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semi automatic v. manual

atiya

New member
I'm planning to buy a Spyder within the next week. I'm undecided as to 2010 RS v 2010 RS-S, both unused. There is a 2008 SM5 yellow/black w/ 2000 miles near by, however the dealer is only offering a 60 day warranty. The warranty is rather short and I know 2008 experienced recalls. I have had a motorcycle license for over 10 years, but have never really rode. I plan to transition to a motorcycle one day and thus I think a clutch will do me better. My friend prefers his SE 2009, as his buddies who all have 2009 SE experience lots of problems.
 
:welcome: I bought used (2009 RS SE5) based on my economics. Although I haven't had any issues, some others have.
If you like to shift and/or feel it will assist in your "transition", get an SM. I didn't want to deal with a clutch. If the price is right for the 2008 it may be worth the investment. Only you can answer which is right; it's your money. Happy hunting; the :spyder2: is a thrill to ryde.
 
I'm planning to buy a Spyder within the next week. I'm undecided as to 2010 RS v 2010 RS-S, both unused. There is a 2008 SM5 yellow/black w/ 2000 miles near by, however the dealer is only offering a 60 day warranty. The warranty is rather short and I know 2008 experienced recalls. I have had a motorcycle license for over 10 years, but have never really rode. I plan to transition to a motorcycle one day and thus I think a clutch will do me better. My friend prefers his SE 2009, as his buddies who all have 2009 SE experience lots of problems.


You always can purchase an extended warranty for the pre-owned 08 model. IMO do not buy the 08 without it. Good luck !!! :2thumbs:
 
WELCOME to SPYDERLAND

HI Bro, I wanted to add, I have a 08 PE, I bought it used, It will be 3 yrs this Sept, had 280 miles, and had all updates done to it, as they came out. so far I have had no problems with it, and took it to SPYDERFEST 2. This spring with 1,300 miles in 5 days. ran perfect. I now have 6,400 miles and It's my 1st bike. I'm 59 now and enjoy it more all the time. I have had a few things done to it 4in risers, mirror extensions, fog lights. It's a SM5. I would say ck on the better warranty and you can save a lot of money on the 08. (ins and license) you won't belive the response you will get. THANKS, and GOOD LUCK.:clap:
 
I'm planning to buy a Spyder within the next week. I'm undecided as to 2010 RS v 2010 RS-S, both unused. There is a 2008 SM5 yellow/black w/ 2000 miles near by, however the dealer is only offering a 60 day warranty. The warranty is rather short and I know 2008 experienced recalls. I have had a motorcycle license for over 10 years, but have never really rode. I plan to transition to a motorcycle one day and thus I think a clutch will do me better. My friend prefers his SE 2009, as his buddies who all have 2009 SE experience lots of problems.

Get the extended warranty, on what ever year Spder you decide to buy,
 
If your hands are popping at the knuckles a SE may be better. Knuckles get worse with age. I can keep up with most any SM with my SE's. Automatics are easier to back up too!!! Enjoy what ever you get and :welcome:
 
I have an RT-S SM and I am kind of a purist. I agree with the rush hour traffic would be nice to have the SE but I will have to stay with the SM. For me it is as much a part of the experiance as the ride itself, just my personal opinion for what I like to do.
 
I have an RT-S SM and I am kind of a purist. I agree with the rush hour traffic would be nice to have the SE but I will have to stay with the SM. For me it is as much a part of the experiance as the ride itself, just my personal opinion for what I like to do.

:agree:
 
I recommend test driving both to see which :spyder2: is best for you.

I've been riding two wheelers since 1965 and all but one was shift type. I did have a 1976 Hondamatic 750 for a couple years.

My first :spyder2: was the SM5--no semi auto's available yet. My next two had the SE5 transmission. I don't miss shifting on :spyder2:--but still own a 900 Vulcan LTD--so I get my shfits in on a regular basis.
 
In regards to the '08...their are alternate sources for warranties if BEST is not available, some vehicle insurance companies offer them. Is the '08 at a Spyder dealer, if not see if you can get the VIN and check the maintenance history/reliability and that all recalls are up to date at a Spyder dealer. This has to be done through the BRP, only current Spyder dealers have access. You don't want a bad spyder.
 
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In regards to the '08...their are alternate sources for warranties if BEST is not available, some vehicle insurance companies offer them. Is the '08 at a Spyder dealer, if not see if you can get the VIN and check the maintenance history/reliability and that all recalls are up to date at a Spyder dealer. This has to be done through the BRP, only current Spyder dealers have access. You don't want a bad spyder.

Yes it is at a dealer. The dealer indicated that only an aftermarket warranty is available but that they are a hassle. he said that becuase the original owner didnt buy an extended warranty, it is not available via the manufacturer. ill ask for the VIN number. Thank you so much for your advice.
 
An extended warranty a must IMHO

You always can purchase an extended warranty for the pre-owned 08 model. IMO do not buy the 08 without it. Good luck !!! :2thumbs:
IMO too! Don't purchase one without an extended warranty and have a great time on whichever spyder you pick. I do not remember much of a difference between the manual and auto as far as problems go. Most people have had great luck with their spyders but there are a few of us out here that did not.
That being said, what a dynamite machine to ride! A total blast each and every time you hit the road.
 
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It depends on alot of things. First, how long do you anticipate waiting before making the move to 2 wheels? If that time span is short, maybe the '08 would do if the price is right. However, I wouldn't even consider the '08 without getting an extended warranty and a complete service history printout. The 2010 would be a better choice I think.

My Wife loves her 2010 RSS SE5, but the tranny is a bit quirky. If you go SE5, make sure the clutch recall has been done before you even pick it up! My '09 Phantom has the SM5 tranny of course, which I like better. Much more reliable and fun IMO. But I have always prefered grabbing my own gears. And if pulling in the clutch lever is a problem, you can throw in the Evo clutch slave cylinder mod...

Good luck to you!
 
Great choice to make

Really, it doesn't matter except to you.
Hi there.....newbe here....2011 Spyder RS

I'd been ridin' for years with "manual" gear change....my last 2 wheeler is a 1993 Triumph Trident sport tourer and, if truth be told, I've got one of the prettiest sounding downshifts goin'. Neighbours know its me comin' home.

I bought my new RS about two months ago and the Trumpet is now available to a good home.

One of the best riding experiences ever, for me. Really can't understand why other manufacturers haven't followed suit.

I did consider the electric shift but it really didn't suit me. I would imagine that driving through traffic would be much less fatiguing with the electric. My riding is very mostly back roads (don't like the highway 'ceptin' if I have 4 wheels), lotta fun at 45 mph....!!!

Never fear, you will have a ball on whatever you decide.
 
It depends on alot of things. First, how long do you anticipate waiting before making the move to 2 wheels? If that time span is short, maybe the '08 would do if the price is right. However, I wouldn't even consider the '08 without getting an extended warranty and a complete service history printout. The 2010 would be a better choice I think.

My Wife loves her 2010 RSS SE5, but the tranny is a bit quirky. If you go SE5, make sure the clutch recall has been done before you even pick it up! My '09 Phantom has the SM5 tranny of course, which I like better. Much more reliable and fun IMO. But I have always prefered grabbing my own gears. And if pulling in the clutch lever is a problem, you can throw in the Evo clutch slave cylinder mod...

Good luck to you!

I test drove a friends 2009 SE today_ had a blast. wow that thing is powerful. Then I test drove another friends' 2009 SM - I stalled her bike llike 4 times and thus I gave up. Then i tried one last time with her riding with me and I did it! I had more fun on the SE because I wasn't focused on stalling. One thing I can say is on the SE I could feel the entire bike jerk when i shifted the gears, whereas on the SM it was much smoother. THANKS- didn t know that 2010 had clutch issues. I will definitely verify before making an offer in the morning. Thank you kindly.
 
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I test drove a friends 2009 SE today_ had a blast. wow that thing is powerful. Then I test drove another friends' 2009 SM - I stalled her bike llike 4 times and thus I gave up. Then i tried one last time with her riding with me and I did it! I had more fun on the SE because I wasn't focused on stalling. One thing I can say is on the SE I could feel the entire bike jerk when i shifted the gears, whereas on the SM it was much smoother. THANKS- didn t know that 2010 had clutch issues. I will definitely verify before making an offer in the morning. Thank you kindly.
Jerking on the SE is usually the result of releasing the throttle before you shift, or not having high enough rpm before you shift. If done right, shifting on the SE is smoother than the SM.
 
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