Transmission Question

**Questions** · 03-08-2011, 09:32 PM

Just joined tonight, going to dealer tomorrow to order a RT-S SE5, dealer is recommending the semi auto transmission. I am going to get the 622 trailer also, would appreciate any thoughts on the transmission.

Rafe

**Havasu Rider** · 03-08-2011, 10:00 PM

I have a 2010 RT-S and the semi-auto trans. I love it and it is fun when I beat the Harley's and others off the light because I don't have to roll off the throttle when I shift. I think you will be happy with it.

**Mr. White** · 03-08-2011, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Havasu Rider

I have a 2010 RT-S and the semi-auto trans. I love it and it is fun when I beat the Harley's and others off the light because I don't have to roll off the throttle when I shift. I think you will be happy with it.

Rafe, I think we made a good choice. I am waiting for mine. Welcome to the site....lots of good folks and tons of information here.

Havasu, I am going to have to get used to not rolling off the throttle when hitting the up button...ha ha

**boborgera** · 03-08-2011, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Rafe Covington

Just joined tonight, going to dealer tomorrow to order a RT-S SE5, dealer is recommending the semi auto transmission. I am going to get the 622 trailer also, would appreciate any thoughts on the transmission.

Rafe

Me personally i would go with the Manuel 5 speed, Unless all your dealer has is Autos in stock, Hence the recommendation for the Auto.

**SpyderWolf** · 03-08-2011, 10:23 PM

I wish you the best with ordering your new RT.

**Slybird** · 03-08-2011, 11:02 PM

and

on your new baby!!! I ryde a 2010 RT-S SE5 with an RT-622 trailing behind. Sweeeeet combo!

**Capt Ron** · 03-08-2011, 11:24 PM

I had the same debut and have no regret in choosing the automatic for the RT-S. For a touring bike my preference is for SE transmission. If you were going the sport bike route then I would lean to the manual transmission.

**fordguyupnorth** · 03-09-2011, 08:40 AM

I HAVE THE AUTO IN MY RTS AND REALLY LIKE IT, I HAVE THE MAN. IN MY RS AND LOVE IT! DIFFERENT KIND OF RIDE, I THINK YOU WILL LIKE THE AUTO IN THE TOURING!

**GaryTheBadger** · 03-09-2011, 09:17 AM

Rafe, you can manually up- and down-shift the SE, but the SM can't automatically shift, so the SE is therefore more flexible and accomodating to your mood.

**fastfraser** · 03-09-2011, 09:33 AM

Get the SE, One less thing to worry about when hauling your trailer !

**AntelopeSpyder** · 03-09-2011, 12:53 PM

Get the SE! After having manuals for years it is GREAT

.

**xpeschon** · 03-09-2011, 04:49 PM

**johnnyg** · 03-09-2011, 07:08 PM

Rafe--We p/u our RT SE5 & 622 trailer in may of last year, We got 15k on it now, Took the trailer with us when we road the Tail of the Dragon At SITS. I've Pulled trailers with Honda,HD an this is the best I have ever had for pulling trailers you don't even know its back there execpt the noise from the hitch when your empty, Make sure they put the watermanagment Kit on the trailer [ before ] you take it out the door or sign any papers.

and have fun. JC

**ARtraveler** · 03-09-2011, 09:20 PM

Bought my 2008 with a standard shft. When the SemiAuto came out in 2009 got that for the spouse. I liked it so much that when the RTS came out, I had to have the SemiAuto on that. Once you drive it a little, you will not miss the manual shifting at all. In 46 years of owning motorcycles, my RTS is the 2nd Automatic I have owned. Yes, I had one of the the first 1976 750 HondaMatics. That one had a drive gear and a low range gear--put it in drive and crank the throttle and she howled and took off like a jet engine. People would ask me--hey wheres the clutch? Wish I still had that one. When I need a shift fix, I just hop on my Vulcan and go.

**Dudley** · 03-09-2011, 09:24 PM

We bought a GS SE5 in Nov 2008. The SE was first generation and a lot of fun and a new experience for something other than a car. Our 2010 RT is BareBone. I chose not to go with the SE because I didn't think it was worth the $1500 extra dollars. I am very satisfied with the manual and have no regrets not having the SE.

**Enuftruck** · 03-09-2011, 10:26 PM

Just got my new RT a couple of weeks ago but happy with the SE5. Similar type trans in my Smart Car and Volvo VN-670 Semi. Manual trans and clutch shifted by aid of computer smarts. In my case, the computer or TCM is smarter and quicker than I am.

Ray

**NancysToy** · 03-09-2011, 11:07 PM

Both Nancy and I are perfectly happy with the manual shift SM5 Spyders. This is a personal decision, that only the rider can make. I suggest a demo ride (or two or three) on each type, before a decision is made, if you have no strong preferences now.

**Bob Denman** · 03-10-2011, 08:20 AM

and welcome aboard!

**fispyder** · 03-10-2011, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by NancysToy

Both Nancy and I are perfectly happy with the manual shift SM5 Spyders. This is a personal decision, that only the rider can make. I suggest a demo ride (or two or three) on each type, before a decision is made, if you have no strong preferences now.

ON THE

**GypsyBill** · 03-10-2011, 10:36 AM

Love the SE... but as Scotty says.. it is a personal choice.. I rowed the gears for many years on many different bikes and rode both the SM and SE before purchasing the SE... no regrets..

BTW welcome aboard.

**Bob Denman** · 03-10-2011, 12:23 PM

Dang... I really like your avatar!

Are you coming North to Pittsburgh for the NRA convention at the end of April?

**Marker** · 03-11-2011, 05:31 PM

**Questions** · 03-12-2011, 09:08 PM

Was told today my RT-S SE-5 won't be in until the first week of April, going to be a long 3 weeks.

Rafe

**GypsyBill** · 03-13-2011, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Dang... I really like your avatar!

Are you coming North to Pittsburgh for the NRA convention at the end of April?

Thanks Bob and I would love to make it to the NRA convention then, but I have to be in MS for my daughter's college graduation (about time as she is 39 with 3 boys and a husband that is deployed 6 months out of the year every year (Navy SeaBee)).

**draboo** · 03-13-2011, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by akspyderman

Bought my 2008 with a standard shft. When the SemiAuto came out in 2009 got that for the spouse. I liked it so much that when the RTS came out, I had to have the SemiAuto on that. Once you drive it a little, you will not miss the manual shifting at all. In 46 years of owning motorcycles, my RTS is the 2nd Automatic I have owned. Yes, I had one of the the first 1976 750 HondaMatics. That one had a drive gear and a low range gear--put it in drive and crank the throttle and she howled and took off like a jet engine. People would ask me--hey wheres the clutch? Wish I still had that one. When I need a shift fix, I just hop on my Vulcan and go.

This is the second auto we have owned,the Honda was the first.

The SE is fun to drive..just hit the throttle and paddle. I never thought an automatic clutch would be as enjoyable as it is.. but it is!

Wish this was available on ironhead Sportsters 40 years ago. Downside: no second gear wheelstands!

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