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Manual transmission vs. semi automatic transmission

If you get a 2014 RT or a 2015 RT or F3, the concern about keeping the RPM high enough on the SE is not longer valid, you decide.
 
I thought for sure that I wanted a semi auto, so I test drove a 2013 se. I was impressed. After my riding partner picked up a 2014 manual, I wanted to try it. After about a 30 mile ride, I was sold. The manual shifts so smooth (compared to my M109R), that the decision was easy when I purchased one. If they had a fully auto model, I might reconsider, but since you still have to upshift with the se, it is not worth the extra coin.
 
j abrams said:
I am trying to decide on the type of transmission to get when I am able to get a spyder. I asked a sales person his opinion and he was in the semi camp. I also talked to a service manager and he thought that the manuals have fewer problems. I would like some opinions. Thanks
Click to expand...


My first Spyder was a manual. The one I drive now is a semi. This is not an automatic transmission. It is a manual with no clutch used for upshifts and nothing required for downshifts (unless you choose). It has a lot in common with the Ferrari or Lamborghini paddle shifters.

The Spyder is a technological marvel and those who prefer manuals are stuck in the dark ages.:):)
 
Put me in the manual camp. I figured I had enough new things to figure out so this would be one less. Personal preference.
 
I agree that semi will have much better resale value, not just the difference in price.

All my life I have driven manual transmission cars and trucks with but a few exceptions. All my previous bikes were, obviously manuals and I loved that. When I bought the Spyder, I went through the same dilemma, thinking that I would miss the manual if I went for the SE6 but I did it anyway.

I can tell you that I have not missed the manual one little bit and the semi is a blast to ryde. I also think that you won't be disappointed which ever way you decide to go.

Gary
 
My 2 cents worth

Hi Dave here...
Here is my 2 cents worth...
If you have been a motorcycle rider for many years, and do NOT have a problem with your left
foot and left hand, it is my opinion that you would be happier with the manual shift because it is
more motorcycle like, something you are used to... however I fall into the above group but I got
the semi-automatic myself because my wife, who has never driven a motorcycle and has no desire
to shift it asked if I would get the automatic so she could drive it if she wants to...I have had my Spyder
for almost 2 years now and to date she has driven it ... let me count......still counting.... oh yes she
has driven it exactly ZERO times, NONE, NADA, ZIP... she has ridden on it on the back several times though.
I got the auto for my wife's use, I'm still waiting, but with that said I have enjoyed the auto but it did take a while
to get used to not having a clutch... my biggest squak is NO FRONT BRAKE I have grabbed for the MISSING
front brake lever about a thousand times but it is just not there...feels strange to me not to have one.
If I were to buy a new one it would have the manual shift and I would add the ISCI front brake.
 
I think it's personal preference. I got my first motorcycle back in 1984 and put on over 100K miles so I was used to a clutch. I got the RT limited so got the SE. I use it as a paddle shifter -- I shift up and down (the automatic downshift only gets used in emergency braking situations). I have just as much control as I did with a clutch. During the time that I've had the RT, I've also ridden a manual ST prototype, and my brother's ST SM5. While having a clutch was no big deal, I did miss the SE especially at intersections where I have to either hold the clutch in or go to neutral (you can leave the SE in 1st gear and not think about it). Same at the park entrance where I have to putt along in a line of cars and then get to the Ranger to show my park pass. SO much easier to just leave it in 1st gear with the SE.

When I returned the ST prototype, the sales guy asked how I liked the SM5, and I told him that sometimes you have to experience a third world country before you can really appreciate first world conveniences. That said, I still think it's personal preference. I like the SE, my brother likes the SM.
 
SE5

I perfer the SE5. My :spyder: has the SE5 tranny and i love it. I had a honda before 1 down 4 up to change the gears with a clutch. I don't miss that at all. The SE5 is the better choice for me. I use like going through the gears pressing the clutch just for the feeling you get, but i drive in stop and go traffic sometimes and pressing that clutch is hetic sometimes. SE5 for me :joke:
 
arntufun said:
With a Semi your Spyder will roll down a hill and crash into a pole when the parking brake fails..........There isn't even a need for a parking brake on a manual. I never once used mine.


I was told that manual Spyder owners are the only ones considered real riders. :joke: I can see how the semi allows people that couldn't operate a manual to own a Spyder and IMO is part of the reason the Spyder has been successful. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I have been riding mini bikes, dirt bikes, scooter, m/c since i was 10 & now a :spyder2:. Centrifical clutch, manual and now semi.
don't care what anyone who did not pay for any of my bikes says. i like semi since it makes it a lot easier at lights & stop & go
city & hwy riding. i have fun with any that i ride including my bicycle.
Just ride & have fun, if anyone wants to donate their paddle shift weenie :spyder2: to me i will take it off your hands.
 
I would have preferred a fully manual transmission but i really wanted the OEM floorboards and you can't have both. It took me quite a while to get used to no clutch but I like it okay now.
 
j abrams said:
I am trying to decide on the type of transmission to get when I am able to get a spyder. I asked a sales person his opinion and he was in the semi camp. I also talked to a service manager and he thought that the manuals have fewer problems. I would like some opinions. Thanks
Click to expand...

I have had both versions of tranny in the :spyder2:. When I put my order in for the 2008, the manual was all that was available. I put 23,500 miles on that in two riding seasons. Never had a problem with it, and since I was still riding two wheelers, it fit right in with what I was used to.

My other four :ani29:'s were/are all the SE models. I had a shift linkage come disconnected one time (2010 RT) in 100,000 miles, over assorted :spyder2:s'. I would say, you do not have to worry about operation much any more.

There are many arguments for and against. I will leave them to others. I do not find any difference in operation or any major savings in gas mileage in one vs. the other.

It's all up to you in the end. I would test ride both and see what you like the best. :thumbup:
 
arntufun said:
With a Semi your Spyder will roll down a hill and crash into a pole when the parking brake fails..........There isn't even a need for a parking brake on a manual. I never once used mine.


I was told that manual Spyder owners are the only ones considered real riders. :joke: I can see how the semi allows people that couldn't operate a manual to own a Spyder and IMO is part of the reason the Spyder has been successful. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Happy Friday. :yes::yes:
 
DrewNJ said:
And for those that don't know, the sm5 shifts really easily without the clutch....up and down.
Click to expand...


As Drew indicates..... you DON'T have to use the clutch on the manual to shift:clap::clap: Only when starting out in first and of course reverse.
 
I ,like so many on here, have a lot of expereance with two wheel motorcycles which all came with manual transmissions, but when we purchased our first Spyder (2013 STL) it came with the semi auto and I have had no issues adjusting to that, and no break downs with this transmission (on either Spyder).

As others have said try both before you buy because the only opinion on what you should buy that matters is yours.
 
SE6 gets my vote. You can shift real fast , I ride with some manual shifters and I leave them behind all the time
 
I would say go for manual as it has its own fun and believe me you will love it as in Automatic it is like a machine and it is boring.
 
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