SE5 vs SM5 old debate

[OldDog]

I would like to good-naturedly (sic) stir this pot. I also know this is a very subjective and personal thing. Some prefer the manual transmission because it replicates the feel of a motorcycle. Others prefer the silky smoothness of the SE5. Have the SE5 shifting issues gotten better? Honest question. By that I mean not up shifting or down shifting because of oil levels or transmission filters or shifter solenoids etc. I don't want my question to appear inflammatory. What improvements has Can Am BRP made or is making to address this? Comments, jokes, diatribes? :roflblack:

Old Dog opcorn:

 

[Spyder Cat]

We have SE5 on both our RT & RS and in 19,000 miles (RT) and 7,000 miles (RS) haven't had one bit of trouble with either.
Love 'em both :2thumbs:

 

[SpyderWolf]

I have over 18,000 miles on my SE5 and my wife has over 10,000 with no problems at all. Not wanting to shift due to low oil conditions or a clogged filter is something that will never go away, as the transmission requires the oil in order to operate properly. If it doesn't have it then there will be an issue. It isn't a really big deal as long as you know what the symptoms are.

I would not trade my SE5 for anything. nojoke :thumbup:

 

[RodO]

I've a GS SM5 and an RT SE5. Whatever turns your crank, but the 'sport bike' needs a manual while the touring model with a semi-automatic is perfect.

YMMV.

 

[MouthPiece]

If I had it to do over again, I'd get the SE ONLY to assist my wife in learning how to ride it. Because mine is manual, she won't attempt.

Chris

 

[napper39]

i would rather have the auto,but it was a money thing that mad me go shifter.im the poor boy on the block.:spyder2::shemademe_smilie::spyder::chat: and when i said:shemademe_smilie: i mean that.:yikes:

 

[Bob Denman]

The only issue I have with the SE5 is that on a very rare occasions it will stumble when shifting. Having said that though, I am 100% satisfied with it and recommend it.

:agree: :thumbup:

 

[DynamoBT]

I've got the SM5. Mostly, I love it. One day though, I rode with a fellow SpyderLover up the coast of NH by the beaches. Stop and go traffic nearly did in my clutch hand. I still have issues with it sometimes. So, there is a definite disadvantage to the manual in stop and go.

But saying that, I have manual transmission cars too. I love to shift. I love the control over the engine that I have. I like to really sync engine revs to the gears. OK, I'll admit it. I a failry aggressive driver.

Not so aggressive on the Spyder. But, have some fun with it. So, all in all, I would not trade it for the SE. I rode the SE in a demo in the parking lot of the dealer. I'm sure I could get used to it. But it seemed very weird to control slow speed with the brake and not feathering the clutch. I felt a bit like I was being run away with. I did not like the feeling. But, I guess automatic transmission cars are just like that too. "Drive" moves you right along even idling. So, you have to ride the brake.

I just like a manual shift I guess. That's what I learned on to drive. That's what I mostly drive. I just like it.

 

[Campverdefela]

The only issue I have with the SE5 is that on a very rare occasions it will stumble when shifting.

I attribute this to a delay caused by hydraulics or electronics.
It's tough to tell.


Having said that though, I am 100% satisfied with it and recommend it.

Keep your rpm's up....

 

[Marker]

I Love the RTS and its SE5 tranny 110% satisfied so far

 

[johnnyg]

If I had it to do over again, I'd get the SE ONLY to assist my wife in learning how to ride it. Because mine is manual, she won't attempt.

Chris

Chris would you like for us to come down and show her what it would be like. You might be better not having her try, it just cost us a bunch $$.$$$ after Carol got her licence she wasn't content with just sitting in the back :yikes: she remember everything i said about how much more fun it was to drive it. She never would have tried had we got the SM. jc

 

[MouthPiece]

Chris would you like for us to come down and show her what it would be like. You might be better not having her try, it just cost us a bunch $$.$$$ after Carol got her licence she wasn't content with just sitting in the back :yikes: she remember everything i said about how much more fun it was to drive it. She never would have tried had we got the SM. jc

John, you're absolutely right. It's about them having fun too, isn't it.

Chris

 

[Motogordo]

SE5 vs. SM5

August 17, 2011

I purchased my 2011 RTS/SE5 on June 15, 2011. I got the SE5 because it was so much smoother. I now have just over 1,800 miles . I have had almost 50 motorcycles, and of all of them were 5 speed, which was fine. Now I like the feel of the SE5 semi-auto shift. I change gears at just over 3,200 RPM's and let off on the gas each time. I don't shut it down, just ease it back a bit. It shifts as smooth as silk and you would think it was completely automatic. I am getting about 35 mpg on 92 octane,which I am very happy about. I sold my 2009 Burgman 650 scooter just last month, having decided I don't need two toys in the garage. That scooter had a true fully automatic transmission or you can use the techtronic 5 speed shifter and there is no clutch . That scooter is absolutely smooth, quiet and super fast, if you wish to go that route. I don't, but I still continue to have tons of fun. LOL.

Gordon
p.s. If the Spyder had the Goldwing type engine and transmission or the Burgman 650 engine and transmission, you would think you were in a sporty convertible, just like my 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder . I just love those motor toys.:clap:

 

[ARtraveler]

I have had both versions of the tranny. My 2008 GS was an SM5--22,000 miles. My 2010 RTS SE5--19,000 miles.

I like both versions. If I were to buy another :spyder2: I am not sure which version of tranny I would go with next time.

No problems or issues with either flavor.