What to buy???? F3T or F3Limited ????????

[JP58]

:agree: I went with a 2016 F3T and added the heated grips and audio. I definitely like the performance advantage of the larger sprocket. Now I know that I would definitely not want the smaller one on the newer models.

Anyone that wants the larger sprocket can just buy one. I wouldn't want the higher rpms on the highway.

 

[308gunner]

get the f3 touring. 2018 or earlier.

 

[dondje]

Anyone that wants the larger sprocket can just buy one. I wouldn't want the higher rpms on the highway.

The sprocket and belt are several hundreds of dollars. As for the higher rpm@speed. That was an initial concern of mine when I was doing pre-purchase research. From what I have read here and on FB, and later my experience, 70mph might actually get better mpg with the larger sprocket. With 4k rpm being a better sweet spot for mpg. I haven't ridden an F3 with the smaller sprocket, just an RT. I have ridden with others with RT and newer F3LTD and the F3T with the larger sprocket blows the doors off the smaller sprocket Spyders all the way to 8k rpm - especially (2) up. The larger sprocket also has a better punch when it comes to passing.

Regards,

Don

 

[gnorthern]

I like how much I can carry with an aftermarket luggage rack on an F3-T (BRP luggage rack is small and slants). I used to really load it down (I just bought a Lees-ure Lite making it obsolete). You can buy convenient top loading drybags.

 

[johnsimion]

My next Spyder is going to be the F3 Limited & I’m only 40. Storage is great when you are traveling long distance. You can get the Limited with everything already on it or spend thousands adding it like I did.
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IMO storage is great whether you are traveling long distance or across town. If you take your wife to the shopping mall on the Spyder even ONE time, you'll appreciate the storage. It's also useful to hold your air pump and tire repair kit, water, an extra coat, a lockable place for your wife's purse, etc. etc. Even if you never use the storage for anything more than storing your helmet while you eat, you'll appreciate having it. I have an RT and all four storage compartments are always FULL. In some ways I wish I had an F3 LTD because that trunk is so much more useful than the RT's trunk.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

Go with the F3-Limited for all the extras, heated grips, floor Boards, Box, auto air ride suspension, heavier rear shock, etc. etc.


:agree: :agree: :agree:


Cruzr Joe

 

[k8sdad]

what brand of trunk is that? where did you get it and if you don't mind how much did it cost? Thanks!!!

 

[k8sdad]

I think I recognize the rack. MBL? who makes the top case? Thanks!!!

 

[k8sdad]

Here is a fact that probably no one cares about. My 2018 F3T turns 3500 RPM at 60 MPH. I rode an F3L and it turns 3100 RPM at 60 MPH. Smaller rear sprocket is visible on L model. Also, as most of you know, but since the the post asks the question, the L has a more sensitive nanny system, presumably because of more top weight due to the trunk and therefore more roll. Thanks, Steve

 

[RICZ]

I just came off of a Victory that revs at 2200 @ 60 mph. That 1330 revs higher up the tach than I'm used to, but I learned that the engineers that designed that engine and selected the gear ratios know more than I do.

 

[GRUNT]

I’ve owned both 2018 F3 Limited and sold it 8 months later and purchased a 2018 F3-T.. Yes the extra space was great for carrying my helmet which I hardly ever wear being in Florida but I couldn’t stand how stiff it was compared to the 2017 F3-S I originally owned. So I bought the F3-T hoping it would still have a great ride which is does. It’s not as bulky feeling and I love it. I almost went back to an F3-S but wanted the radio... I know this might sound goofy but I like this radio better and it only has 4 speakers compared to 6 on the Limited. My wife also enjoys riding again, she didn’t like the Limited.

I’ve purchased 3 new Spyders in 2 years and I’ve learned 2 things. The re sale sucks and all 3 dealers which were different every time had HORRIBLE product knowledge and service. If you live in NE Florida Ride Now in Gainesville by far has the best service department. Eric is the manager and I pay extra to by pass 2 other dealers in Jacksonville who SUCK... Buying one of these is mostly about finding a legit service department. After 3 separate buying experiences I have a lot of history to choose from. Good luck...

 

[Skups]

I've only had my 2018 F3 Limited for about 1 month now and I love it! And most importantly, my wife loves it. We both like the hand warmers and the extra storage for all our stuff is fabulous. We go to the grocery store and pick up a few items and never have to worry about, "do we have enough room on the bike?" I'm 47 years young and I don't give a s**t what people think or say. Actually, I've had quite a few complements! I went with the intense red & chrome, wouldn't trade it for anything, well maybe an RT.

 

[_..stiffler..]

I just bought a 2018 F3 Limited. Yes the acceleration is not as good as the T. But to put the trunk on the T it’s like $2500. And with the limited just get an ecu flash for about 400. Then the limited is even better than the T. And you save $2000. Plus more add one. Also the limited rear seat for the passenger is way more comfortable than the T. My wife was sore after riding on my F3S which has the same seat as the T.

When I ride around town or small rides I take the rear box off. Long trips with my wife I put it back on.

Removing the trunk literally takes me 5 mins.

-you remove the passenger seat
-open the lid and remove two screws under the rubber mat
-tilt the trunk up towards the front
-unplug the 2 big plugs the fm radio antenna and the USB connectors for inside the box.
-undo the safety strap (you will see it)
-remove the rear box and then remove the mount and you’re done.

The limited does not come with the rear cowl faring that the T has. To order you need to order from a T. I was able to buy one from a guy on here for cheap that had a T and out a rear box on.

But get one thrown in with the deal when you buy.

Other than that you will love the L.

Wife loves heated grips in the rear (T does not have) comfort of the rear seat etc etc.

Look at my garage and you can see pics of my limited with and without the box.

Any questions ask.

Stiff

 

[Scotts8826]

Another topic for this discussion. If you long distance travel 2-up and go with the F3-T, the price difference between an F3-T and F3-Limited will allow you to buy a trailer to pull. Sportier look around town and more luggage room for trips.

 

[JS3535]

I would rather have a huge rear trunk on the bike rather than pull a trailer around all the time.

 

[Musashi]

Looking at the F3 for my next Spyder and just wanted to say this thread was pretty educational. Thanks to everyone who posted.

 

[al0vely]

Looking for opinions on which Spyder to purchase either the F3 T or the limited????I’m 57 years old and the limited looks grandpaish. but very practical as I do lots of highway trips and planning to go to Alaska maybe this summer how hard is it to remove the top case and would I want to?

Firecat - what did you get or decide to get?

 

[Navvet]

We bought a 2016 F3 so a trunk was not an option. A little metal work and an aftermarket trunk and it is great.

Put the key in and push a button and the trunk is a suitcase. What could be better.

 

[k8sdad]

FYI: rear sprocket on the LTD is smaller making the gearing taller. I have an F3T which turns 3500 RPM at 60 MPH whereas the LTD turns 3100 at the same speed. This is no doubt meaningless in real life. Also the nanny system is more invasive on the LTD apparently because of the added top weight and expected weight of contents in the trunk which translates to additional "roll". Probably meaningless too but just sayin.

 

[bikerbillone]

I just like the look of the F3T without the top case better. However, I took a trip last fall and bought a rack and borrowed my daughter’s top case. I needed a secure place to store my 17” laptop. This case has a lockable quick release that with a push of a button, it comes off the rack and becomes a suit case. Really like that feature to take into hotel room. I am currently working on a quick release for the rack so that I can quickly get back to the clean F3T look. I had no desire for the F3L heated grips, small floor boards, or the air compressor driven auto rear shock. More things to go wrong and I wanted better after market floor boards.

Regards,

Don

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Sure like the idea of that top case, but seems no way for the two up person back there.