Advantages/Disadvantages of Auto or manual Transmissions?

[NancysToy]

..... You don't have to worry with lubricating the cable every time you turn around. .....

Modern motorcycles don't have cable operated clutches anymore. They are hydraulic.

[Illinois Boy]

The biggest complaints I have is the semiautomatic clutch is to noisesy IMO and that bugs me some of the time. The high rev shifting points are so much smoother that it is not worth complaining about. You get used to t and enjoy the ride and keep that thumb an index finger moving like the traffic around you is.

No offense Bob, but if your Spyder is still "clunking" when shifting... you may still be shifting at too low of RPM's; or simply not smoothly pulling on the paddle while holding the throttle steady (do not accelerate while shifting - just hold it steady).

I rarely ever hear a clunk-sound on mine when shifting. It is very smooth -- but not so if I do it wrong. If you are at Spyderfest, I'll show you...

First gear and reverse, however, always clunk...

[SpyderFun]

No offense Bob, but if your Spyder is still "clunking" when shifting... you may still be shifting at too low of RPM's; or simply not smoothly pulling on the paddle while holding the throttle steady (do not accelerate while shifting - just hold it steady).

I rarely ever hear a clunk-sound on mine when shifting. It is very smooth -- but not so if I do it wrong. If you are at Spyderfest, I'll show you...

First gear and reverse, however, always clunk...

Also check you oil level. Mine started to make more "noise" then usual and it turned out the oil level was low. I serviced it and shifting went back to being quiet.

[vtspyder]

I'm a little late to the party but rest assured the SM by far is much better than the SE and I 'll tell you why .........


With the SM you do not need a parking brake, you just leave it in gear. What happens when you forget to constantly adjust your SE parking brake and your beloved SE Spyder rolls down the hill and crashes into something because it remains in neutral while stopped ????? Thats right, your insurance will total it, insurance rates will rise, you might get sued and you will end up getting a SM anyway.

For one reason or another this was forgotten and ignored "conveniently" by fellow SE owners.

too funny...but...sorta not. That's the only thing about my wife's SE5 that drives me bonkers. I'm so used to just getting off my SM and leaving it in gear never setting the brake. Every time I move and get off the wife's bike, turn it off there is this ridiculous beeping sound because I didn't set the P brake. ! But, who am I to complain? She loves the thing and we get to spend time together. Small price to pay for a "happy wifey"!Her and her SE5.......That's just silly!

[vtspyder]

The brakes on the RT's are e-brakes. No foot brake involved here. Not sure what they did beyond 2009 on the RS's though. My 2008 and 2009 had the footbrakes, and the 2009 SE5 had the alarm as mentioned above.

Ahhh, foot brakes! I miss those days.
Flintstones_Family_Car-1000.jpg

[Kratos]

The engine STOP switch. BRP even suggests it be used to stop the engine before turning the key off. It's a good habit to get into, and may, save your bacon.

What's a scenario where this will save you?

[NancysToy]

What's a scenario where this will save you?

Obviously you have never had a machine where the throttle stuck or the clutch disengagement (cable or hydraulic) failed. The idea is to be able to shut off the engine without (dangerously) removing your hands from the handlebars.

[Kratos]

Obviously you have never had a machine where the throttle stuck or the clutch disengagement (cable or hydraulic) failed. The idea is to be able to shut off the engine without (dangerously) removing your hands from the handlebars.

Lol....is it that obvious?

[vtspyder]

What's a scenario where this will save you?

It's a heck of a lot safer and easier than trying to reach over and turning the key off. Every nano second counts when it hits the fan! That button can be spanked in a half a second or less. Lot harder to get to the key if wide open throttle and all 's breaking loose!

[Rockwall]

Drop and pop x2!