SM VS SE

[bmccaffrey]

I've got the sm but have driven a few of the se. Kinda envious I didn't get the se. Took mine in to get inspection and check up. Took the st se for a ride decided to play a little man that thing power shifts real sweet. Don't tell the dealer, won't name him. I know the sm are bullet proof for maintence.

Would like to here other opinions

15s are coming might be time for change. Maybe not Got lots Invested

[DrewNJ]

Have an SM, have ridden an SE on multiple occasions. Still greatly prefer the SM.

[hchays]

I also have an SM and am glad I bought it. Manual is always more reliable and it still lets me feel a little like I'm riding a motorcycle. Plus I really like the idea of being able to pull the clutch in to bring the drivetrain to zero power if needed.

[cptjam]

This is Ann posting here. Let's make it three for three on the SM vote. I do not like the paddle shift.

[ARtraveler]

I sure would not change out 's just to make a transmission change from SM to SE.

Next go around, you might consider the SE though. Had the SM on my 2008 and it was no big deal because I had been driving manuals since 1965.

All my 's from 2009 on have the SE. I am still in control, less wear and tear on my hands and left leg. IMO, no difference in mileage--but we don't buy them for that anyway.

[MikeinGA]

I've got the sm but have driven a few of the se. Kinda envious I didn't get the se. Took mine in to get inspection and check up. Took the st se for a ride decided to play a little man that thing power shifts real sweet. Don't tell the dealer, won't name him. I know the sm are bullet proof for maintence.

Would like to here other opinions

15s are coming might be time for change. Maybe not Got lots Invested

I have it on my 2011 RS-S SE5. If I would buy another Spyder it would be SM5 or SM6 trans. Less Problems and you don't have to worry if the are rpm's high enought that you don't damage or over heat the clutch.

Mike

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have it on my 2011 RS-S SE5. If I would buy another Spyder it would be SM5 or SM6 trans. Less Problems and you don't have to worry if the are rpm's high enought that you don't damage or over heat the clutch.

Mike

...................​The SM-5, and SM-6 are very different transmissions and come with very different engines ..............so you are comparing apples and oranges ......just sayin .........Mike

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have it on my 2011 RS-S SE5. If I would buy another Spyder it would be SM5 or SM6 trans. Less Problems and you don't have to worry if the are rpm's high enought that you don't damage or over heat the clutch.

Mike

...................The SM-5, and SM-6 are very different transmissions and come with very different engines ..............so you are comparing apples and oranges ......just sayin ..........................and say what you want buuuuuuuuuuut I won my class at the last SPYDERFEST drags with the SE transmission ......just sayin .......Mike

[Chupaca]

I love manual so I may not be the best source..that being said..I have seen more problems with clutches on the auto and shifting issues as well. I prefer the control, pulling in the clutch and coasting the downhills, slipping the clutch when needed, being able to run at lower rpms without clutch slipage, parking in gear and operating park brake manually. I do understand those that like the SE models but it doesn't fit my ryding style...in the end it is your choice, maybe a longer test ryde...

[joebryanjr]

I switched to SE when I bought my 2014 RT. After the 3rd stop light I no longer missed the clutch and have not looked back since.
i am not an aggressive rider. Those that are may feel differently.

[coz]

very happy with a manual clutch. if the bike would have had the semi auto that's what i would have. the deal was too good to pass up. less things to go wrong with the sm.

[Bob Denman]

Well; lots of folks that know me, think that I'm pretty shiftless...
"ESSIE" for me!

[Highwayman2013]

I would ride either one, but it sure is fun to power shift with the SE.

[billrob71]

Have the SM have tried the SE dont think I would change. Like the Manual shift better just can't get passed the mind set that bikes shouldnt be a manual.

[billrob71]

very happy with a manual clutch. if the bike would have had the semi auto that's what i would have. the deal was too good to pass up. less things to go wrong with the sm.

Yep another good point

[ThreeWheels]

Interesting comments. I too have the manual transmission. I feel it is a moral obligation to have a manual transmission on a motorcycle.

This topic has come up many times before, and in a straw poll, the other threads seem to be overwhelmingly in favor of the SE transmission. I'm heartened to see this thread in favor of the manual.

[BikerDoc]

On my 2010 RT SM5 I had a clutch failure after only 8000 miles . On my 2012 RT SE 5 and my 2014 RT SE6 I have over 75000 miles with no problems whatsoever - so i don't get the worry about more problems with SE

[DrewNJ]

...

[Bob Denman]

I feel it is a moral obligation to have a manual transmission on a motorcycle.

Now I'm confused...

Does that make me immoral; or amoral??

[billrob71]

Now I'm confused...

Does that make me immoral; or amoral??

LOL
That just puts you in the lounge chair class.

[ARtraveler]

Now I'm confused...

Does that make me immoral; or amoral??

If/when you figure it out, let me know. I am stuck here too.

[Wildchild6969]

I have the SM5 and my brother has the SE5 so I have ridden both on several occasions. Both he and I prefer the SM5 as it offers a more "motorcycle feel" and requires less maintenance over the span on the bikes life.

[MikeinGA]

I love manual so I may not be the best source..that being said..I have seen more problems with clutches on the auto and shifting issues as well. I prefer the control, pulling in the clutch and coasting the downhills, slipping the clutch when needed, being able to run at lower rpms without clutch slipage, parking in gear and operating park brake manually. I do understand those that like the SE models but it doesn't fit my ryding style...in the end it is your choice, maybe a longer test ryde...

My BRP manual gives me a way to check the shift up/down with a muilt meter. I agree with you about the SM5 and the manual clutch. I hate having a vehicle that is going to let me sit along side the road. I'm going to go to the Smoky Mountain Spyder Rally next month and I will be towing it there because it's over 100 miles from home. This is not the first time the Spyder failed me like this. It's the sixth time in 15,000 miles. That's IMHO.


Mike

[bmccaffrey]

Great input everyone. Learned a lot. That's why I got the sm figured motorcycle should have a clutch. Love to power shift the sm also. Was a little surprised how quick the se was. I've not read that many complaints on the se. I like keeping things simple. My feeling the less electronics less problems.
I do love my gadgets though

[MikeinGA]

...................The SM-5, and SM-6 are very different transmissions and come with very different engines ..............so you are comparing apples and oranges ......just sayin ..........................and say what you want buuuuuuuuuuut I won my class at the last SPYDERFEST drags with the SE transmission ......just sayin .......Mike

Mike,

I'm just saying that the SE controlled transmission can have more problems than the SM transmission. on winning your class at the SpyderFest drags.

Mike