Wow , I started on a 1956 AJS 500 single. Then went to a 750 Norton Commando for my touring start.
That gets my attention. I’ve only owned one bike with floorboards and I like them in combination with highway pegs.
One typical drawback of a 2-wheeler with floorboards is that you usually have to spread your legs farther to avoid them when coming to a stop. Fortunately, that "problem" does not exist on a Spyder. :thumbup:
I simply meant to my eye it looks sportier partially based on the exposed engine. I did mean in reference to seating position as in sport bike.
The feet forward makes me think I wouldn't like the seating position of the F3 that well. My current bike is a Yamaha Super Tenere and when using the highway pegs feel like a big flattened C which is not a comfortable position of this big belly guy.
All those additional amenities are all things I'm fairly certain I want in a bike that I intend to use mostly for touring. Thanks for the input.In my opinion, according to what you are looking for in a ride, The RTL is the way to go.
The list price is 4K more than the base model, but that can change at the point of sale. I got my RTL for $1500 less than the sticker price and got the driver backrest thrown in the deal.
The RTL has a detachable Top Box (trunk) that has a comfortable passenger backrest built into it, 2 more speakers that give you a surround sound in the cockpit, storage space that will hold an additional 16 gallons of gear giving you an additional 33% of storage. A must have for long distance touring. Besides, your wife may change her mind about riding when you bring this baby home. Mine did. I also purchased the back cover to replace the top box (around $230) in case I want a sportier look, but honestly, after my she who must be obeyed (wife) road on it with that set-up, she hated it after being spoiled with the OEM top box. :lecturef_smilie: Both driver and passenger seats are heated as well as the passenger hand grips. If you are touring, you never know when the climate may change, especially in higher elevations. Not sure if it makes a difference, but the RTL is 2" longer than the standard model because of the trunk.
The RTL also has LED front signature lights which gives it a little attitude on the front end.
In addition you get self leveling rear suspension that adjusts accordingly to weight added.
The front trunk (frunk) has a soft liner and has a light in it so you can see into it's vast depths.
To me, the RTL is the only way to go if touring, whether one or two-up.
Both models are available in either chrome or dark editions. I'm a chrome guy, so I forked up the additional $1000, but many like the dark sinister look better.
Whichever you purchase you're gonna have miles of smiles on it. Good Luck with your purchase.:2thumbs:
That's certainly on option, but I'm not pursuing the used route at moment. Probably not my smartest move financially but that's the way my feeble brain is taking me!
I completely get what you're saying and all are good points. Getting anxious to actually get hands on these machines.My 2 cents......
I rode a 2020 F3 and the 2020 RT before quickly deciding on the RT. The seat was the deal breaker for me on the F3 - the sitting position was too confining. I like to move around a little bit and the RT seat is more like what others have posted about sitting "on" the RT versus sitting "in" an F3. Also, after having 2 previous motorcycles that had electric windscreens, I could not see myself being happy with the one on the F3. I typically run the windscreen all the way up on the interstate, about halfway down on the backroads and completely down around town and on my typical rides, I will have all three riding types several times a day. As far as power goes, the RT is sufficient for my 1 up riding (6', 190#) and the addition of a Pedal Commander helped with the throttle response, especially when passing. But....another 30-40 HP would be nice.
I saw that promotional video and noticed that and found it confusing in comparison with the Do’s and Don’ts thread here. I’d sure like to hear the experience of others that travel gravel roads on a regular basis.
Thanks for the info. Time well tell, maybe I’ll get lucky and the stock bars will be a perfect fit for me, not likely tho, I’ve put risers on practically every bike I’ve owned in the last 15 years or so.
I think I know what your talking about if it’s the one shown in the sea to sky promo vid. A combination of that adjustable riser and adjustable forward and backward (independent of rise) would be an option worth paying for IMHO.
I’ve looked at the accessories BRP offers under the Bulid Your Own website and as an uninitiated potential Spyder owner there are only a couple of accessories I’d be interested in up front but that will likely change after riding one for a while :roflblack:
I will enroll in a riding class if I find one available semi-close to me. I’m 100% confident I will be reaching for the clutch and front brake for a while especially for harder/emergency stops when I’m just instinctively reacting as in avoidance maneuvers or suddenly stopping for that light that turned red sooner than expected. Im conditioned since I use the front brake more than the rear brake on my two wheel bikes.
