Looking for information

[AZredhead]

Hello Spyder Lovers!

I am hoping to soon join the ranks of Spyder riders and I mean soon! I am currently debating between two different rides and would appreciate thoughts/opinions of those who are currently riding and can give pros/cons of each.

I am trying to decide between the following two bikes:

2009 Roadster SM5 (manual), used with 4800 miles. I'm a bit concerned about the clutch being so heavy.

2014 RS SE5 (automatic), new

My current ride is a Vstar 1100. I've been riding since 2008 and it's time to change things up. I've always been interested in the Spyder, and I'm really excited about getting one.

So...those of you who ride, please give me your thoughts on the Spyders especially if you ride those models. I'm also interested in hearing what mods may have been made for long distance riding.

Thanks!!!

Reggie

[Eagle1]

I bought a 2010 rt used and have put 16,000 miles in about a year. Great Ryde handles good. Minor problems. Enjoy the Ryde,!

[Spyder ri]

Hi Reggie. Welcome to the spyder family. I currently ride a 2012 RS se5 and have found it much more enjoyable since I installed floorboards. It keeps my feet under me and since I am 6 foot 2, really helps with longer trips. Other things that have helped with comfort are heated grips and a taller windshield.

Hope this helps!

[Chupaca]

you really have to test ryde both. The manual clutch has a vaccum asist when the engine is running and in stop and go traffic. But I have never ryden the semi automatic so can't say. Otherwise by age and use the newer would be best with warranty etc. Mods you don't need to worry about till you have a few hundred miles under your belt. Then start with safety and comfort working your way to the shiny sparkely stuff..good luck and hope your on the roads soon...welcome

[ARtraveler]

Over 50K miles on RS versions here. One manual, one semi-automatic. Neither were problematic. If you buy the semi auto, you will not miss the manual clutch.

I would buy the new one with the warranty. The 2009 is now 6 years old. If the price is killer, that is something else of course.

[Tom in NM]

. . . I anguished over SM5 or SE5. A lot! Too much!
And, back then, this site was AFLAME!! with arguments about it.

Getting the SE5 was the right choice. Six years later, I still smile when I am shifting through the gears- it is that cool.

The combo foot brake & SE makes for much more comfort on long trip ( it is like getting your hand back ) and it is easier and more precise in stop and go traffic. The only downside is having to tell people, "No, it is not an Automatic, you paddle shift!"

Old guy here, 50 years of motorcycles and stick-shifts. I loved my SE5s and now my SE6. I have had some SM5 out on demos, it is nice, but a different Spyder experience. It is more like a motorcycle, but, still different.

Hopefully, you can get time on both to see what fits you.

Tom

[Ben Burped]

The clutch gets easier with the engine running sort of like the steering gets easier with the engine running. I'm an "old" guy with arthritis , but I can still pull the clutch in. I really enjoy going up and down through the gears. I don't have to worry about "am I going fast enough to up shift". It is a very personal thing, so try both.

[Purple Guy]

[Deanna777]

My first spyder was a 2012RTS-SE5, put on 2,988 miles. Then I traded up to a 2014RTS-SE6 cognac. I am very happy with my 2014RTS-SE6.
Also, Deanna

[miltonb]

just sold my 2014 rss to get an f3. the rs was great riding distance or around town. shifting was very responsive and the handling was great.at times I missed manual shifting but I think the reliability factor is worth not having it.20140917_105949.jpgdeer hunter

[retread]

I don't have my GS anymore, but I remember the mods; an adjustable 22 inch windshield, ESI 4 inch risers, Kewlmetal highway peg mounts with kuryakn iso-pegs, a Russell Day Long saddle with rider's backrest, Grip Puppies, and a Crampbuster.
Personally, I'd get a Throttle Jockey II instead of the Crampbuster now, the difference being it doesn't slip.
I did alot of 2 to 300 mile days on it, my best was just short of 800.
If you get the 998 with the SE transmission, remember to keep the RPM above 3500 when you're moving, iif you don't you can fry the clutch.

john

[Bfromla]

SE5 is fine it was the RPM that first got me. Can't up shift till over 3k. Was a retrain myself surprise. 12k mils in im good &comfortable now came from a roadstar1700 &V-rod b4that. Fyi


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[PrairieSpyder]

I'd go for the SE in a minute!

[Bob Denman]

Pull the trigger on the 2014; you won't be disappointed.

[napper39]

new is alwas better im on my 56th now and love most of them,i have a 2013 rt shifter and had a 2010 rs shifter and love shifiting, here is some i still have all shifters xsept the 500cc scooter.

[ChicoFowler]

I'm an ex Yamaha rider had the 1100, 1300 and 1700 - after a T-bone accident and shoulder surgery, got to the point I couldn't safely handle the 2 wheelers....bought a RS 2012 - loved it, but when the 2014's came out with the bigger engine, 5 speed "automatic" tranny, I switched up and it was one of the better deals I've made .... The 2014's are great bikes and I don't think you'd go wrong going down that path. But, if you get a chance, try both and decide which one fits what you like.......

Welcome to the Spyder world!

[ARtraveler]

new is alwas better im on my 56th now and love most of them,i have a 2013 rt shifter and had a 2010 rs shifter and love shifiting, here is some i still have all shifters xsept the 500cc scooter.

Drool, drool, drool. You have a very nice collection of motorcycles/spyders. I made it to the high 40's as far as numbers owned and my only dislike was the 750 Hondamatic. That was ahead of its time.

[WVFoxtrotter]

I love my 2014RTS-SE6. I went to it from a 2002 Gold wing trike. Bought in Aug. past, 6000+ miles. Waiting for spring!!