2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 – First Look Review

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3-S in Cam-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3-S in Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic

After giving everyone a tease with the release of a single official photo but no specs for the all-new 2015 Can-Am Spyder F3, BRP has finally revealed the full monty on the fourth model to be added to its three-wheeled roadster lineup.

Since the Spyder debuted in 2007, three models have been released—the RS, RT and ST—covering the sport, touring and sport-touring segments, respectively. The F3 steers in a different direction, combining more futuristic styling—BRP calls it “muscular design”—with a feet-forward cruiser riding position and customizable ergonomics. The F3’s UFit system allows riders to adjust handlebar and footpeg positions to suit their preferences.

The new Spyder F3 will be powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1,330cc in-line triple with throttle-by-wire.
The new Spyder F3 will be powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1,330cc in-line triple with throttle-by-wire.

As we suspected, the Spyder F3 will be powered by the Rotax-built 1330 ACE in-line triple engine that was introduced on the RT for 2014, which makes a claimed 115 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. And it will be offered with two 6-speed transmission options, the SM6 manual or the SE6 semi-automatic, both with reverse. Like other Spyders in the lineup, the F3 comes equipped with the Vehicle Stability System that was co-developed with Bosch, which includes stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and dynamic power steering.

Advertisement

Read our 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT review

Spyders already in the lineup are built around a Surrounding Spar Technology steel center beam frame, and a variation of that Y-frame design carries over to the F3. Its front suspension consists of a double A-arm with anti-roll bar and a pair of Fox Podium shocks with 5.1 inches of travel. Attached to the rear swingarm is a Sachs monoshock with 5.2 inches of travel. No word yet on the adjustability of the front/rear suspension.

The new UFit system allows riders to adjust handlebar and footpeg position.
The new UFit system allows riders to adjust handlebar and footpeg position.

Although the initial photo gave the appearance of having larger-diameter front wheels (in part due to the more squat stance of the machine), the F3, like other Spyders, sports 15-inch wheels all around. Each wheel has a single 270mm brake disc, and all three are controlled simultaneously by a foot pedal. The two in front are clamped by Brembo radial monoblock opposed 4-piston calipers, and the rear has a 1-piston caliper with an integrated parking brake.

The F3 is more compact than other Spyders, measuring 1.8 inches shorter in height, an inch shorter in length and almost a half-inch narrower in width than the sporty RS, which is already shorter and/or more narrow than the ST and RT. Its smaller size cuts deeply into storage capacity, which is by far the lowest in the lineup at just 24.4 liters in the front trunk (the RS holds 44 liters). Seat height is also significantly lower on the F3 (26.6 inches) than on the RS, ST (29 inches each) and RT (29.4 inches). In part due to its larger engine (1,330cc in-line triple vs. 998cc V-twin), the F3’s claimed dry weight of 850 pounds exceeds that of the RS by 52 pounds, but is lighter than the ST or RT. Surprisingly, at 7.1 gallons, the F3 has the highest fuel capacity of any Spyder in the lineup (the others hold 6.6-6.9 gallons).

Read our 2011 Can-Am Spyder RS-S review

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 in Can-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 in Can-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic

Two versions of the F3 will be offered, the base model and an up-spec F3-S model, which adds electronic cruise control, upgraded wheels with machined gloss black accents, a black suede seat with red stitching, premium front fenders with LED running lights and additional color options. The standard F3 comes in Steel Black Metallic or Pearl White; the F3-S comes in Steel Black Metallic or three two-tone options: Pearl White/Steel Black Metallic, Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic or Can-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic.

Furthermore, three accessory packages will be available:

Touring Escape Package adds: Blue Ridge windscreen, Cross country detachable saddlebags, driver and passenger floorboards in Carbon Black, chrome handlebar, Cannonball seat, detachable driver and passenger backrests, auxiliary lights, Fat 6 front chrome wheels, Frame Caps and Akrapovic straight shot silencer.

Black Suede seat with red stitching is one of the upgrades on the F3-S model.
Black Suede seat with red stitching is one of the upgrades on the F3-S model.

Muscle Attitude Package adds: gauge spoiler, auxiliary lights, F3 mono seat cowl, Akrapovic straight shot silencer, Fox Factory Series 1.5 Podium R front shocks, Attitude handlebar in Carbon Black and black stripe decal kit.

Urban Nights Package adds: Attitude handlebar in Carbon Black, passenger short rail, Akrapovic straight shot silencer and Shamrock front wheels.

The press launch for the 2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 kicks off on September 28, so stayed tuned for our first-ride report with additional technical information and (hopefully) pricing and availability.

Symmetrical instrument panel has an LCD display flanked by analog gauges.
Symmetrical instrument panel has an LCD display flanked by analog gauges.
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3-S in Cam-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3-S in Cam-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 in Steel Black Metallic
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 in Steel Black Metallic
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 in Pearl White
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 in Pearl White

4 COMMENTS

  1. From what the existing Spyder owners, who have road tested the F3, have said, it’s a whole new ball game! Ride quality, handling and power all great.
    I’m in the UK and I’ve got one on order without any sort of test ride being available to me. Its better than the RSS in all departments except available storage.

  2. The main difference between the two (F3 & RS) for me is the riding position. If you like a cruising style then the F3 will be for you. If you like the more sports bike position then the RS will be better.

    I have had an RS for a couple of years, I love the looks of the F3 and it looks to be built slightly more solid than the RS but I am not struck on the cruising position.

    Performance wise there won’t be much in it. The RS is quoted at 0-60 in 4.5 and the F3 in 4.8 (it’s heavier). The F3 with its extra cylinder and lower torque peak will start to pull away from the RS above 60mph and will have a higher top end (& a lovely 6th gear).

    Fundamentally though my initial point is the main factor for me, riding position. I will test drive an F3 when they appear in the UK so see if I am won over by it or not, but I have been more than happy with the RS.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here