remedied by optional add-on. In terms of $$, the cost outlay for a new 2017 F3 Ltd was almost the same as a 2017 RT Ltd, given this 'equivalency' of equipment. Thereafter, it only took the Butt-Test try-out to decide. We went for the 2017 F3 Ltd, for very personal reasons in which, thankfully, we were unanimous. What you do is your decision; however, give your passenger the deciding vote if you differ. So far, we're delighted. Longest day trip to date: 300+ miles at highway speeds. It's still a relatively new bike, just getting broken in. We have wound it up to 75-80 mph a few times, with lots left on the throttle. But mostly we prefer the back road scenery and more sedate speeds. As retirees, there's no real need to hurry; tomorrow will be just as good as today.

You'll do fine whatever you decide; just choose smartly, and be aware of any 'differences' affecting your basis of comparison.