6-Speed Manual Marginalized in 2018 lineup

[Tanshanomi]

Looking at the 2018 Spyder web page, it appears that the MT is only available on the F3-S and the Base RT. The other models list only the push-button transmission. As someone who prefers a manual clutch, I'm disappointed to see this. However, I understand that the take rate on the MT is pretty low, so it kind of makes sense from a production/distribution standpoint.

[RinconRyder]

That's also the same with regard to passenger vehicles, even light trucks.

I have always preferred a stick shift too but a recent round trip from Phoenix to Coeur d'Alene, ID convinced me that an automatic can be a real asset in the mountains (when constant shifting is going on) or in heavy rush hour traffic.

This just ain't the 1950's any more.

[Chupaca]

They are killing all the fun out of the ryde... must be a large number of upright, sunday driving tour types and not enough speed demons.... It is looking more and more like the RS and I are going down together...

[Bob Denman]

They're going to sell what the market will buy.
My guess, is that they've got lots of data that proves that the "ESSIE" is a winner!

[ARtraveler]

An unfortunate situation for lovers of MT. I still like them. After 5 years of riding strictly automatics, I purchased a new Vulcan. Never had a fear about that first shift when I drove it off from the dealer.

I guess that once we learn it, it is in our memory forever. I am also one of the few that "likes" a manual transmission.

As far as 's go, My first (2008 SM5) was a manual. All others have been SE's. It is no longer a gas saving thing--if you shift in the proper range, you will not notice much in mpg difference--same with ECO mode. "They" tell us, that they have made the transmissions "smarter" these days.

Another issue--we now see the MT on only the entry level models, and I am in agreement that they are probably on the way out. As a resale item--it is getting more difficult to sell a unit with MT. Time will tell.

[ARtraveler]

They are killing all the fun out of the ryde... must be a large number of upright, sunday driving tour types and not enough speed demons.... It is looking more and more like the RS and I are going down together...

Hang in there...Old shifters never die.... Someone will have to finish this one for me--make it good.

[RinconRyder]

I guess that once we learn it, it is in our memory forever. I am also one of the few that "likes" a manual transmission.

Which brings to mind a story......

Back in 1958 I bought my first motorcycle - a 1958 Jawa 125cc street bike. It had the foot brake on the left and shifter on the right (as did most European bikes of the day). So I learned brake left, shift right.

Even today, some 50-odd years later and a whole host of bikes that had the opposite arrangement, if I don't consciously think about which foot I am using to shift I will occasionally stomp on the brake to downshift.

[ARtraveler]

Which brings to mind a story......

Back in 1958 I bought my first motorcycle - a 1958 Jawa 125cc street bike. It had the foot brake on the left and shifter on the right (as did most European bikes of the day). So I learned brake left, shift right.

Even today, some 50-odd years later and a whole host of bikes that had the opposite arrangement, if I don't consciously think about which foot I am using to shift I will occasionally stomp on the brake to downshift.

Yes. It has to do with that first muscle memory that was learned. Never had a right hand shifter, but am guessing that would also give me fits.

Since I have both a 998 and a 1330, both Linda and I have to think about which one we are riding as one is 5 speed and one 6 speed, and both have shift points that are different. A mental "think" is necessary before going down the road for the both of us. Throw in the Vulcan manual, and I have to do three different "thinks" these days.

[Tanshanomi]

Which brings to mind a story......

Back in 1958 I bought my first motorcycle - a 1958 Jawa 125cc street bike. It had the foot brake on the left and shifter on the right (as did most European bikes of the day). So I learned brake left, shift right.

Even today, some 50-odd years later and a whole host of bikes that had the opposite arrangement, if I don't consciously think about which foot I am using to shift I will occasionally stomp on the brake to downshift.

I learned to ride on a Honda, then had a '79 Triumph for my second bike. Both shifted on the left. My third bike was a '71 BSA B50, which was right-side shift. I got to the point where I learned to brake and downshift correctly, but for some reason even after a year on that bike I was still instinctively trying to upshift by lifting up on the brake pedal. I think it was because I typically braked and downshifted at the same time, so I had to engage both sides of my brain, which wasn't normally the case with upshifting.

I once read that motorcycle racer Eddie Lawson could easily switch bikes between any combination of right- and left-shift, standard and GP (1 up-4 down) shift patterns and adapt to each instantly. I found that amazing, until I realized that sort of mental processing ability is how you get to be World Champion.

[Bob Denman]

Eddie Lawson was one of the best...

[Michaelscs]

Sad to see they dropped the manual trans from the F3-T. That was going to be my next Spyder.
I had my dealer search for a '16 or '17 F3-T SM6 and there isn't one in the 5 state region of Minnesota!

[BoilerAnimal]

Hang in there...Old shifters never die.... Someone will have to finish this one for me--make it good.

......they just grind away.



Hey, I tried!

[ARtraveler]

......they just grind away.



Hey, I tried!

And pretty good

[robtdonna]

Count me as a manual guy. Thought I'd have enough to 'learn' going from two wheels to three so figured the manual was one thing I wouldn't have to learn. In reality I acclimated much quicker than many have said it normally takes, so guess I could have gone with the SE.

On the other hand read a lot about the SE having shifting issues, clutch issues, stuck in gear issues and even emergency brake issues (which you HAVE to set with an SE, (so you are using it a lot more) you do not HAVE to on the SM (but should have you are on any kind of incline). So there is that.

Yet have to agree, resale value and resale pool of interested persons are both less.

[Spyder_Cowgirl]

Which brings to mind a story......

......So I learned brake left, shift right.

Back in the late 1970's, I dated a guy that had broken his left hand and it was going to be a LONG recovery. He also did his own custom work on his bikes and selected a Suzuki from the stable to modify for his needs. Moved the clutch to the right hand .... yes, and kept the brake there too. This is the bike on which I learned to ride ..... two fingers for the clutch and three for the brake -- not easy, and one MUST have long fingers to "pull" it off (sorry, pun intended). It was VERY tricky, but I did become somewhat proficient. Fortunately, did not have many miles on the bike so there was not much muscle memory and I had very little trouble converting over to a more "normal" style (left clutch, right brake) a few months later.

Okay .... end of hijack ... we now return you to your regularly scheduled program (already in progress) .... Ann

[Tanshanomi]

I have a six speed manual gearbox in my car. When I drive my wife's truck, at just about every stoplight I instinctively reach for the clutch pedal and shifter that are not there.

[SpyderAnn01]

I'm glad I got my 17 F3T SM6 it will likely be my last new Spyder. They dropped the SM from the RTS in 16 and now they entirely dropped the RTS line which I think is sad. I really dislike the base models with the gray pieces and old style fenders so no chance I'll buy one if them.

[asp125]

I don't mind NOT having a clutch in the right circumstances. For instance I loved my Audi with paddle shift DSG - auto in the city gridlock, full manual in the twisties. If the Spyder's SE was more reliable (barring these reports of shifting issues) I'd consider it for say an RT. But for the sporting RS and ST it would be like putting an automatic in a Ferrari. That being said... even Ferrari is using paddle shifters these days, so I guess the days of the clutch lever are numbered.

[WackyDan]

I'm a manual guy. For me, a handful of clutch lever still screams "motorcycle" to me.

I'm also a F3-S guy, so this doesn't really impact me, but when I wear my 2017 out and want something new, they better still have a manual or I'll have to find a new brand. I've heard some great things about the new auto, but sometimes, traditional is less issue prone.

[Bob Denman]

If you think of it as a "Euro-Sportscar paddle-shifter": it's better than thinking of it as a: "RATS! They stole my motorcycle shifter!! "

[rustynail51]

Glad I don't have a clutch lever to pull anymore fingers get painful in city traffic keep my old Honda naked wing around when I feel the need to pull a clutch it doesn't get used much .

[asp125]

Someday, a clutch lever will be a theft deterrent to bike thieves, much like a standard stick shift is to car thieves.

[Bob Denman]

The clutch and the shifter are still there: it's just that "Another Force" has control of them!
Perhaps a kit that gets you back to "SM configuration", will become available?

[Tanshanomi]

I've demo'd the semi-autos three times. By the third time it felt less foreign and weird, but I still dislike having it shift on its own. If I want a different ratio, I'll choose it, thank you. I'd be happier if it would either stay in the gear I selected or was an infinite CVT, like a scooter, snowmobile, or Aprilia Mana.

[Bob Denman]

Groan....jpg
They don't shift "on their own". If you don't upshift it: you'll stay in whatever gear you're in!
(But they WILL downshift, if they get the sense that the rpms are dropping too low...)