RT SE5 Question

[spyderdreams]

One owner stated that they let off of the throttle a bit when upshifting and manually down shifts to save fuel. Has anyone else found this to be helpful and what's the theory behind these actions? Will holding the throttle steady while upshifting work just as well? They say that they are getting at least 30mpg. I am also, considering trying Star Tron fuel additive. Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[SpyderDen]

I do feather the throttle during shifts, but not for fuel economy, but rather for a smooter shift. Can't see how that would save much fuel.

 

[Bob Denman]

The RTs are" throttle by wire", and you can shift them just fine without rolling off the throttle... The computers do it for you! :thumbup:

 

[MMcc]

SE5 RT vs SE5 GS/RS

I found quite a difference going from a 2008 GS to my 2011 RTS as far as shifting goes. The RTS is much smoother when I shift without a change in throttle position. Getting about 30-32 MPG. The GS required me to back off the throttle just a tad to get a smooth shift. If I held the throttle steady while shifting you would feel the gear change. I don't see any difference with the down shift between the two. GS always gave me 35-37 MPG. Much less frontal area. I don't see how the throttle position would have much effect on the mileage.

 

[Mr. White]

I do feather the throttle during shifts, but not for fuel economy, but rather for a smooter shift. Can't see how that would save much fuel.

Ditto.

:spyder2:

 

[acinpcola]

I use Star Tron or I run the Pure Gas, here is the link so you can look at every state where pure gas is available: http://pure-gas.org/

Hope that helps

AC:spyder2:

 

[JCSMOKE]

Feather it a bit for a smoother shift up and I downshift for much of my braking, but that is to save the pads. But the feathering sometimes mifs the computer a bit and gives delayed throttle response.

 

[Illinois Boy]

Same as others have said... feathering the throttle on up-shifts smooths-out the shift substantially for me. I have gotten to the point where all gears are fairly smooth and quiet now most of the time.

Without feathering, the shift is more abrupt and "clunks" more.

Don't know for sure; but I would think the smoother-shift is better for the clutch and transmission's lifespan.

Can't see where gas-mileage would be affected enough to be noticed though.

 

[Motogordo]

Throttle Feathering

One owner stated that they let off of the throttle a bit when upshifting and manually down shifts to save fuel. Has anyone else found this to be helpful and what's the theory behind these actions? Will holding the throttle steady while upshifting work just as well? They say that they are getting at least 30mpg. I am also, considering trying Star Tron fuel additive. Your thoughts are appreciated.

I have just over 3,000 miles on my 2011 RTS/SE5. I always back off slightly when I upshift and find that is a bit smoother then leaving the throttle completely on. However, I have tried it both ways now and it is close, but slightly hesitant when holding the throttle speed.
gordon ( Oct. 15. 2011):chat:

 

[daveinva]

The RTs are" throttle by wire", and you can shift them just fine without rolling off the throttle... The computers do it for you! :thumbup:

So are the RSes, obviously... I never mess with the throttle, just push the button.

The key, for me, for a smooth shift is simply RPM. Hit the "sweet spot," win a smooth shift. Miss the sweet spot, earn the clunk.

 

[Havasu Rider]

:agree: Hit the "sweet spot" on the RPM'S each time and the up shift is smooth. I let the :spyder2: down shift if I am coming to a complete stop and I down shift if I am only slowing down. hyea:

 

[ARtraveler]

For upshifts: I run the tach to between 4000 and 4500 no throttle release--just push the shift paddle. You will find a sweet spot where you do not even feel the shift.

Down shifting--I go from 5 to 4 when the tach is at 4000. 4 to 3, 3 to 2, and 2 to 1 at about 3000. Generally the downshift will be smooth and not clunky sounding.

This is what works for me.

I believe the owners manual also says to shift without feathering the throttle.

 

[chris56]

made a video-clip to see what RPMs I drive - (never find the time to look at the display while riding)
you can see on 1,55 min - the changing of the gears ..really a fantastic system !!
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/media.php?do=details&mid=276

 

[Motogordo]

Feathering Throttle

One owner stated that they let off of the throttle a bit when upshifting and manually down shifts to save fuel. Has anyone else found this to be helpful and what's the theory behind these actions? Will holding the throttle steady while upshifting work just as well? They say that they are getting at least 30mpg. I am also, considering trying Star Tron fuel additive. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Nov.30,2011
I have about 3600 miles on my 2011 RTS/SE5. I always back off the throttle slightly when I upshift. It is absolutely smooth this way. There is no hesitation at all. When I leave the throttle on and shift, there is a slight hesitation, but only slight.
Gordon

 

[Bob Denman]

That hesitation is built in there by the computers and the throttle by wire system...
We may be arguing over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin here though; it's pretty dang nice no matter what you do with your right wrist while going up through the gears. :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

14 by actual count.

Is that Jitterbugging or Slow-dancing???

 

[punji]

Nope, I never ----

roll off the throttle upshifting. No matter how hard I'm riding. And I downshift all the time. I know the Nanny will do it for me, but I like the sound of the Rotax backing down....:ani29: