Manual Or Semi-Auto?

[ARtraveler]

My first (08) was a manual. They did not have semi auto up here until the next year--and I bought one of those for the spouse.

Lots of pros and cons--but it will boil down to what you like. I did not miss the manual once we had the semi auto. It made shifting a bit less "mechanical."

Cost: an extra $1,500. You will get that back on trade in value.

Repairs: they say there is more to fix with a semi. Have not experienced that here.

Out of 5 total :spyder2::spyder2::spyder2::ani29::ani29:'s I have had four semi and one manual.

If there is a number 6, it will also be a semi-auto.

 

[Bob Denman]

I've always been considered "Shiftless", instead of "Shifty": I guess that that explains MY preference!

 

[GearHd]

We chose the semi auto for my wife because the hand clutch was just way too stiff on the ST for her to handle if we got stuck in traffic. Even I thought it was awfully hard to pull in the clutch.

 

[MikeP]

Having had both,,, I personally prefer the manual by a bunch..

 

[WA5VHU]

Two words: resale value.

Eventually you will likely want to upgrade to some newer Spyder or other motorcycle and if you count the number semi vs. manual choices in this thread you will see the overwhelming majority go for the semi. I have seen many great Spyders sit for a long time on the for sale list because they were manual shift.

 

[GearHd]

We looked at a well priced used ST and one pull of the clutch sent us looking elsewhere.

 

[blacklightning]

After owning 2 suzuki M109s, and knowing how hard they sometimes shift, I was convinced that I wanted a semi auto. But after driving a friends 2014 RT SM6, I realized that it shifted much nicer than any twin, and most of my 4 cyl. bikes. I couldn't justify paying an additional $1500 for more that could go wrong.
I have since driven a F3T and fell in love with the SE6. I would be happy either way.

 

[MikeP]

A manual will sell just fine to someone who wants a manual

 

[Deer Slayer]

Guess I am Redneck

If I want an automatic, I will drive her car. I ride the twisties a lot, and I do not want a missed electronic shift. It's just old me, so ya'll don't get your panties in a wad!
:riding:

 

[CMA/IBA_rider]

Have a 2011 RT semi-automatic. Instantly liking it. No problem going back to a manual shift on my Honda ST1300PA. Got on a friend spider with a manual and had to think about it all the time

 

[pegasus1300]

I have stopped thinking of it as a semi automatic. I look at mine as a paddle shifter,up or down, I just don't need to pull a clutch lever before I push the button. I get faster more positive shifts My first big bikes were all hand shift,then foot shift and now button shift Progress,time marches on.BTW I have never found neutral hard to find.

 

[Rossco068]

Semi auto Great! No hand lever. Just push the paddle and off you go..NO down shifting unless you want to..

So at this point in the replies trikermutha I'm curious as to how the downshift is performed? Is the paddle shift just pressed in the same manner it is to up shift?

 

[Rossco068]

Manual for me, but I feel a bit outnumbered lol.

You're not wrong there Brian:thumbup:

 

[joebryanjr]

SE-6 for me. I think it was the 3rd stop ligh that I decided that I didn't care if I ever saw a manual clutch again.
For you purists, I'm sure the SM is better.

 

[trikermutha]

So at this point in the replies trikermutha I'm curious as to how the downshift is performed? Is the paddle shift just pressed in the same manner it is to up shift?

Downshift can be performed by pressing the brake pedal and RPM's or use the paddle to downshift if needed. :thumbup:

 

[Peter Aawen]

Downshift can be performed by pressing the brake pedal and RPM's or use the paddle to downshift if wanted. :thumbup:

Fixed that for you trikermutha! :thumbup:

In fact, I'd go so far as to say the SE is exactly like the manual except that you use the flappy paddles instead of a clutch & gear lever, so you can't fluff a gear change...... cos in reality, it IS the same gearbox only with an auto shift grafted on top. Oh, & it will also change down for you if you forget!

Over the last 50 odd years, I've driven pretty much everything that's got wheels, tracks, or skis, & can honestly say I don't regret the passing of the manual clutch. Long live the (semi-auto or auto) King!! :thumbup:

 

[kmdowney167]

I have a 2013 RS sm5 and my wife has a 2013 STS se5. I like my clutch but felt I could go with either. When taking mine in for its 14,000 mile service the dealer gave me an RT se to use. They had mine for a few days waiting for parts and I got used to the paddle shift but after getting mine back realized how much I missed my clutch. So I'm not ready to give my manual shift up quite yet. I guess I'll have a decision to make when it's time to upgrade!!


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[TommyBwell]

I think everything has been addressed here but I will throw in anyway. The SE6 is not an automatic as you must do the upshifts. It will downshift for you but as others have stated I always downshift mine myself. It will make a big difference in resale and you will have a much larger buyer pool but I don't buy based on resale value, I buy what suits me.

 

[trikermutha]

Thus the reason why they call semi auto??

 

[TommyBwell]

Thus the reason why they call semi auto??

Some were calling it an automatic so I clarified. Even semi-auto doesn't tell you what it does and doesn't do.