Did You Switch From An RT to an F3?

[ARtraveler]

I would like to hear from those who have switched from an RT to an F3. Or from those that now have one of each.

The 2015 did not turn me on enough to make a change. The introduction of the 2016 Touring and Limited models have had a different effect on me. I will not get to "test sit" until March/April of 2016. I want a Limited in Intense Red Pearl--I think.

I am used to the RT-S and all its bells and whistles. Don't need the extra storage afforded by the RT so that is not an issue.

Any comments would be welcomed. Ain't my first Rodeo with :ani29:, but it would be with the F3.

 

[JkRbbt]

I have had 2 RT's, a '13 and a '14. Can't say I had very good luck with them, but did enjoy "Spyder" riding. Over the years I have had several touring bikes, but one of the most comfortable bikes I ever had was a H/D Deuce, a cruiser. Having soured on my second attempt at enjoying an RT, and having monitored the comments of F3 owners, I thought maybe a cruiser style Spyder would be enjoyable. WOW!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: I am 5'6" with a 30" inseam. This baby fits like a glove. The handlebars are in a much better position. I put the foot boards on, which are std with the touring model for '16. That made a BIG difference and was very comfortable. I put an F4 windshield on her and just ordered Corbin saddle bags. I won't be going back to an RT any time soon! My opinion, you'll love it! I would not, at all, be afraid to switch! Of course, YMMV! Good luck on your decision!

 

[Bob Denman]

D... You are SERIOUSLY peeking over the fence; aren't you? :clap: :thumbup:

If you don't need the storage space: go for it! :2thumbs:

 

[jcthorne]

I hated the F3. I posted here about never really wanting one and was happy with my RT. I was even one that said it looked like it was designed by John Deere.

Until Spyderfest last year and I was idiot enough to sign up for a little fun at BRP's expense.....

I rode home from Spyderfest on a new F3. I knew in less than 10 minutes the bike was designed to fit ME. It just fit. I was so much more confident a rider on it. Amazing the difference in a few inches of center of gravity make. Its not a small difference. Been VERY happy with my F3. Now it looks like a small aircraft...

 

[vondalyn]

switched from RT limited

I got my first spyder in 2012 -- a 2012 RT Limited. Loved it. Put 30000+ miles on it in those 2 years.

At first glance I didn't like the F3 (looked like a lawnmower). Last September the guys at my dealership knew the way I drove (pretty aggressive and like the twisties), so they suggested that I seriously consider it (they'd just gotten back from the big dealership gathering for the F3). They said it looked a lot better in person than the pictures showed. By the time I got done talking to them, I was convinced and I ordered one. Got it in Feburary and I have over 11000 miles on it now.

I knew I'd miss some of the bells and whistles, so I loaded it up. Got GPS, heated grips, saddlebags (easily removable), upgraded front shocks, urban rack and some aftermarket stuff. While I did miss the stereo at first, I went bluetooth in my helmet and it works.

I have NO regrets and would never go back.

 

[Chupaca]

No..!!

That answer your question..??:roflblack: I know it was not directed at me..(sorry..beg your forgiveness..:bowdown will they have none up there till then..?? Seems the visual and features are not an issue but just the comfort..bummer..could take a trip south or closest dealer that has one...:thumbup:

 

[MikeP]

I switched n have zero regrets!!! Having said that,, if choosing between an RT and the new F3t or Limited I'd pic an RT... I wanted luggage I could take on and off.. I have that and now I'm a happy camper

 

[ARtraveler]

That answer your question..??:roflblack: I know it was not directed at me..(sorry..beg your forgiveness..:bowdown will they have none up there till then..?? Seems the visual and features are not an issue but just the comfort..bummer..could take a trip south or closest dealer that has one...:thumbup:

Going to be in Vegas in December. Maybe the local dealer has a test sit version?

Yes, its the comfort amenities that would be a deal breaker. I want to be able to ride all day and be able to walk after I get off. :yes:

 

[JkRbbt]

Going to be in Vegas in December. Maybe the local dealer has a test sit version?

Yes, its the comfort amenities that would be a deal breaker. I want to be able to ride all day and be able to walk after I get off. :yes:

I'm pretty sure that won't be a problem if you get the Lux-o-craft!!

 

[blacklightning]

The 2015 did not turn me on enough to make a change. The introduction of the 2016 Touring and Limited models have had a different effect on me. I will not get to "test sit" until March/April of 2016. I want a Limited in Intense Red Pearl--I think.

I am used to the RT-S and all its bells and whistles. Don't need the extra storage afforded by the RT so that is not an issue.

Any comments would be welcomed. Ain't my first Rodeo with :ani29:, but it would be with the F3.

I feel the same as you. The F3's looks didn't really turn me on, and the lack of any real storage, and no radio made it a definite no! But, with the saddle bags, and a stereo, it is really peaking my interest. I know it will not be in my near future, but once they are out for a while, and the new 2017's come out next september, I might be looking for a 2016 year end deal.

 

[Chupaca]

Should not be a problem in Vegas and a good test ryde will close the deal...

 

[HIspyder]

Well, I consider myself to be the F3 poster child of Hawaii, so here goes nothing.

Purchased a 14 RTL Sept of last year, sight unseen, after test driving an RT in OR and falling in love. It sat crated at the dealer until May, when my wife and I took delivery and first drove to Springfield, MO for an alignment and to have highway pegs installed. We then proceeded to drive the RT to DC and then up to Niagara Falls, In total a 3500 mile round trip back to Springfield. And to add, we even drove through a total thunder and lightning downpour about 30 miles from Springfield and the RT didn't even blink. We loved the whole driving experience and wouldn't have traded it for the world. But there is more to the story.

Shortly after I purchased the RT, photo's of the F3 started to emerge or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. In any case, I thought it was one ugly buggah. But then it started to grow on me as I began seeing more and more photos. Then a little bit of buyers remorse set in. Why you ask? I live on a 552 sq/mi island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and what kind of touring can be done here? NONE! The F3 is so much better suited for island life than the RT could ever be. You can't even drive completely around the island. From Lihue, where I live, you can go West to the end of the road or go East and then to the North Shore, that's it.

So after picking up the RT in Greenville, TX (bad dealership experience), we proceeded to Springfield, MO (great dealership experience) and made the deal on a handshake, thanks Len! We went on our merry way and returned only to trade in the RTL for the F3-S. I knew going in I was going take a substantial loss, but you only live once, right? I have no regrets what so ever and am having a blast taking the F3 to work every day and driving all over the island. The looks I get, questions asked and photos taken are priceless. I'm even getting nods from the Harley riders.

One last thing. I never drove an F3 until it was delivered to my house last month. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...thing-to-do-when-I-get-home-from-work-tonight I loved the power and reliability of the ACE 1330 in the RT so much I really didn't need to test drive an F3 to know how great it would be for me.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Going to be in Vegas in December. Maybe the local dealer has a test sit version?

Yes, its the comfort amenities that would be a deal breaker. I want to be able to ride all day and be able to walk after I get off. :yes:

They will have some form of F3 and they may allow a test ride if you ask.

 

[Bob Denman]

Going to be in Vegas in December. Maybe the local dealer has a test sit version?

Yes, its the comfort amenities that would be a deal breaker. I want to be able to ride all day and be able to walk after I get off. :yes:

Getting yourself down into that lower seat, will tell the story for you! nojoke
The F-3s are great bikes, and I love the looks of the new Limited in Red...
But the seating position just hasn't found a comfortable spot for me just yet...

 

[DLewis]

from 2011 RT A&C to the 2015 F3S

No regrets on the switch for me!! :thumbup: Like others, the first few times I saw the F3 in pics, it did not appeal to me one iota. But after a few weeks, I kept looking at it, and it sort of "grew" to my liking. Really glad I made the switch. RT was a fun ride, plenty of storage..... but ..... JUST NOT ME!!! :yikes: Don't miss the storage like I thought I would, and the handling of the F3S is just sweeeeet! Only thing I do miss from my RT is the audio.... but then again I'm getting a Sena system w/ blue tooth, so not a total loss. I will NEVER go back to the RT (never say never?) F3 for life!!:clap:

BTW, bought my F3S, (just like the RT) w/o a test ride. First time I laid eyes on one in person, was when the delivery guy was at my door from iMotorSports . Feb 12th, COLD as h#!! , and it was around 9:30 PM. He had another RT on the trailer that had been traded also for an F3, so I wasn't alone that day!! Took her for a spin around the neighborhood, in the cold, cold dark (no BR windshield at the time) but I had a smile a mile wide!! Knew then and there I had made I wise choice. Still in F3S heaven today. Hope you get a chance to ride one soon You won't regret it!

 

[Sarge707]

I have both and The seating position is fine for Me and my back is fine when I get off.

If your buying manual I feel the shifting is NOT as fluid as on my RT with the clutch lever being out in front of you- Its fine for Upshifting But Not as fluid if you downshift a lot and mine was fitted to me good.

Going around real tight "Backwoods" twisties where you can't see around the corner and there are NO shoulders (only Trees) is less confident because you Can't see around the corner as well as the HIGHER RT? But I have both so not a big problem.

I don,t travel So its a Big winner for me- Its what the GS Should have been IMHO!!!!

 

[MidTNDawg]

From RT Ltd to F3s

I had a 2012 and a 2014 RT Ltd. I am another who did not like the pictures of the F3, but like the live version. Still until a demo ride I had not inclination to trade. After the demo ride the trade was a done thing. I've added the Xtreme windshield extender and Givi bags. I have no regrets, no thoughts of going back to the RT or any other ride.

 

[Bfromla]

D... You are SERIOUSLY peeking over the fence; aren't you? :clap: :thumbup:

If you don't need the storage space: go for it! :2thumbs:

:agree: Your gonna miss the windshield & radio. The 1330 is suppose to get better gas milage I see. Good luck with your choice. opcorn:

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Your gonna miss the windshield & radio. The 1330 is suppose to get better gas milage I see. Good luck with your choice. opcorn:

Get the Limited, and have the Dealer throw in the windshield as part of the deal! :thumbup:

 

[Darren111]

Well, I consider myself to be the F3 poster child of Hawaii, so here goes nothing.

Purchased a 14 RTL Sept of last year, sight unseen, after test driving an RT in OR and falling in love. It sat crated at the dealer until May, when my wife and I took delivery and first drove to Springfield, MO for an alignment and to have highway pegs installed. We then proceeded to drive the RT to DC and then up to Niagara Falls, In total a 3500 mile round trip back to Springfield. And to add, we even drove through a total thunder and lightning downpour about 30 miles from Springfield and the RT didn't even blink. We loved the whole driving experience and wouldn't have traded it for the world. But there is more to the story.

Shortly after I purchased the RT, photo's of the F3 started to emerge or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. In any case, I thought it was one ugly buggah. But then it started to grow on me as I began seeing more and more photos. Then a little bit of buyers remorse set in. Why you ask? I live on a 552 sq/mi island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and what kind of touring can be done here? NONE! The F3 is so much better suited for island life than the RT could ever be. You can't even drive completely around the island. From Lihue, where I live, you can go West to the end of the road or go East and then to the North Shore, that's it.

So after picking up the RT in Greenville, TX (bad dealership experience), we proceeded to Springfield, MO (great dealership experience) and made the deal on a handshake, thanks Len! We went on our merry way and returned only to trade in the RTL for the F3-S. I knew going in I was going take a substantial loss, but you only live once, right? I have no regrets what so ever and am having a blast taking the F3 to work every day and driving all over the island. The looks I get, questions asked and photos taken are priceless. I'm even getting nods from the Harley riders.

One last thing. I never drove an F3 until it was delivered to my house last month. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...thing-to-do-when-I-get-home-from-work-tonight I loved the power and reliability of the ACE 1330 in the RT so much I really didn't need to test drive an F3 to know how great it would be for me.[/QUOTE

HIspyder reading your post put a constant smile on my face. The bit that did it for me was - " The looks I get, questions asked and photos taken are priceless."
I am looking forward to the looks, questions and photos when my beauty arrives, something I only experienced with one vehicle I owned in the past and that was my Lotus Elise :2thumbs: