Thoughts on switching from SM to SE.

[SpyderCop715]

I have already convinced myself to trade my 2011 RTS SM5, for a 2014 RTS SM6, but am having a hard time finding an SM6 without a long wait. I have been offered a very acceptable deal for a Limited in the color my wife loves. I would truly appreciate any input about going from Manual to Semi-Auto. I do like to shift & could wait a month or so for the SM, but I could have the limited delivered this Saturday. I really would like to hear from riders who have made the switch and honestly if you regret it or love it. Will make my decision later today. Its just been driving me nuts trying to decide. Thanks for any input!

[ARtraveler]

Bottom line: jump on the SE6 and take delivery on Saturday--you will not be sorry.

Some background: been driving motorcycles since 1965. Back in the day--there was only manual. Bought my first Spyder in 2008 and the manual was all they had at that time.

We bought a 2009 with the SE5 and its been SE's since then. You do save about $1,500 with the SM. The is a little bit more complicated with the SE package on it. As far as reliability goes, I would say that is no longer an issue as long as you keep the oil at the proper level--also a non-problem with the 2014 ACE triple.

Your still in control of the shifting with the SE, but you can be lazy on the downshifts if you want because the SE will do that for you. You can still wind the to the red line if you want to. You will not save anything in gas mileage with one or another.

When it comes to resale, the SE's are more in demand.

Your choice--but don't be afraid to go SE. And welcome aboard.

[Bensonoid]

I would continue looking and wait a long time for an SE (Not a misprint).

[steve0530]

Long time manual guy here. Was looking to upgrade from 2012 sm5 to a 2014 sm5. I was in the same position as you are. The dealer talked me into a road test of the se6, and that was all it took! Now own a se6 base RT in black and love it. TEST RIDE and you just might be sold.

[sddinnh]

My first SE after 50 years of manuals. I love it.

[billy4644]

I LOVE it !! Especially in traffic, work smarter not harder..

[MarkLawson]

Mine is a 2010 RT, so is manual, so I have little experience with the SE other than a test drive, (where I found I honked the horn a lot in an effort to shift!) but have some thoughts to share anyway.

• I have heard many SE owners rave about how great it is.
• I have yet to hear an SE owner state they regretted it. I'm not saying there are not those out there that don't like it, just that I haven't heard them.
• The SM does not have the floorboard option, so if that option is a make or break point for you, this is paramount in your decision.
• The color is always the wife's choice, so keep that in mind, especially if the Spyder is something you want to make into a mutual interest for the two of you. (She also gets to pick out many of the accessories that you must buy and install)

Have fun either way you choose!

God bless

[Shewhoprays]

Really had doubts about giving up the clutch and find myself reaching for it sometimes but especially in traffic or waiting in line to get on the interstate escorting WWII vets back into town, I love the semi auto. My pic stills shows my 2010 RT but I traded for an STL. Love it!!!

[Highwayman2013]

I like the SE and yes you still shift.

[Pennyrick]

I have already convinced myself to trade my 2011 RTS SM5, for a 2014 RTS SM6, but am having a hard time finding an SM6 without a long wait. I have been offered a very acceptable deal for a Limited in the color my wife loves. I would truly appreciate any input about going from Manual to Semi-Auto. I do like to shift & could wait a month or so for the SM, but I could have the limited delivered this Saturday. I really would like to hear from riders who have made the switch and honestly if you regret it or love it. Will make my decision later today. Its just been driving me nuts trying to decide. Thanks for any input!

Converted to Spyderland in 2011 but did not want an SE. So I waited until an RT SM came available a few week's later. My wife had a 2010 RT SE and I had driven it and liked it but I wanted to do my own shifting.

After about 8 months on the SM the 2012's came out and my wife went to a 2012SE limited. I tagged along when she made the deal on a new Lava Bronze. There was a pearl white RT Limited in the showroom that I liked and by then I was leaning towards a semi auto. My left wrist was already sore that day as we had been held up by a traffic jam that required a lot of clutch pulling. Then I looked at the scuff marks on the top of my left boot and that little thing pushed me to make the decision.

I have never regretted it. If you like to shift, do it with the paddle shifter.... it is smooth and is a better way to control the machine. It is smoother with no lurching on starts and a breeze on twists and turns at high speed. I usually downshift manually so really it is just like an SM but without the sore wrist.

[Bob Denman]

Have you actually tried one on for size yet?

[joebryanjr]

I traded from a 2011RSS SM5 to a 2014 RT SE6. After 3 stop lights on the way home, I no longer missed the clutch. The same as switching to the Spyder without a hand brake.
same exhilaration, more convenience.

[MEP]

I just bought the 2014 RT S SE6 and don't regret it at all. I went in looking to buy the manual but after test riding the semiautomatic I was sold.

[Dragonrider]

My dealer had 5 SM6s - 4 base and one "S". He only had one base SE6, and that was mine! I have ridden the SM6, and like the SE - as does all of my family members who ride it.

For whatever reason, when I ride the SM, I have to have the ISCI hand brake, which adds the cost of the SE transmission. With the SE, I don't miss the handbrake....

[PrairieSpyder]

I love the SE, but I didn't have really extensive experience with SM. I rode 2-wheelers and was OK with the shifting, but my short fingers didn't make operating the clutch in heavy traffic so easy. My first Spyder test-ride was on a SM5 and was a disaster; with the difference in the steering and operating the clutch, to boot, there was a lot going on. So I got the SE.

If you haven't already tried it out, you should definitely do a long test-ride with an SE. Only you can know which is best for you, but I think you'll like it.

[scarecrow]

(where I found I honked the horn a lot in an effort to shift!) Yep! Done that enough. I just smile and wave.

[KX5062]

Try one out before deciding. I had a SM5 before switching to the SE6. I don't regret it at all. You can still control the shifting, except its with your finger and thumb instead of hand and foot.

[SpyderCop715]

I'm making the jump now. Just can't pass up this deal on a limited. The worn out boot and sore left hand, let alone stuck in traffic has convinced me, and last week while riding with a bunch of Spyders a friend that owns a limited with very little riding experience had to do a panic stop & turn & I must say I was very impressed with how the limited handled it. It would have been a real pain for me to pull off what he did with a manual. Thanks to all .

[daveinva]

I'm an MT in cars guy, although auto is nice in DC traffic. On two wheels, I prefer a manual clutch over a scooter CVT simply because of better slow-speed control (the shifting I can do without). That said, I still have yet to try a Honda DCT-equipped bike, and I hear they're really sweet.

However, when it comes to the Spyder, I'm an SE guy all the way. On three wheels, there's no need for clutch control. But it gives more control than a CVT.

Plus, it just *works*. And it's fun to boot!

[SpyderAnn01]

I hope you don't find the SE boring. I had SMs and then I was given an SE on a Test Spyder. I put 5,500 miles on it and found it boring. Really, really boring. I love my 2014 SM6 it has an awesome clutch and I wouldn't trade it.

[billrob71]

For me I love the manual but I have a RSS and love banging the gears BUT if your buying a touring model and your going to use it for that I don't think I'd have anything but the SE
just seems more fitting . Good luck with your decision.

[Bob Denman]

I'll bet you a nickel, that the ESSIE is better on the dragstrip!

[Don in E Texas]

When my wife and I went to test ride our '08, the first ride was on a SM. For a couple of reasons I did not like it, but the deal breaker was my wife's hands just had a hard time on the clutch lever. Yes, I know it is adjustable. Back at the dealer, she had no issues with the full size Kaw. touring bike clutch. We then test rode the SE --- DONE DEAL! You will love the SE the first time you hit stop/go traffic.

YMMV

Don

[Marker]

I love it . No clutching with left hand wich has some nerve damage to it.
When in stop and go traffic ,no need to feather clutch, Shifting is buttery smooth and can run through the gears faster to get up to speed,

My wife just got her license and love the semi-auto shifting. We both can ride and have more fun too.

[SpyderCop715]

After reading all the replies I did it! Besides having a wonderful dealership (PowerSports), Cleveland Oh. My good friend (Dave) had a 2014 Limited in Congac in a crate & put it together & delivered in 2 days. They put me at the head of the line & so far I absolutely couldn't be happier! My wife loves the color & it is a real head turner! It took me the 1st stop light to get over not having the manual transmission. I also averaged 39.5 mpg 1st trip out! I was riding with (7) other Spyders & when 2 of my buddies pulled in to get gas one of then pointed to me & said you better fill up now. I looked at my gauge & I had only used a quarter of a tank. I Absolutely positively Love this Bike! I had know idea it would be this different from my 2011RTS. Pictures will follow soon! Thanks to all who responded with the opinions! Just ordered over $1500 worth of goodies for my new Baby! This is definitely a keeper!!One Happy, Happy, Happy rider!!!!!20140830_17.jpgThis is it!