How quickly I forgot

[SpyderAnn01]

I've always felt like a fish out of water on a semi auto Spyder, in fact when I picked up the 2014 RT I had to push it out of a parking place because I couldn't figure out how to get it into reverse. Well today I took the 2014 to the dealer for service and they let me take the 2011 RTS SM that I was riding before the test Spyder I got onto it and started laughing because I couldn't remember how to put it into reverse.

I appreciate the 2014 even more now that I've put over 4,000 miles on one and I have the opportunity to go back to a 2011. The handling is far superior on the 2014 and the ride is so smooth. I felt every bump on the 2011 today. At first I didn't care for the sound of the 2014 but now I find that I like it better than the 2011.

And I know I'm in the minority on this but I still prefer to shift the old fashioned way.

[Bob Denman]

Did you try any Full-Bore, WFO shifts with the "ESSIE"?
Don't let off the throttle; just grab the loud-grip tight, and bang gears!

[DrewNJ]

And I know I'm in the minority on this but I still prefer to shift the old fashioned way.

Agree!! I wouldn't have it any other way.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bob Denman]

My untrained gut tells me that the ESSIE might be quicker than the ESSEM in a dragrace ; driver skills being equal...

[Chupaca]

love the control..knowing when I release the clutch I have full engagement, being able to clutch in and coast at any time, be able to slip the clutch when needed (and this has saved our butts more than once) but do understand those that prefer the semi auto roadster. Really nice to have the choice. You will get cured soon...

[NancysToy]

And I know I'm in the minority on this but I still prefer to shift the old fashioned way.

You may be in the minority, but you are not alone. Nancy and I prefer the old fashioned way, too. For me it's really more a matter of less confusion. I still ride a lot of other bikes. My left hand and left foot understand that very well after 55 years of riding, and they don't like to learn new things.

[Bob Denman]

Bad left ankle, and a Missus who seems incapable of learning to shift anything other than a blender speed... The ESSIE found a home in our garage!

[ARtraveler]

Thanks for posting Ann.

SM v. SE: I prefer the SE configuration but had the SM on the 08 (23,500 miles). All others have been the SE. When on vacation a few months back, I rented a SM version and it was hard and painful for me to do all the shifting--due to back and arthritis issues. Given a choice--for me only--I need to go SE.

[jerpinoy]

Love my SE and can take off as quick as I need to. JMHO.

[MidTNDawg]

after 55 years of riding,

Just a new comer, huh? LOL I only have a few years on you.

[SpyderAnn01]

There have been times when I've enjoyed the SE and it is kind of fun just slamming into the gears without letting up but I am sticking with the manual.

I don't like losing so I will probably be a spectator only at the drag races.

[Bob Denman]

Anybody who enjoys riding as much as you do... is NEVER a loser!

[Vidman]

Just a new comer, huh? LOL I only have a few years on you.

I love this place.....at 49 yrs experience I might be considered a youngster.

[den1953]

This year will make it 44 years as a licensed motorcyclist although I did play around on a friend's brother's bike in a back alley in 1968 (his older bro was in Nam at the time). So I guess that just makes me a kid in perspective to you guys.

[Cruzr Joe]

I love this place.....at 49 yrs experience I might be considered a youngster.

49??? (Damn Kids)


Cruzr Joe

[Vidman]

49??? (Damn Kids)


Cruzr Joe

Unfortunately NOT 49 yrs old. Just riding experience. However...

[Bob Ledford]

Riding age is merely an attitude. Some days I wake up as a teenager some times, an "OF"

Started in 1955!

[Bob Denman]

Only 36 years of street experience here...cold wipes.jpg

[bruiser]

I like the old way as well. I want to be in control of the clutch. And I can shift pretty darn fast. Both of ours are SM5s.

[DrewNJ]

On the SM you can shift even faster without using the clutch.

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

[den1953]

I've had my motorcycle endorsement for over 43 years (will be 44 in July) and every bike I've ever owned has had a clutch. Not a big deal except in lots of stop & go traffic or riding in a parade (the worst). I demoed a 2013 RT-S SE5 last October and it's very nice to have, but in the purchase price of a new 2014 it costs an additional $1500. On my fixed retirement income that could make a big difference in the size of a montly payment on a new ride. I understand how electric shift could be beneficial if arthritus or something else should get the best of me later on, but for now I can handle a clutch just fine.

[napper39]

ive been riding since 1953 all kinds of bikes and still like to shift,but its all fun so just ride like the wind and stay young.i was 75 on the 23 of this month and ride ever day its 40 or better.

[gswife]

I also had a bit of trouble with the reverse at first but since I had the same problem with the '11 I had so just thought ok if you got to push it in last on the '11 to get it into reverse then try it the other way push the Reverse button first then the down shift and Wa....La....

[SpyderAnn01]

Today I couldn't get the 2011 to start. I forgot to pull in the clutch.

[Bob Denman]

Was this an official, "Blonde Moment"???