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RS vs RSS -- your thoughts on which way I should go???

If it were me buying today I would buy the RS-S SE, love the looks and love the SE. :doorag:

Can-Am-Spyder-RS-S-Black-Color.jpg
 
ABQ_Spyderman said:
While I agree that the RS-S is a no-brainer, I humbly disagree that you should go with the semi-automatic... I don't even think about it, but it sure makes it nice to have it in the friction zone while in traffic...
Click to expand...

Really?? I hated clutching in traffic, hard on the left hand and tough on the clutch, and who hasn't stalled out at a very inconvenient time? :opps: And clutching on a very steep a hill with cars right behind you? :banghead: Who needs it? The SE5 can smoothly and effortlessly move the Spyder inch by inch in traffic far easier and with virtually no effort. I not only don't miss the clutch I would never think of going back to one. This is the 21st century, even super cars use paddle shifters now. My guess is that BRP will eventually phase out the SM5 option.
 
pro10is said:
Really?? I hated clutching in traffic, hard on the left hand and tough on the clutch, and who hasn't stalled out at a very inconvenient time? :opps: And clutching on a very steep a hill with cars right behind you? :banghead: Who needs it? The SE5 can smoothly and effortlessly move the Spyder inch by inch in traffic far easier and with virtually no effort. I not only don't miss the clutch I would never think of going back to one. This is the 21st century, even super cars use paddle shifters now. My guess is that BRP will eventually phase out the SM5 option.
Click to expand...

Stalling hasn't been an issue for me, and hills don't scare me. :)
 
Familiarity with the clutch just takes time. Anyone with experience on two wheels will find the Spyder clutch a breeze. I find it very generous. Not "touchy" like how some describe the Yamaha clutch.

If I had been a completely new rider, I might have liked the SE. As I happened, I was used to a clutch and really felt in better control of the Spyder when there was a clutch.

If you get the SM5, practice makes perfect. I would take it to a parking lot and do the exercises in the owners' manual. The exercises may seem simple. But they will give you a feel for the Spyder in a low pressure situation. I just know I was glad I spent time with those parking lot exercises. Once I did them, getting on the Spyder is like coming home. I know what it will do, what to expect, and how to control it. As others have said, experience makes the difference. I haven't stalled since the day I got it. I describe the clutch as "generous". Enough "play" so it isn't touchy. Really a nice feel to it. And I'm going to improve it further by getting the Pazzo Racing Clutch. I just love to shift. I like it in my cars too. Give me a manual transmission any day.
 
YOUR DECISION

WHAT'S NOT BEEN SAID.....CHECK OUT THIS DEALER IN BENSALEM PA.....I SPOKE WITH THEM A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK....THEY HAD 2011 LEFTOVERS THAT THEY WERE ALMOST GIVING AWAY....I THINK THEY ARE THE LARGEST DEALER ON THE EAST COAST.....I SAID I WOULD FLY IN AND DRIVE IT HOME ...THEY SAID NO PROBLEM WE WILL HAVE SOMEONE MEET YOU AT THE AIRPORT AND BRING YOU TO THE DEALER.....IT WASN'T WINTER THEN...IT IS NOW SO THAT'S A PROBLEM...BUT NOT IF YOU TRAILER IT HOME....I HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH THEM....JUST TRYING TO HELP OUT A SPYDERLOVER....EVERYTHING EVERYONE SAID HAS VALID POINTS...BUT THEY MISSED THIS ONE....IF YOU GET 2012 RT TAKEOFFS FROM SOMEONE LIKE COWTOWN ON AN RS THEY ARE ALMOST AS GOOD AS THE EXPENSIVE ELKA'S.....IT'S BEEN DONE HERE BY MANY......GOOD LUCK MIKE....:thumbup:
 
ABQ_Spyderman said:
While I agree that the RS-S is a no-brainer, I humbly disagree that you should go with the semi-automatic. I did the same as you--learned on a 2-wheeler at the MSF course and then got my Spyder--my first ever motorcycle of any kind. But I am a big fan of the clutch. For me it enhances the ride. I don't even think about it, but it sure makes it nice to have it in the friction zone while in traffic or to really rev that engine and then pop that bad-boy and take off like a bat outta hades. The best feature, though, is being able to clutch it when you are in bad weather. I have come across black ice or major snow/slush or even massive puddles--and it's nice--no matter what gear I'm in--to be able to just pull in the clutch and disengage that rear wheel from the engine. That allows me to just coast through whatever poor road condition I just encountered without any slips/slides, etc. Of course, I'm on the younger side of the Spyder community, so maybe this is just youthful exuberance talking! :roflblack:

At any rate--whatever you get--welcome to the family! :congrats:And happy ryding!!

Best,
--ABQ
View attachment 39581
Click to expand...

Agreed...I love the manual clutch...makes me feel more in touch with the road...same as driving manual car vs. auto or steering wheel paddles...
 
Staysafeonline, before you listen to anyone dissing the SE5 auto, ask them how many miles they have actually done on a thumbshifter. It seems to me that folks who are familiar with both systems appreciate Essies. Which is not to say they are necessarily the right choice for yourself: everybody has different tastes. Personally, having done many miles with both systems, I enjoy both, but I wouldn't hesitate to pay the extra bucks for the SE5 if I had to do it again. Not for any practical reason- I just happen to think thumbshifting is more fun! Try 'em both. It's really up to you in the end.
 
Good luck with your purchase.

I too am a beginner I bought my spyder in October from East Coast Cycle in Bensalem Pa as was mentioned earlier and taught myself how to ride in a parking lot. I like the SM5 of the the SE I like being in control. You can't go wrong either way. Just enjoy it.
 
The spyder was my first ride too. I wasn't planning on buying one when I got this one (RS SE5). I thought I would just share my husbands RT. Until one day we were having the oil changed on the RT and they had just put this one together and was putting it on the show room floor. I saw the color and said thats what I want. Took it for a ride and bought it. So I say shop look around when you see it you will know that it is what you want. As far as the SM5 or SE5 I didn't want to fuzz with the clutch (which I'm not good with anyways) and you still get to shift with the paddle shifter with the SE5. I don't know how old you are but you don't have to hold in that clutch at lights and hands don't cramp up. You can do so much with these spyders to make them your own ride. Just go with your gut feeling. You will be happy no matter what you decide.
 
When choosing the SM or the SE is all about control. You maybe asking yourself, what are you talking about Arntufun ??? Well, let me explain......

When choosing your Spyder I would get the SM for the fact that you will have control of the Spyder and you will not if you choose the SE. Take for instance at my house. I am the only one that can drive the Spyder, Holly can't. Therfore, I'm in control. If I purchased the SE I have no doubt in my mind she could drive it and then she would not need me any longer. I would hate to see myself being left at home Spyderless or worse, Holly trading my Spyder for one of those RT thingys behind my back. There is not many things a 2012 guy has control of in his house, but this is one thing I do. Maintain control at your house with the SM. :joke:

As far as holding in the clutch at stoplights. thats is not what I do. I always drop it in neutral and just leave my foot on the brake. People say it is to avoid getting rear ended. Trust me, by the time you realize the guy behind you is not going to stop it's to late to do anything anyways.
 
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Once you're used to it, the clutch ceases to be an issue. It was simply a cost factor on both of our Spyders. We went with the clutch. No regrets.
 
arntufun said:
When choosing the SM or the SE is all about control. You maybe asking yourself, what are you talking about Arntufun ??? Well, let me explain......

When choosing your Spyder I would get the SM for the fact that you will have control of the Spyder and you will not if you choose the SE. Take for instance at my house. I am the only one that can drive the Spyder, Holly can't. Therfore, I'm in control. If I purchased the SE I have no doubt in my mind she could drive it and then she would not need me any longer. I would hate to see myself being left at home Spyderless or worse, Holly trading my Spyder for one of those RT thingys behind my back. There is not many things a 2012 guy has control of in his house, but this is one thing I do. Maintain control at your house with the SM. :joke:

As far as holding in the clutch at stoplights. thats is not what I do. I always drop it in neutral and just leave my foot on the brake. People say it is to avoid getting rear ended. Trust me, by the time you realize the guy behind you is not going to stop it's to late to do anything anyways.
Click to expand...

LOL... control indeed.
 
arntufun said:
When choosing the SM or the SE is all about control. You maybe asking yourself, what are you talking about Arntufun ??? Well, let me explain......

When choosing your Spyder I would get the SM for the fact that you will have control of the Spyder and you will not if you choose the SE. Take for instance at my house. I am the only one that can drive the Spyder, Holly can't. Therfore, I'm in control. If I purchased the SE I have no doubt in my mind she could drive it and then she would not need me any longer. I would hate to see myself being left at home Spyderless or worse, Holly trading my Spyder for one of those RT thingys behind my back. There is not many things a 2012 guy has control of in his house, but this is one thing I do. Maintain control at your house with the SM. :joke:

As far as holding in the clutch at stoplights. thats is not what I do. I always drop it in neutral and just leave my foot on the brake. People say it is to avoid getting rear ended. Trust me, by the time you realize the guy behind you is not going to stop it's to late to do anything anyways.
Click to expand...

You do realize she is just LETTING you THINK you are in control - she is still in control my friend.
 
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