Manual vs Semi- Auto

[teacherbob]

I shifted manually, the traditoinal bike way, for 2 years on my '08 Spyder. Didn't know if I would like the automatic on the new RT. It didn't tkae long to get used to it. I think I have found the sweet spot with this bike and can upshift and down shift very naturally on it. I really like the fact that it will downshift itself while I am focusing my attention on other vehicles in intersections etc. My vote is for the Semi-Automatic.

 

[ronv]

SE5

I have an 09 SE5 and really like it. It will shift up / down faster than I ever could with a standard clutch setup.

Also, since I'm missing fingertips on the left hand I don't have to worry about accidently dumping the clutch and eating someone/something.

Hope this helps.

Ron

 

[Raptor]

The RS-S (now my Wife's Spyder) is an SE5 and it shifts flawlessly. When I had it I shifted that thing like an F1 car and it never failed me once. I did have the clutch issue (No disengage coming to a stop) but they replaced it and it's all good. The SE5 is a fantastic box! :thumbup: I'm very impressed with it.

14 of course is a SM5 and I have to apply a slightly different technique. We'll see if the SM5 can match the SE5. So far the SE5 is slghtly more nimble in cornering but that I believe is more a function of the pilot needing to improve! That would be me of course! :roflblack: One thing the SM5 can do is slide the back end a little better (with proper technique, of course!) I'm gettin there! :2thumbs:

So I think that in the long run I am going to enjoy the SM5 more because I think I can be a better pilot with it. But the SE5 is a wonderful box and I am thrilled that my Wife is now piloting that machine. I believe there is an extra measure of safety operating the SE5.

 

[Questions]

Very Helpful - Next Step

Thanks for the input - I am not sure which I will go with yet but have time as I have to wait to sell my motorcycle to make room in the garage
However, my Harley friends are giving me crap for even thinking of switching LOL

 

[GaryTheBadger]

I've ridden both, bought the semi-auto and after 7000 miles, I would not go back to manual. The only disadvantages I am aware of are the extra cost at initial purchase and the extra filter & time required during oil changes. Mine has been bullet-proof through tens of thousands of shifts.

 

[bone crusher]

As someone here once wrote (it was not me), if you want to ride, get the the manual, if you want to drive, get the semi-auto.

They will both get you from point A to point B. If I had to endure traffic all day long, I'd go with the SE5...luckily, I don't have to...so, hittin' the clutch and poppin' gears is a lot more fun, IMHO...

 

[crtravelnmore]

I've ridden both, bought the semi-auto and after 7000 miles, I would not go back to manual. The only disadvantages I am aware of are the extra cost at initial purchase and the extra filter & time required during oil changes. Mine has been bullet-proof through tens of thousands of shifts.

:agree:I love the no lift shift:thumbup: I love the auto down shift:thumbup: I love less fatigue on long ride:thumbup: I love getting on it off the line:thumbup: I love that my wife can take over at anytime:clapid I mention I LOVE

 

[Raptor]

The SE5 is in fact an amazing piece of technology. That tranny is durable, accurate and fun to operate. I've already shared my thoughts on it.

Now, having said all that, now that I have operated the SM5 for a bit now I must agree with the crusher that grabbin my own gears is a gas! The ratios are different and it is a whole new style of riding. As I improve, the SM5 is the box of choice for me! Negotiating the technical sweepers in my area is taking on a whole new flavor with the SM5. I am having a blast with it! Still not as nimble as the SE5 yet, but reeeeally close now!! :2thumbs:

 

[musicarcade]

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 had lunch with a die hard HD rider and I offered him my :spyder: to try out and he sat down on it and then realized there was no clutch or handbrake. I showed him the paddle and the brake pedal and he just shook his head and said "I can't deal with all this :cus:" and got off. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Raptor]

I had lunch with a die hard HD rider and I offered him my :spyder: to try out and he sat down on it and then realized there was no clutch or handbrake. I showed him the paddle and the brake pedal and he just shook his head and said "I can't deal with all this :cus:" and got off. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

Cab ride to favorite lunch spot with a friend... 10 dollars
Lunch with a friend at your favorite place... 15 dollarrs
Confusing the :cus: out of your friend if he is a Harley guy with the technology of the Spyder... PRICELESS!! :roflblack:

 

[canam9]

Cab ride to favorite lunch spot with a friend... 10 dollars
Lunch with a friend at your favorite place... 15 dollarrs
Confusing the :cus: out of your friend if he is a Harley guy with the technology of the Spyder... PRICELESS!! :roflblack:

:roflblack::roflblack:

 

[SpyderWolf]

I had lunch with a die hard HD rider and I offered him my :spyder: to try out and he sat down on it and then realized there was no clutch or handbrake. I showed him the paddle and the brake pedal and he just shook his head and said "I can't deal with all this :cus:" and got off. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

:2thumbs: That is outstanding!

I said it before, but it bears repeating. I never thought I would want the SE5, but that is what the dealer had, and now I wouldn't have it any other way. :thumbup:

 

[Raptor]

:2thumbs: That is outstanding!

I said it before, but it bears repeating. I never thought I would want the SE5, but that is what the dealer had, and now I wouldn't have it any other way. :thumbup:

The SE5 is an AWSOME box dude! 14 (the Phantom) just isn't one, so I'm cool with that. I really do like grabbin my own gears, and I'm getting better at it every day. But the SE5 was awsome to ride. You can shift the thing as hard as you want, it will not fail. It makes technical riding much easier because your mind doesn't have to process the next shift. It's effortless, man. You just pick when and bang-bang! It shifts like an F1 car. Great technology if you ask me. My Vette had a sequencial paddle and it was just as awsome. I did things in that car that was just ridiculous!