Spyder RT with manual / clutch ... which years?

[VStarRider]

Which years could you get a six-speed manual shift/clutch RT with the 1330 motor? Only the base RT came with the manual/clutch transmission, correct?

[JayBros]

MY 2014 was the first year of the 1330 engine and I believe the base RT model came with either the SE or the SM transmission but I don't know about the RT-S model. The Ltd came only with the SE trans. The SM transmission was eliminated in the MY 2019 RT.

[Navydad]

My 2015 base RT has the SE trans.

[sduskin]

I have 2 of the 2014 RT-S model. Both are SM6 with the 1330. That was the first year with the 1330. They also offered an SE and the Limited was SE only. From what I understand, the only differences between the 2014 thru 2018 were the colors. I am not positive, but I think the 2018 got a new dash module, also.

[JayBros]

I took a stab at MY '18 and there was still an SM6 shown in the operator's guide and I worked up tp MY '20 where is was not included in the OG to arrive at my conclusion.

[sduskin]

I was told when I bought my 2020 that the 20's were only SE.

[VStarRider]

Thanks for the replies. Here's my thinking, subject to change: I may eventually go with a base RT (2014-19), and trying to decide between SM6 and SE6. I am likely to go with the SE6. The reason for that is I already have a manual/clutch on my '16 Wing, and I am wondering if I can get my wife to pilot the Spyder at some point. That would definitely require the SE over the SM. I do prefer a manual shift, it fits my need for an engaging riding experience ...

I am still happy with my '15 ST-S SM5. No shortage of S's with Spyders.

[JayBros]

IMO, if your wife does not have any two wheel experience to shed she will have no problem learning to pilot the SE Spyder. My bride has absolutely no desire to learn to drive ours but it's primarily due to severely weakened arthritic hands. Remember too that if the Spyder escapade doesn't pan out the SE will be easier to sell than the SM.

[VStarRider]

Excellent points. Though, I would not sell the SE6 RT ... I would ride it to work, and ride two-up with her. She is very hesitant to get on anything with less than four wheels ... three is far more likely than two.

[JayBros]

Find a huge parking lot and let her try it. Using just 1st & 2nd gears would give her a good idea about how it would be. Just give her plenty of time to get accustomed to it at her own time.

[pegasus1300]

But remember the SE6 is a manual shift,you still have to shift it going up thru the gears,you just don't have to use a clutch. You can hold it in gear to the red line on every gear if that is your choice,or short shift it. You can also down shift as you choose or let it do it on it's own,but again you are in control,you just don't have to clutch,and it really doesn't take that long to get out of the habit. I think you will enjoy the SE even more then your clutch lever Wing. I know I love just punching a button.