2015 STS-SM5 ... what do I need to know?

[ARtraveler]

I am sure that I am twisting the throttle too leisurely most of the time, just allowing the rpms to gradually climb up to 4500, then shift. It does not seem to like that. Getting on the throttle more aggressively and quickly getting up to 40-45 mph, then backing off seems to make it happy. Riding around in 1st or 2nd gear ... killing me!!

I did a hundred miles in first gear on the Hana Highway in Maui HI. Speed limit mostly 25 mph with many stops for one lane bridges.

 

[Bfromla]

Could try engaging trailer mode, I adjusts some settings least for the SE5’s. Rest is just adjusting yourself to new sounds:thumbup: will feel like your a gear to low but not shifting till at5k rpm will see GPM improvement in couple of tanks.

 

[jsflash]

Hey VStar, I recently got a ‘13 Rs w/998 eng., it & the ST are the sporty models, sooooooooo fire that thing up & let it fly!!! I don’t shift till it gets to 5500-6000 rpm’s.And though it may sound like it I’m a speed demon , I prefer the back country roads to freeways... very seldom hit 5th... Guess I was lucky, I had never owned a cycle before so I didn’t have to adapt... If U haven’t come across it, look up the thread “Do’s and Don’t” on here, very good reading, @ least it was 4 me... Good riding, enjoy & most of all have fun!!!

 

[Peter Aawen]

.....There is a '15 STS-SM5 for sale nearly with low miles, extended warranty, and priced decently.

What do I need to know?

As jsflash & others have already mentioned, check out this thread:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...t-Do-s-and-Do-Nots-quot-for-new-Spyder-owners

Only try to make sure you clearly identify the bits applicable to the V-Twins, especially when it comes to the revs that you need to make them work the best!! :thumbup:

If you're not wringing your V-Twin out every now & then, & not spending MOST of your engine's running time above 3500 or so RPM, then you are really doing yourself a dis-service & not only aren't you likely doing 'not nice' things to your Spyder's engine, but you also probably aren't getting the best out of your Spyder in any respect!! :shocked: The V-Twins thrive on REVS!! And if you rev them appropriately, they'll work bloody brilliantly to make your ryding the 'miles of smiles' you see often mentioned here! hyea:

Enjoy, and enjoy the Revs! :2thumbs:

 

[Haze]

Hey VStar, I recently got a ‘13 Rs w/998 eng., it & the ST are the sporty models, sooooooooo fire that thing up & let it fly!!! I don’t shift till it gets to 5500-6000 rpm’s.And though it may sound like it I’m a speed demon , I prefer the back country roads to freeways... very seldom hit 5th... Guess I was lucky, I had never owned a cycle before so I didn’t have to adapt... If U haven’t come across it, look up the thread “Do’s and Don’t” on here, very good reading, @ least it was 4 me... Good riding, enjoy & most of all have fun!!!

I love my V Twin and really wring it out whenever possible. I have the manual SM5 transmission.
I shift at 5000+ RPM and cruise comfortable at 4500-7000 in the power band.
Don't be afraid to let the engine spin. It performs best above 5K.
Cruise in-town in first and second gear.