**** "DO'S & DO NOTS" for NEW SPYDER OWNERS... ****

[Questions]

Where in the manual?

"DO NOT roll-off the throttle when shifting with the SE5 system (read the manual)! Too many ask and debate this subject; which clearly shows they have NOT read the manual if they suggest rolling-off the throttle. Shame on you! Read the manual -- which is step one!"

Not to be contrary, but I'd really like to know *why* I shouldn't do a modest roll-off to completely "hide" the admittedly modest shift bump.
I watched the DVD and spent quite a bit of time pouring over the manual for our (very) new 2012 RT Limited - I couldn't find where it addresses the subject one way or the other. I could have missed it of course... It was after 2AM...

Inquiring minds want to know! ;-)
(and I did do a few forum searches, but didn't really find much except "don't do it & RTFM")

Thanks,
--jim
(Spyder RT Limited newbie, 35 years on various 2-wheelers, snow cats and other miscellaneous mechanical monstrosities)

 

[Illinois Boy]

Remember... these are suggestions to help you enjoy your Spyder more. While it is not in bold-face font, or even a headline... it is in the manual under the section for shifting with the SE5.

Page 76 of the RTS-SE5 Manual states: 7b) Upshifting from First into Second Gear: – Press the gear selector forward to shift into second gear. You do not have to release the throttle while shifting with the SE5.

When I first got my Spyder, I would argue that rolling-back the throttle when shifting made for a smoother shift. (I have ridden motorcycles for years also... and still do -- which was my influence to roll-off.) No longer do I feel this way with the Spyder.

What I, personally, found (others may have a different opinion) is once I started shifting at higher RPM's it would shift very smoothly without rolling-off the throttle. In fact, smoother. I do not get any type of "bump" at all hardly ever -- but rather an almost inaudible "click".

Increased RPM's were discovered by me when I pulled my loaded trailer with the Spyder. Once in "trailer-mode", the Spyder wouldn't let me shift until I was at much higher RPM's than I had been shifting at previously. That trip was somewhere around 700+ miles -- plenty of time to get used to the higher RPM shifts.

What I noticed was more power at the throttle in any given gear; smoother engine; smoother shifts (without rolling-back the throttle); and less belt vibration. Overall fuel management did not change much, if any either.

There are many Spyder owners that will attest to the same. Hope this helps explain this a bit more.

Enjoy, and ride safe and alert!

 

[Questions]

Got it, thanks.

Remember... these are suggestions to help you enjoy your Spyder more. While it is not in bold-face font, or even a headline... it is in the manual under the section for shifting with the SE5.

Page 76 of the RTS-SE5 Manual states: 7b) Upshifting from First into Second Gear: – Press the gear selector forward to shift into second gear. You do not have to release the throttle while shifting with the SE5.

When I first got my Spyder, I would argue that rolling-back the throttle when shifting made for a smoother shift. (I have ridden motorcycles for years also... and still do -- which was my influence to roll-off.) No longer do I feel this way with the Spyder.

What I, personally, found (others may have a different opinion) is once I started shifting at higher RPM's it would shift very smoothly without rolling-off the throttle. In fact, smoother. I do not get any type of "bump" at all hardly ever -- but rather an almost inaudible "click".

Increased RPM's were discovered by me when I pulled my loaded trailer with the Spyder. Once in "trailer-mode", the Spyder wouldn't let me shift until I was at much higher RPM's than I had been shifting at previously. That trip was somewhere around 700+ miles -- plenty of time to get used to the higher RPM shifts.

What I noticed was more power at the throttle in any given gear; smoother engine; smoother shifts (without rolling-back the throttle); and less belt vibration. Overall fuel management did not change much, if any either.

There are many Spyder owners that will attest to the same. Hope this helps explain this a bit more.

Enjoy, and ride safe and alert!

Ok, thanks!
In the 2012 RT manual it's been moved to page 78 . I see what you mean, although I still get a shift "bump" at higher RPM's when it's pulling hard. Not much of a bump, and I'm certainly still a novice with all of 110 miles.

I'll have to play with it. I don't have enough hours to say much of anything with authority yet about the bike, other than there should be some kind of appropriately-worded warning about how poorly it handles with heavy loads using the stock front spring pre-load setting. I changed it from 3 (stock) to 5 (stiffest) and it went from "mushy, unstable-feeling what have I bought here" to "Ok, but remember to drive it like a snowmobile, dummy!" I'd like to ride a 2012 with upgraded shocks/springs or a 2013 to see if putting money in the suspension would be worthwhile. All things in time.

--jim

 

[NancysToy]

Ok, thanks!
In the 2012 RT manual it's been moved to page 78 . I see what you mean, although I still get a shift "bump" at higher RPM's when it's pulling hard. Not much of a bump, and I'm certainly still a novice with all of 110 miles.

I'll have to play with it. I don't have enough hours to say much of anything with authority yet about the bike, other than there should be some kind of appropriately-worded warning about how poorly it handles with heavy loads using the stock front spring pre-load setting. I changed it from 3 (stock) to 5 (stiffest) and it went from "mushy, unstable-feeling what have I bought here" to "Ok, but remember to drive it like a snowmobile, dummy!" I'd like to ride a 2012 with upgraded shocks/springs or a 2013 to see if putting money in the suspension would be worthwhile. All things in time.

--jim

The manual will also tell you that higher preload settings are appropriate with heavy loads.

 

[cohoff]

i'm a believer!

illinois boy you are spot on about shifting at higher rpm's and not rolling off the throttle. i have followed your advice and it has made a world of difference in my ride. it is a smoother shift (barely noticeable), more power, and my spyder just feels better. thank you for all the do's and don'ts. they are invaluable.

 

[Questions]

The manual will also tell you that higher preload settings are appropriate with heavy loads.

Sure. It doesn't say, though that it's as big an issue as it apparently is. It makes sense after-the-fact, but the Spyder is by far the most sensitive vehicle I've ridden in that regard. It's not a criticism of the bike, but a little more emphasis in the manual would be a good thing. It may sound like hyperbole, but the difference is a big deal and potentially a safety issue - in my opinion, of course.

--jim

 

[mdale46]

3 Nov "Do's & Do Not's" Update?

I just recently copied the "Do's and Do Not's (update from Oct). What changes have you added in the Nov revision?

 

[Illinois Boy]

I just recently copied the "Do's and Do Not's (update from Oct). What changes have you added in the Nov revision?

Besides making some adjustment to the wording in a few areas; and "fine-tuning" the shift-sugggestions; these are the three items added in late October and early November.

• Latest addition was added to "Get a Battery Tender" regarding the warning no to connect accessories or a battery-tender to the terminal connectors (found under the seat), but rather connect directly to the battery posts.
• Locking the glove-box...
• Cruise control...
• Confirmation of where the manual states you do not have to roll-off the throttle when shifting the SE5.

That is about all I think I added. Hope it helps you!

Ride safe, often, and alert!

 

[mdale46]

Thanks for the update. I have copied and will put these "instructions" to practice. Thanks again! :ani29:

 

[sonicsix]

I had read this thread before purchasing my RT-S SE5 as well as reading an online owner's manual. The information here is very helpful. I rode home from the dealer using the shifting guidelines and maintaining 5000-5500 RPMs. Thanks so much to the experienced owners for helping out those of us with less experience.

I can't imagine why this isn't a sticky.

 

[Spyder Smyles]

Thanks

Great information for a newbie like me. Thanks for taking the time to post it.:2thumbs:

 

[Rotaxer]

bump for newbies

 

[Farmbanker]

Bumped again....

 

[Desert Spyder]

This is very good information. I passed it on to my chapter members of SRA.

 

[Bob Ledford]

Read the manual

Illinois Boy
I have read the manual. Attended the dealers you need to do the class. Picked the brain of the dealers service department. Paid attention to the forum.

But you kind sir.. Explained it in a format that I understand. For that, I say "Thank You,"

 

[spydermyke990]

Nanny is what kicks in when you go around a curve or corner to fast and the wheel starts to come up. Then Nanny kicks in and slows you down to bring that wheel back down. I have had it happen to me a couple of times. It will throw you a little forward if you are not expecting it.

Remember....nanny is watching you......:yikes:

 

[Farmbanker]

Bump.

 

[oe3spyderguy]

This is a great thread thanks for the tips I pickup my 2012 RT-S SE5 Sat. and I haven't owned a 2 wheeler for almost 30 years so hopefully no bad habits there. I've already read the online owners manual once and will read the hard copy again once I get my hands on it ( shoulda thought to get it when I closed the deal) thanks for sharing your knowledge.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

When you get time, go to the Home Page and on the right hand side is a "SPYDERS TO THE RESCUE" link, read it and if you can, join it. Print it out just before a trip out of your comfort zone.

Cruzr Joe

 

[carajony]

This is great,,, Thanx,, I am new and really didnt know most of this. I felt I had to shift to 5th gear all the time... I usually would shift to 5th when doing 40mph n higher.. Thanx again.. learn something new everyday... Def printing this out and keeping it on my spyder...:thumbup: