SE6 or SM6?

[TonyMac]

Went and visited Yamaha Fun Center in Boerne, TX this last week to see the RT-S in person and will be scheduling test rides and pulling the trigger this weekend.

The question is...which transmission? SE6 or SM6? I had the SM5 on my old 2008 Spyder and liked it just fine, but for a $1,500 difference in price, what does the collective wisdom of this forum think? Is the SE6 more desirable, hold better resale or does it take you further away from being a motorcycle?

I'll try to get to ride both before I order one but wanted to hear what you all say. Thanks

[Bob Denman]

Well; what do the "shifting-bits" of your body tell you?
I like the "ESSIE"; but that's just me...
Some folks prefer to have more "control" over the bike...
It's your cash, and your call!

[SpyderAnn01]

I prefer the manual and I think that you will really like the clutch operation in the 2014 as compared to older models. For me the SE is boring - and I like to shift. As for resale, I don't see where one should be worth more or less than the initial investment. Will you have a larger market of potential buyers with the SE? Yes, they sell more of them but there are still many of us out there who prefer the manual.

You will certainly hear from all of the SE lovers which is expected but you and only you can decide what you prefer to ride. Don't buy something just because you think you may get a few more bucks at resale time.

[Marker]

SE all the way.

But that's just me

Around here better resale value

[finless]

SM lover here too!

Bob

[bodymanpainter]

The wife and I have always had the sm but after riding the 2014 se we were sold on it and love it!
Try to ride both and compare for yourself.
Toby

[danlnc]

I like the SM. Less things to go wrong.

[Jeriatric]

It's very much a personal choice.

That said, if, the SE has any draw backs - performance wise. I have not found them. And trust me when I say this. I use it.

Get what works for you.

[cougar]

Want to enjoy the ride or shift your butt off? Also, resale, resale, resale.

[MarkLawson]

The main difference, in my opinion, is NOT shifting, but the floorboard option that is only available with the SE6. If you want them, you have no choice. I don't know if the SM6 is available without the floorboards. I'm sure there are those who can tell us...

Everyone I've seen that posted concerning the electronic shift is sold on it. It is apparently a hit with the owners.

[SPYD1]

Personal choice...for me...SE all the time.

[Highwayman2013]

SE and yes I shift.

[TonyMac]

Want to enjoy the ride or shift your butt off? Also, resale, resale, resale.

Does the resale value stay high because of the transmission or simply the initial higher cost or is it a combination of the tranny and the floorboards?

[ARtraveler]

I have had the SE transmission on three of four 's. That will also be the transmission of choice if I were to purchase another.

I rented a with SM transmission last August, and I found it to be a pain for me to go back to shifting manually.

It does appear that used units with the SE do go for a little more as far as resale value.

It boils down to a personal choice though. Try both if possible and get what you like best. Good luck in your hunt.

[Bob Denman]

I didn't keep track of the split in here...
My impression, was that it was pretty close to evenly divided...

[SpyderAnn01]

Does the resale value stay high because of the transmission or simply the initial higher cost or is it a combination of the tranny and the floorboards?

I would guess that the difference in resale value would be directly related to the difference in initial cost. The floorboards do not offer many options for foot placement unlike some if the aftermarket boards. I put over 5500 miles on a 2914 Limited and now have 2400 miles on my RTS-SM6 and I do not miss the floorboards one bit. It is all a personal choice.

[Can-Am Poogs]

I have the SM5 and prefer it. I prefer to work the bike and have the bike work for me, and how I want it to work. Somebody said previously it depends how the parts that do the shifting on your body are doing. I agree. I have only been a part of this forum for 2 years, but it seems to me there are a few questions every year about the SE5 giving owners problems. I think I have read one post with an SM5 issue.

A couple of times every year, I get to drive an SE5 from the dealer for a couple of days. Usually after a day or two, I cant wait to have my SM5 back. But again that's all personal choice. SE5' ers would probably say the same thing about their preference for the SE. If you asked my wife the same question she would tell you the SE6 is the way to go, because that's what suits her.

The best advice I can give you from reading your post is, who cares about resale. You are taking about a maybe a couple hundred bucks between the two at resale time. And yes I agree with others that the market place is larger for the SE, especially on an RT...But are you buying this bike for you, or the next guy that owns it??? Take care of yourself and pick what makes you happy.


Can someone please make the snow melt quicker so that I can ride and spend less time on this darn computer?

[Sarge707]

I like the SM. Less things to go wrong.

And one LESS filter to change and more feeling of control in the process!
I have one of each.

[grumpybob]

Had both & like both. Without a cost factor it is totally what you prefer.

[granpa in Cincy]

The SE won't leave black marks on your white sneakers.

[liketoride2]

For me the choice largely came down to money. When I bought my 2010 I was quoted an extra $2K for the SE and decided that for that price, after 40+ years of shifting motorcycles with my foot, I could continue to do so. Since I planned on keeping the Spyder for many years (and still do) I didn't think I would ever recoup the increase in sale price with any increase in future trade in value.

As has already been said, it's a matter of personal preference. I have never found shifting a motorcycle onerous, but if one does the SE would be the way to go.

Mike
www.rtwrder.net

[granpa in Cincy]

I too shifted with my foot for just under 40 years. But then it began to hurt my hand holding in the clutch at a traffic light. So I got the SE on my 2014 Cognac and I'm very glad that I did.

[MarkLawson]

Does the resale value stay high because of the transmission or simply the initial higher cost or is it a combination of the tranny and the floorboards?

As the floorboards are new with the '14 RT SE6, the resale on the floorboards wouldn't be known.

[Bogeyjoe]

The way these `14's ride shifting is the only way I can tell the difference between my Spyder and my sofa !

[stewartj239]

Is the SE6 more desirable, hold better resale or does it take you further away from being a motorcycle?

It totally takes away the motorcycle experience. Without the clutch, it might as well be a snowmobile with tires