2008 Spyder SM5 - is it possible to change/upgrade to SE5?

[JonteRaynal]

Hello my fellow Spyder lovers. First post here. I just picked up my first Spyder but I think I made a mistake. Sigh. I've never operated a standard/manual. I've never used a clutch or gear shift. Ive only driven automatics(Ryker, mopeds). So now I feel like I've wasted money. I have an 08' Spyder Roadster and assumed all Spyders were semi-automatics. Is it possible to change or upgrade from manual/standard to automatic or at least semi-automatic?

[Peter Aawen]

While the 'gearbox' itself is essentially the same for an SM5 as it is for an SE5, there's a LOT MORE involved in making an SM5 into a 'Semi-Automatic' SE5, or more correctly, making your SM5 into a manual gearbox only with electro-solenoid operated computer controlled gear shifting and a Centrifugal Clutch! So while it's probably possible to 'upgrade' to the BRP version (if you have enough time & money to throw at it) I really don't think you'll be able to do it cheaply or easily at all, Jonte!

You'd need to upgrade the computers & possibly add wiring sub-looms; add all the shift solenoids & associated electronics; change the clutch from the manually activated unit over to the Centrifugal Clutch, which might even mean sourcing & fitting a new transmission housing/block assy; get a new LH hand-grip with the flappy paddles; and probably do a bunch more besides....

BUT, that said, there are a/mkt electronic shift kits available for some manual m/bikes, and I'm pretty sure that there are a few Spyder Owners out there who've done that to their SM5's, but without one or more of them providing some detail, I'm not sure where you'd start looking; and besides, doing that still isn't quite the same or as effectively integrated! So realistically, if you can't source/fit one of those kits that'll work, you probably only have 2 other options remaining: -

1) learn to live with and use the manual clutch & shifter, which really isn't all that hard for most to learn to do reasonably competently; or

2) sell that particular SM5 Spyder and find/buy a Semi-Auto SE Spyder.

Sorry, but them's the breaks, and the choices facing you!


PS: you'll probably notice that I've moved your thread from the 'Welcome' section, where these sorts of questions rarely get answered, largely because only a few of us regularly go in there and I've edited your thread title to briefly ask your question, cos that's the best way to get viewers looking in to see what you're on about, and without viewers, you won't be all that likely to get too many responses!

[Bfromla]

Nothing wrong with having more skill. Can open more options for toys

[JonteRaynal]

Thanks for the reply! Im a newbie to the motorcycle world so all of this is overwhelming. I did some research on auto clutches. Do you think its possible to install an auto clutch and electronic shift gears? Id feel very comfortable not worrying about the clutch and shifting with my hand.

[Peter Aawen]

Thanks for the reply! Im a newbie to the motorcycle world so all of this is overwhelming. I did some research on auto clutches. Do you think its possible to install an auto clutch and electronic shift gears? Id feel very comfortable not worrying about the clutch and shifting with my hand.

Short answer - NO!


Sorry Jonte, but as I said earlier/above in post #2 of this thread, it REALLY wouldn't be easy or cheap!! In fact, I reckon it'd be A WHOLE LOT easier and cheaper for just about anyone to learn how to use the manual clutch!!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Long before the arrival of the Semi-auto transmission for Motorcycles ..... someone invented something called or known as an " air shifter ", which was attached to a manual shifter mechanism. ..... this was originally designed for folks with physical issues that prevented them from using a manual shifter. .... As peter said converting your Spyder using BRP parts would be foolishly expensive. ...... Hopefully, others here more familiar with the " Air Shifter " will chime in ...... good luck .... Mike

[Possible]

An air shifter or any other such device won't help with the ability to operate a manual transmission. You still have to develop the control to
coordinate a clutch and throttle.

[ARtraveler]

to the site.

Sorry to hear you got a manual transmission instead of a semi-auto. Cost wise, not a good recommendation to change it out. You are looking at least at a couple thousand and then may have issues with all the electronics to make it work.

I would recommend either learning how to drive the manual or trade it up to a SE. The 2008 is the first year of the Spyder and that engine is now discontinued, making it sketchy to find the parts you will be looking for.

It really is not difficult to learn how to drive a manual. That is the direction I would go if you decide to keep the manual.

[Fatcycledaddy]

An air shifter or any other such device won't help with the ability to operate a manual transmission. You still have to develop the control to
coordinate a clutch and throttle.

Here is a link to an electronic shifter, but as stated above, the manual clutch is still used with these. These were designed for someone who has limited use of their legs, not hands.
https://disabledmotorcycleriders.com...h-of-a-button/