Auto transmissions how do they hold up?

[Derren]

I would like to know if there are any major problems with the 2015 F3S as I am looking to purchase one and not dump a lot of cash on a problem child. A little concerned about the automatic transmission as I am not very familiar with them. I would like positive, neutral and negative comments so that I can make a more informed decision.

Thank You

 

[bikerbillone]

Good post, I'll follow this.

 

[Bob Denman]

It's not actually an automatic transmission...
The chief difference between the SM-6, and the SE-6, is in how the clutch plates are engaged and disengaged. The SM-6 is just like any other motorcycle transmission. The clutch plates are normally pressed together, until the operator manually moves them apart.
The SE-6 has it's clutch plates normally dis-engaged, and come together when they hydraulic engagement system is called into duty.

And it is perfectly reliable! :thumbup:

 

[Sarge707]

If you By Chance get a 2015 with a Manual make sure you get the vacuum clutch assist installed because the Normal 2015 sm6 Needs PopEye to hold it in.

 

[BajaRon]

The SE5 and SE6 transmissions are pretty much bullet proof. No mechanical device is without issues. But the Electric Shift transmissions (not a true automatic) are as good as any out there.

 

[Grandpot]

Owners of both styles have experienced issues. The manual seems to have occasional booster problems and the semi-auto has Gear Position Sensor problems. They seem to equal out. Bottom line, both transmissions are reliable.

 

[Derren]

Thanks everyone for the great information. A little education is always a good thing.

 

[blacklightning]

My first spyder was a 2014 RT SM6. I owned it for a little over 22k miles, and it was flawless. Later, I picked up a sweet 2012 RSS SE5. It worked great for a while also, but after about 3 months, the shift solenoid went bad. That was about a $800 fix. Later that year, I sold the RT, and traded the RSS in on my 2016 F3T SE6. It has been flawless, but I will be extending the warranty on it, just in case. More moving parts mean more things can go wrong, but I do prefer the semi auto transmission.

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks everyone for the great information. A little education is always a good thing.

Happy Shopping! :thumbup:

 

[stevencovert]

The transmission on my 2016 RTS SE6 has been flawless. Agree that the SM you need a crowbar on the clutch lever.

 

[PW2013STL]

Not sure how reliable the SE transmission is as I never had a problem with one. The RT had 84,000 miles on it and my 2015 F3 has 36,000 miles on it. Nether has had a problem and both are SE.

 

[Chupaca]

There you have it....

The transmissions are the same and the only difference is the shifting system. The mechanical is like any motorcycle clutch lever and foot shift. The semi automatic has the paddle shifter and actuators. The other sensors etc are the same. As you can imagine the more involved the parts the more you may have problems but they are both very good. Your choice as to which you prefer and a little test ryde will help you along with that decision....:thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Chuck has over 150,000 miles on his RT Limited...

 

[ARtraveler]

The transmissions both manual and SE seem to be pretty bullet proof.

I have been through five total spyders and 145K and still counting.

Our 2009 had a computer glitch that needed replacement at 1500 miles. After that, no issues with any of them.

Transmission trouble would not be on my "problems" with Spyders list.

 

[JayBros]

I know of one F3 owner, don't remember if it was a '15 or '16, that had an SE trans go south but it was replaced under warranty (don't know the specifics of the problem but it wasn't merely gear position sensor). Given the number of them out there giving flawless service an outlier or two is not bad.

 

[Derren]

Thanks to all for your input. I am very happy with my purchase of a 2015 F3 S with the Semi Auto Trans. Looking forward to warmer temperatures and putting on as many miles as I can.

 

[Rd_Runner]

Glad you like your Spyder.
Enjoy!!!!

Mike