2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 Review

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

Less snowmobile, more roadster

My first drag down the airport runway aboard Can-Am’s new 2015 Spyder F3 was accompanied by the unmistakable sound of tire squeal and the smell of torched rubber. This was not, however, the result of dumping the clutch at high RPMs on the base model’s six-speed manual transmission. This was the up-spec F3-S with the SE6 semi-automatic transmission. Nothing but horsepower, baby! Intrigued?

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3

Editor Score: 87.0%
Engine 18.0/20
Suspension/Handling 12.5/15
Transmission/Clutch 8.0/10
Brakes 9.5/10
Instruments/Controls5.0/5
Ergonomics/Comfort 9.5/10
Appearance/Quality 9.0/10
Desirability 7.5/10
Value 8.0/10
Overall Score87/100

The new F3 is motivated by the same 1330cc Rotax Triple introduced on the Spyder RT last year. But where the RT maintains algorithms that maximize the invasiveness of the vehicle’s Stability Control System (SCS) and Traction Control System (TCS), the F3’s electronics aren’t as burdened, allowing for a more playful Spyder. Don’t begin entertaining ideas about entering the F3 in a drift contest. The new algorithms provide for ample straight-line wheelspin, but once you introduce lateral cornering forces into the equation, SCS and TCS kick into action before antics get out of hand. Smartly, though, where other Spyder models shut down the fun with more immediacy than cops at a high school kegger, the F3’s algorithms interject in a more linear fashion, allowing for an elevated level of mid-corner fun.

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For now, these new algorithms are specific to the F3 and are the main reason why the F3 is easily my favorite Spyder. But there’s more significance to the new model Spyder. A lot more.

Look close and you’ll see air between the road and the inside wheel. At this point SCS quickly interjects, bringing the F3 back down to earth. But it’s a step in the right direction as the F3 tolerates more aggressive riding than its Spyder stablemates. The feet-forward riding position allows an F3 rider to use his legs for providing leverage against cornering and braking G forces.

Redesigned bodywork lessens the Spyder’s snowmobile-with-wheels connotation by exposing a portion of the Rotax Triple, while the new tubular steel frame and swingarm act as stylized industrial art. Not only do these changes up the F3’s visual appeal, but also help endear the F3 to the cruiser crowd Can-Am is courting.

Yep, I said cruiser crowd. The F3 is meant to fill a void in the Spyder line-up, appealing to cruiser riders by way of its relaxed, feet-forward seating position. This should be exciting to many prospective Spyder owners, but it gets better. The new seating position is customizable to body size and personal preference. The F3’s “UFit” system allows for five-way adjustable footpegs and a variety of handlebars with varying degrees of length and rise.

I rode with the footpegs in positions four and five and there was a noticeable difference in just this one increment of adjustment. Each Spyder was equipped with the handlebar seen in the B setting, which seemed too tall for my tastes. I would have preferred the lower, more forward bars of the C & D settings.

When a person enters a Spyder dealership, they will be able to sit on an F3 Spyder and experience the different ergonomics prior to purchasing. According to Can-Am, the procedure to swap the handlebar and adjust the footpegs is a 10-minute process. The positioning can be altered at a future point by buying a different handlebar and/or the appropriate length linkage for the brake pedal (the five predetermined footpeg positions are accompanied by corresponding brake linkage lengths, $29.99 each).

Ironically, the relaxed, feet-forward seating position, while comfortable, also helps when pushing the F3 through corners. Unlike the other Spyders, where the standard footpeg positioning requires more upper body strength to manipulate the Spyder through a series of corners, the leverage provided by the feet forward positioning allows an F3 rider to brace himself against cornering G forces with leg muscles. Using one’s legs, an F3 rider can maintain a lighter grip on the handlebar during both cornering as well as braking. This allows for better handlebar input and vehicle control.

Front end overhang was reduced and the twin radiators rotated 90 degrees, allowing the width between front wheels to decrease by three inches. The storage compartment shrunk by 5.5 gallons to 6.5 gallons on the F3 vs 12 gallons on the RS.

Like other Spyder models in the Can-Am lineup, the F3 comes in two versions; a standard model for $19,499 and an F3-S model for $20,999. What the $1500 upgrade to the S model gets you is cruise control, machined front wheels, a suede seat with red stitching, stylized front fenders with integrated LED lighting, and special accents and badging. Both trim levels are available with manual or SE6 semi-automatic transmissions.

Clutch pull on the standard transmission is significantly stiff. I preferred the SE6 semi-automatic transmission which only requires pushing a button with your left thumb to upshift. You can manipulate downshifts manually, but the SE6 will automatically downshift if you don’t. The SE6 is a $1500 option, but it’s well worth the price.

Passenger seat accommodations are roomy and feature large, rubberized grab handles. Passenger footpegs, however, have no stops and when in the up position contact the side panels, scoring the plastic. The small backrest shown here is one of many available F3 accessories, as is the chrome akrapovic muffler.

The Rotax Triple pounds out heaps of mid-range torque and rapidly spins up until gently bouncing off the rev limiter. The ACE engine emits a wonderful intake growl and three-cylinder exhaust wail, prompting its rider to twist the throttle at every opportunity. There is a slight hesitation between cracking the ride-by-wire throttle and receiving engine response. Not horrible, but noticeable. The cruise control can be set randomly or in more precisely selectable two-MPH increments.

Mash on the right foot pedal and the F3’s ABS brakes slow the 850-pound (claimed dry weight) Spyder F3-S with authority. To provide lighter steering, weight was shifted rearward, lightening the load on the front two wheels. At 7.1 gallons, the F3 has more fuel capacity than either the ST (6.6 gal.) or the RT (6.9 gal.).

Can-Am claims the new F3 frame is 30% stiffer and offers better torsional rigidity than the RT’s single backbone frame. With less bodywork comes exposure to more engine heat, but during our cool, Canadian-weather ride, it’s hard to say if its excessive or mild.

As much of an improvement as the new F3-S is over previous Spyders, I’d like to see Can-Am provide selectable Rider Modes, giving the operator a choice of how much electronic oversight he wants from his Spyder. The F3’s new algorithms are an improvement, but the Spyder still resides in a nanny state of conservative anti-hooliganism.

Colors for the standard F3 are Steel Black Metallic and Pearl White, while the F3-S is available in Steel Black Metallic, Pearl White/Steel Black Metallic, Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic, Can-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic.

The White and the Magnesium F3-S models really pop with frames and swingarms painted Can-Am Red Solid Gloss.

Spyder F3-S Specifications

MSRP$20,999 (as tested: $22,499)
Engine Type1330cc liquid-cooled Rotax ACE Triple
Bore and Stroke84.0 x 80.0 mm
Fuel SystemEFI
IgnitionDigital
Horsepower115 hp @ 7250 rpm (claimed)
Torque96 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (claimed)
Transmission6-speed manual, or semi-automatic
Final DriveBelt
Front SuspensionDouble A-arm, Fox shocks with 58.07 inches of travel
Rear SuspensionSachs monoshock with 5.20 inches of travel
Front Brake2 x 270 mm discs with radially mounted Brembo monobloc calipers
Rear Brake270 mm disc with radially mounted Brembo caliper
Front Tire165/55-15
Rear Tire225/50-15
Wheelbase67.3 inches
Seat Height26.6 inches
Claimed Dry Weight850 lb.
Fuel Capacity7.1 gal.
Available ColorsF3: Steel Black Metallic and Pearl White.
F3-S: Steel Black Metallic, Pure Magnesium Metallic/Steel Black Metallic,
Pearl White/Steel Black Metallic, Can-Am Red Solid Gloss/Steel Black Metallic.
WarrantyTwo year limited including roadside assistance
Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.

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  • MDSledHead MDSledHead on Oct 21, 2014

    I think it's a really new vehicle... they are going to attract some new people that were previously "turned off" by the riding position.
    But I disagree with your title... I think this model is MORE like snowmobile than any other spyder models - yes, that's right. It's still not as fast as high-end sleds, but it looks like the "lake racers" of years past. In fact the "ACE" acronym was taken from their Ski-Doo line and the quick-adjustable bars/footrest from another manufacturer.

  • Scott Scott on Nov 22, 2014

    We bought a 2014 SPYDER RT and we love it. I wish people that write these articles would post 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. I am curious to see how fast the F3 would perform. The rs I have seen drag racing were running low to high 13's. I am glad the F3 removed some of the traction control, even Spyder owners like to have some fun too.

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