transmission choice? opinions?

[dshogman]

Just starting the thought process of moving from 2 wheels to 3. As to the 2 tansmissions, would appreciate folks opinions pro or con. Also, as to the manual, is the clutch cable or hydraulic, can't find that anywhere? Current ride is BMW with great clutch feel - in the past had some real hand issues with Harley clutches.
Thanks.

[Freddy]

Clutch is hydraulic with vacuum assistance, therefore quite light. I avoided the SE5 for reliability reasons. Do some reading on this forum and you'll get a good idea youself of possible issues.

[Dudley]

Had a 2008 SE5 for 23 months, put 43,000 miles on it without any Transmission issues. When we traded for the 2010 RT, I went to the manual. The automatic is a great transmission (my experience), but I like the manual just as well. In the end, it really comes down to personal choice.

[Dragonrider]

It's a personal choice. I had the SM on my RS, and I have the SE on my RT. Didn't know if I'd like the SE transmission - my prior bike was a K12LT, but I bought my RT "lightly used", and it came with….. It shifts faster than the SM, works better in heavy traffic, and I have had no problems whatsoever with it.

Now that I've had both, I'd always opt for the SE on any new Spyder.

[NancysToy]

I agree that transmission selection is a very personal choice. If you can, test ride both, then decide. The clutch is hydraulic with vacuum assist, as was said earlier.

[tuck]

Have a 2011 RT SE5 and love it, great in traffic, shifts fast. Only have 2K on and have had no issues. But as earlier indicated. To each his own.

[SpyderWolf]

When I was looking to buy my Spyder I never thought I would want the SE5, but I knew I wanted a yellow one. The only yellow one available at the time was an SE5, and I almost passed on it but the salesman told me I needed to take it for a test ryde before I passed judgement on it. I am glad he did so as I now have a bit over 20,000 miles on it and have absolutely loved it. There is no way I would ever go to an SM after all of my experiences with the SE.

As with anything, your mileage may vary but this has really worked out well for me.

[StriperKing]

I have an RT-S manual and love it but have never rode an electric shift. I have rode for years and like to shift. For me it is part of the experience.

[bcspyder]

I purchased an SE with the hope that my wife would spend some seat time on it. She had not ridden on the street before and I felt the auto would be an easier learning curve. Unfortunately, business and school have held her back from getting into any riding so I do get the majority of time on it. I only test rode the SM so was curious about how the SE would shift. If driven properly the tranny is very smooth and I doubt I could outshift it manually. I have had some issues with it, but not enough to say I wouldn't buy it again based solely on reliability.

Having said all that, I would buy a manual if I was to do it again for a few reasons; one major, two minor. Firstly, when I had my bike suddenly go into limp mode at highway speed it would have been safer and easier for me to pull in the clutch to remove the motor from the equation and coast to the side of the road. As I was slowing the auto shift was changing gears and I didn't like that added into the mix. I prefer to be TOTALLY in control of the gearshifting during any difficult situation. I also like to use the clutch when I am making a quick stop so I can focus on braking and direction alone.

Secondly, you can't leave the bike parked and in gear, you need to rely on the parking brake alone. Don't know why but that always makes me nervous.

Third, when I go from one of my other bikes to the Spyder I miss shifting. Makes it feel more like a true bike I guess.

[MouthPiece]

My personal choice was manual shift. However, in hindsight, I probably should have gotten the electric because my wife would have been able to ride it. She has foot issues and cant with the manual. It was selfish on my part. I just wasn't thinking.

Chris PE# 0004

[Firefly]

I had more of a 'purist' opinion when buying my Spyder - so I went with the SM5 -- not to mention the SE5 was like 6 months longer wait than my already long 10-month wait for my PE Spyder.

I was skeptical due to previous bad rep that some 'auto' shift atv's had....

That being said -- the SE platform has proven to be quite reliable and pretty darn cool. My next Spyder very well may be an SE....

[chicksdigit]

Love my SE5

[Lamonster]

My Boss Hoss was a auto so I've had the pleasure of not having to use a clutch.

I have the SM on my RS/GS and the SE on my RT and hands down I would go with the SE. First thing is it shifts faster than you can by hand and I love not having to work the clutch when stuck in stop and go traffic.

[GloryRyders]

with Lamont..........SE makes life easier