2014 or 2015 RT-S SM6 is a standard shift, with foot pegs only. You can get after market floor boards from "Seal" but have to convert to a heal/toe shifter. They have some videos and some nice pictures of their product and installation. However, these boards are sturdy and big... Plenty of room to move your feet around.
The '14/'15 RT-S SE6 or Limited is the semi-auto paddle shifter on the left hand... Giving you floor boards included in the price of the semi auto option.
I am 42, 6ft tall and have a bad lower back due to multiple degenerative discs and a bad wreck in 2011. No surgery as of yet, but at times I can barely walk due to the muscle spasms and pain. Nevertheless, I ride a 2014 RT-S SM6 and have the standard seat with the pegs...I added the can am back rest and air hawk R seat pad. I struggle to get comfy on long rides but I think I have issues due to my posture, previous back issues and other reasons I can't fully explain. I didn't feel the need to spend a bunch more money on the extra 2" but maybe that too would help me get more comfy on the long rides. I also recently considered adding highway pegs to be able to stretch out the legs. Luckily I can maneuver my feet easily for shifting and stopping, but I can see the hand brake being a good add on after.
My wife has a gold wing trike (motor trike kit) and although a nice looking ride, it is noticeably different, sometimes nerve racking, shakey and odd to maneuver after riding on a Spyder. I can say that the spyder is so much easier to drive, steer, back out of parking spaces or driveways due to an actual reverse gear, very stable with the two wheels on the front end, etc. But hands down the gold wing smokes the spyder when it comes to power... That 1800 can make your skin tingle. Take the power out of the equation and the spyder by far is safer and easier to drive. And cheaper to buy....her trike was in the 30's.
Luckily I haven't had any troubles with the spyder, from a repair or mechanical standpoint. Maybe because I'm still under 3000 miles after a year. I would like to ride more, just can't due to job, kids, and other things. But when I do ride, I have a ton of fun and just love my spyder... Sure I'm considered one of the young riders for this motorcycle, but I almost killed myself on two wheels and don't mind taking the balancing aspect out of the equation when riding. Good luck and thanks for your service!
