RT-S SM5 or SE5

[Mr. White]

I ordered a RT-S SE5 after riding the demo. I am now having second thoughts and thinking about switching to a SM5. I have not ridden a SM5. I posted earlier that I did, but couldn't as another customer jumped on it before I did and I left before he got back. The dealer said no problem. I will get what you want.

I have posted this on the general area, but wonder why you folks choose the SM5 or SE5.

I am a fairly agressive rider and love to row through the gears in the twisties west of Boerne. Ya gotta be quick sometimes as you go from 60mph to 10/15mph sharp curves on some of the roads. Downshifting and good braking is very important....Hey, we now have low guard rails, years ago we didn't....

I really look for performance, not really worrying about the $1,500 price difference...I also plan on a Two Brothers muffler and Juice Box (or o2 sensor).

Just wondering why you did what you did...

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I test drove the SE and didn't like how it downshifted. I've never been a fan of paddle shifting on cars and didn't like it on the Spyder either. Give me a clutch - I think they are more fun.

 

[Gordy]

I have the standard trans and am glad I did.Like shifting and feel more in control ,that said all my other vehicles are automatic

 

[harddrive]

I drove both and liked them equally. I went with the SM5 because I don't mind shifting the gears and using the clutch, plus I got a great deal on a new 2010 RT SM5.

If we decide in the future to get one for my wife, it will be a SE5 becuase she does not like the clutch on the SM5. If you have small hands, even with the level set closest to the grip, it can be difficult becuase the clutch grabs just before it is let all the way out.

Also, if you sit in a lot of traffic, it is a hydrolic clutch that is on the the stiff side and will make your hand tired...and my RT will stall very easy as opposed to my 08 GS SM5. The GS would only stall if I was on the brake when the clutch got let out...other wise it would just go.

I would go back to the dealer and drive both...

 

[IWN2RYD]

Just a re-post from the other thread

My wife and I are (Had been) Diehard manual shifting folks. After a day of city driving the SE5 I can say without much doubt that the SE5 flat out performs the Manual...

We will not ever order a Manual shift model on a Spyder as long as the SE5 is an option.

Case in point. The RT's throttle is a fly by wires system not cable. So the computer controls the RPMs as you drive regardless of where you have the throttle positioned at the time of the shift request. As we drive in a "Spirited" manner, the engine responds rapidly and we have far more fun shifting with the SE5 as a result.

I mean this respectfully... Sometimes we over think or analyze stuff when we do not have the ability to be driving the item in question. I whole heartily agree that you need to put a few "Spirited" miles on both models while playing with your "Reaction" times. I am willing to bet that if you give both a good fair workout that you will find the SE5 edges out the manual shift in the fun factor. To us it allowed the RPMS to respond faster on the SE5 and we end up having more fun because of it.

Not to mention at the tail end of a long "Spirited" ryde... We are not as fatigued as we had become accustomed to.

Keep in mind I went into this SE5 idea kicking and screaming in protest. But with my wife's disability we had to buy what would allow us both to ryde for as long as possible and still enjoy the ryde... :2thumbs::doorag:

Good luck in your search!

P.S. I forgot... Normally I would go the 600 miles first completely stock before tossing any aftermarket items on a ryde. This way you know what is actually happening (If something goes wrong) if anything during your first 600 miles.

 

[Bob Denman]

Take a deep breath... now let it out... Do this is a couple of times a minute for several hours. Buyers remorse has you in its grasp! :shocked:
The SE 5 "slushbox" tranny is great for relaxed and worry-free mileage accumulation.
The SM 5 is equally great for the kid in all of us...
So... which one do you REALLY want?!? opcorn:

 

[Lamonster]

The first RT I got from BRP was a SM and that day I had my first chance to ride a SE. That was it for me, the SE is a better performer than the SM for getting through the gears, the techs at BRP use to tell me that all the time and I just couldn't see it till I rode one. Having had both in the RT and the SM in the GS/RS I would take the SE over the SM every time.

 

[DougB]

I went with the manual shift. I believe in the KISS principle... aka Keep It Simple Stupid. From posts I've seen on this forum, it seems there are more problems on the Spyders with the automatic as well as the extra std. accessories that come on the top of the line models. Just my opinion.

 

[usurp31]

It all comes down to the test ride and what your intended purpose is. I was so happy to have the SE in DFW traffic that it's the one I jumped on. hyea:

 

[Slybird]

The first RT I got from BRP was a SM and that day I had my first chance to ride a SE. That was it for me, the SE is a better performer than the SM for getting through the gears, the techs at BRP use to tell me that all the time and I just couldn't see it till I rode one. Having had both in the RT and the SM in the GS/RS I would take the SE over the SM every time.

:agree: Love my SE5 to tiny little bits!!! Wouldn't have it any other way! hyea:hyea:

 

[can-am sam]

I have the SE transmission. It shifts quickly and smoothly. You do not have to roll off the throttle when shifting. You still must upshift manually. You can downshift manually or it will downshift automatically as you slow down.

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Here's another vote for the SE5, especially on the RT, it fits the relaxed touring theme.

 

[TicketBait]

The first RT I got from BRP was a SM and that day I had my first chance to ride a SE. That was it for me, the SE is a better performer than the SM for getting through the gears, the techs at BRP use to tell me that all the time and I just couldn't see it till I rode one. Having had both in the RT and the SM in the GS/RS I would take the SE over the SM every time.

:agree:

I aggressively go through the gears and that is probably why I don't get as good of gas mileage as I could. If gas mileage is your thing then when down shifting the computer on the SE5 will automatically downshift when certain rpms are met. For me I never have let that occur. It's just too much fun.

To me the paddle shift is being in more instant control of the bike at my finger tips. So often I will be barreling down in to a turn with my legs in an extended position with the help of aftermarket boards. I don't want to have to have my left foot be-changing positions cuz it has something to do.

Although I don't have an issue yet with arthritis in the hands, I gotta beleve the paddle shift would keep some riding longer. I did a google search and you wouldn't believe the # of people giving up riding because of this.

While I was waiting for delivery of my SE5 I practiced on the dealerships demo SM5. This is how I learned all the defensive manuvers. Now with the SE5, it works like butter. The Display cluster also indicates what gear you are in all the time I believe.

Trust your first choice, and remember to shift in a much higher RPM range :thumbup:

 

[CyncySpyder]

SE5 All The Way !!!

Be'n my 1st bike ever, I wanted simplicity. All my autos have been manuals for years now & knowing that my RT was going to be my daily driver, I didnt want to have to deal with a clutch & am glad I went with the SE5. Its a Wonderful Work Of Art IMHO :2thumbs:

 

[Dragonrider]

My RS was a SM, and my RT is an SE - like you, I've always enjoyed shifting, but I also use the bike for commuting. One - yes only one - trip through traffic with the SE, and I wouldn't consider the SM again….

The one thing you will miss is the hand brake, but, thanks to ISCI, that's an easy fix….

 

[retired1]

My "09 GS was an SM and had 9600 miles of fun on it. I'd planned on getting my RTS with an SM on it also. The SE came in,and it was going to be another month before the SM would arrive, so I "bit the bullet" for $1500 extra for the SE. 11000 miles later I couldn't be happier with my decision'.
Just my opinion!

 

[wyliec]

Like someone already said, take an SM5 for a test drive; then, make up your mind.

Me, SM5. To each their own.

 

[clueless]

for me the manual.

still have a Harley Fatboy next to it in the garage. I want to switch between them with least thinking involved. That is why front brake lever added and went with the manual shift for the Spyder ... they both operate them the same way now...

also one less filter to change

girlfriend has no problems using the clutch shifting ... she has smaller hands so would be nice if the clutch could go further in but still she can operate it all day long ...

 

[Mr. White]

Thanks to all for the informative posts. Yeah, I gotta ride the SM5 later this week and make up my mind. I enjoyed riding the SE5 and it was my first paddle shift...very new to me. Lots of good inputs.

 

[J W Miller]

I tried out both. I just could not put up with clunky down shifts of auto so bought manual. I think M. model might more reliable also.
J W Miller