Manual vs Semi- Auto

[Questions]

Have been getting closer to buying a spyder as I talk to more spyder owners.
My question is:

Which is better to purchase; the manual or semi-auto model?

Is one more reliable?

Thanks:chat:

 

[altonk]

I would suggest semi auto. The shift is always faster than you can do it and well executed. also it's one less coordinated distraction from your driving

Down side is you don't have lowspeed and takeoff clutch modulation


I am more interested in corners than launches so it suits me well

 

[altonk]

You also have to downshift at at higher rpms to first or the tcm thinks ur stopping ands coasts between 2 and first. Once u get accustomed to it you can decide which one you want

 

[BajaRon]

Can't give you any expert answer as I've not ridden the auto. But I know the factory riders all preferred the auto, and I've yet to talk to someone in person that didn't prefer the auto (having ridden both).

That's not to say there aren't some who do prefer the manual. I've got a manual and I think it's great. A bit of a hassle in stop and go traffic but then that's a clutch in any vehicle.

And that is why I have not ridden an auto. I want to stay satisfied with my current ride. I made the mistake of riding Lamont's SM5 with the Corbin seat just before we left for Canada. :gaah:

 

[SpyderWolf]

I originally told the dealer I wanted an SM5, but all they had was the SE5 in yellow. It only took the test ryde and I was hooked! I would not go back to manual clutch for anything now. :thumbup:

 

[dancogan]

I've got just over 2K miles on my RT-SM5 and really enjoy it. I have not ridden one with the automatic, but feel the manual shift keeps me more involved in driving the bike. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[NancysToy]

Personal choice, just like color. Try both if you can, and see what suits you best. Ours are both SMs. We have stick shift collector cars, and there are 23 other motorcycles in the garage. I don't want the confusion of adjusting how I shift when I change rides. The clutch and foot pedal are ingrained in my memory. I wouldn't mind the SE when I am pulling a trailer, though. For many, the semi-auto is a big draw, as they are not used to the clutch, or just don't want to bother. Part of it depends on where and how you ride, too. Like I said, personal choices.

 

[retired1]

SM or SE ?

My '09 was an SM and when I decided to get the RTS, I told the dealer I wanted another SM, mainly to save the $1500 for the SE option. The first blue one that came in was an SE. Since owning the SE, and the kind of riding I do, I wouldn't go back to the SM. I can't do "burn outs" as easy with the SE, but then again, I'm a year older.

 

[Questions]

Thanks for the Input

I understand the thoughts here and appreciate. I test drove the semi-auto but not sure yet.

 

[ntxYguy2009]

I have the SE5. I also own a Honda ST1300. To me the future is automatics. When engineered correctly, autos are the way to go. Take a look at what Ferrari, Porsche, etc. are doing. Even dragsters, funny cars, Indy, and F1 are switching.

I love paddle shifters!!! :yes:

I would love to trade the ST1300 for the new VFR1200F DCT, but the VFR doesn't have the range of the ST1300. I looked for the auto Yamaha FJR1300AE but they are hard to find.

I do a lot of city commuting and I prefer to keep my mind focused on the traffic and not on the clutch.

My two cents....

David

 

[Justin]

I understand the thoughts here and appreciate. I test drove the semi-auto but not sure yet.

When we went to buy a second Spyder for the wife, the plan was SE5. When she rode it, she hated it and wanted the manual so we ended up with another Phantom. She really wanted the white. Her and I feel it takes away the motorcycle experience and it feels more like a scooter than a bike. It comes down to what you prefer i guess.

 

[SpyderSteve]

I have the SE5. I also own a Honda ST1300. To me the future is automatics. When engineered correctly, autos are the way to go. Take a look at what Ferrari, Porsche, etc. are doing. Even dragsters, funny cars, Indy, and F1 are switching.

I love paddle shifters!!! :yes:

I would love to trade the ST1300 for the new VFR1200F DCT, but the VFR doesn't have the range of the ST1300. I looked for the auto Yamaha FJR1300AE but they are hard to find.

I do a lot of city commuting and I prefer to keep my mind focused on the traffic and not on the clutch.

My two cents....

David

:agree: :2thumbs:

 

[biker1]

If you are doing a lot of town/city driving then the manual could be tedious with pulling the clutch all the time.
Coming from bikes, after getting used to the auto its great. Because its so different from a bike anyway then I would go auto given a choice. :thumbup:

 

[Bozzzz]

Manual seems to be more controllable. I like to dowshift as I feel needed.

Also, haven't the semis been having problems?

 

[Firefly]

I've ridden both and I still prefer manual for many of the reasons mentioned. I prefer having 100% control over what gear I'm in. I also love the feeling of catching the rear tire from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd....:2thumbs:.

As far as speed, yes the SE is generally quicker--- but I'd say I'm darn close when I shift without using the clutch on my SM5.

Another bonus of the SM5 is it will limit those wanting to take it for a ryde to those that know how to ryde a motorcycle and shift.

I wouldn't like HAVING to use the parking brake with it's annoying beep--- but that's probably just me. I'm not a fan of the parking brake at all.

While they've had some problems with the SE5's, they were not as widespread as I anticipated from BRP's previous problems with vehicles that had semi-auto. It seems they've got a pretty solid setup on the Spyder.:thumbup:

 

[johnnyg]

I Have an SE5 just turned 4000 mi on it, The one thing I like is when you get ready to pass someone you just use your finger to down shift then you use your thum to up shift without leting off the gas. You can down shift any time you need to our it will do it it's when the rpm's are low anought.:spyder2::2thumbs::yes:

 

[Questions]

Reliabilty

Thanks for all the inputThe deal did say the most of the problems they see are with the semi auto so you are correct about the reliabilty of the manual
:2thumbs:

 

[SpyderFun]

Have been getting closer to buying a spyder as I talk to more spyder owners.
My question is:

Which is better to purchase; the manual or semi-auto model?

Is one more reliable?

Thanks:chat:

As has been stated before, it is a personal choice.
How much motorcycle experience do you have? If not alot, I would recommend taking a serious look into the SE5.

An advantage of the SE5 is ANYONE can get on it and ride it. Most people that I know who do not like motorcycles is because they 1) feel they are not safe and 2) the coordination for shifting intimidates them.

I like the Sequential Electronic 5 Speed Transmission over manual transmission and I like it even more so since the recall to fix it has been completed!

Try it - I think you will be convinced its better than sliced bread!

 

[vt228]

:gaah:gust get the one you love heck with what other people say only you count on what you drive so get the one you want for ever a spyder is wanting a home go get it lol:2thumbs:

 

[scudrunner]

After years of driving a stick shift car and enjoying it, I got an automatic and never looked back (but sometimes would like to jam a few gears). We tried both the RT's and we agreed the auto would make life more enjoyable. Personal choice. I don't think I'd like an auto on a two wheeler.