Semi automatic

[Hypurone]

Maybe most nobody else agrees with that.

It certainly was NOT the case with the RT that I had for a while.
And I have small hands.

Weird! Everybody that I know that has a Spyder or has even just pulled the manual clutch lever, has hated it! :dontknow:

 

[rustynail51]

if you can

Our first Spyder is a 1330 the ace three cylinder so I'm not familiar with any of the V twins but giving up my goldwing for the Spyder was a tough decision but all in all I would not go back to pulling a clutch lever I do not miss a clutch. I would go with the 1330 with the semi auto trany. just my opinion.

 

[oldgoat]

Weird! Everybody that I know that has a Spyder or has even just pulled the manual clutch lever, has hated it! :dontknow:

I have an '08 GS SM5. I am a small person with small hands.

I find clutch pull effort to be no problem at all

 

[Easy Rider]

many of us prefer that V-twin motor over the lazy (albeit torquey) 1330 for the 998's more sprightly & enjoyable

IF.....you keep the rev's of your 1330 up in the same range where most people ride their 998's......you should notice that all of that "laziness" magically goes away !! :thumbup:

 

[Easy Rider]

Weird! Everybody that I know that has a Spyder or has even just pulled the manual clutch lever, has hated it! :dontknow:

It is not mentioned on here very often.........so I ASSumed that it wasn't a problem for most.

 

[ofdave]

Weird! Everybody that I know that has a Spyder or has even just pulled the manual clutch lever, has hated it! :dontknow:

'17 F3 SM6
not a light pull but not as bad as others I've had
Maybe you don't know the right people?

 

[gnorthern]

I'm guessing that the type of traffic you drive in makes a difference. I began to hate the clutch on previous motorcycle but when I looked at this I realized it was because I was getting caught in a lot of stop and go traffic. I'd be willing to bet that the clutch was easier to squeeze than two motorcycles ago.

 

[rustynail51]

se transmission

you will truly enjoy the semi auto if you do any city driving the fact that your spyder is in low gear automatically at stop lights and signs makes town driving much less tiring I did not look forward to city driving with my Goldwing

 

[ARtraveler]

RE: Clutch lever pull. When I bought my SM5 08, I came from years of riding two wheelers. I did not have issues with the clutch "pull" on the 08. IMO, it was less than most of the big iron I was riding at the time--I sold my Kawi 2000 cc LT shortly after getting the 08 Spyder.

I am back riding a 900 Vulcan LT and although the clutch has some pull to it, I do not find it a distraction or a problem. Happy to say that I do not suffer from any arthritic issues. That is a whole different situation for many.

In 2010--when the RTS came out, I went over to HD and tried the new Tri Glide. The clutch pull on that one was so hard, that I knew I could never manage that one. I also did not like the other ergos. My same issue with the F3 today (ergos).

Just another .02 on the pile. :thumbup:

 

[johnsimion]

To the original question:
I didn't think I would like the semi-automatic but I really DO.

I am relatively new to the Spyder, having ridden manual transmission bikes and cars most of my life, but my Spyder has the semi-auto and like Easy Rider, I didn't think I'd like it but I really DO! Here is why: You get the same enjoyment and control of shifting as a manual when you want it, whether upshifting or downshifting, but NEVER ONCE will you stall out your Spyder in traffic or in the middle of a busy intersection. Yeah, I know, a good rider would never make such a noob mistake but I've done it, so call me a noob, I don't care. The fact that the semi-auto lets me ride like a pro makes it all worthwhile! Safer, too.

 

[Fat Baxter]

I would say go for the best dollar value, regardless of engine. Just be sure the machine has been well maintained. Lots of folks here are still riding the 998 and like them just fine. That says a lot for that configuration.

If you focus on value, you arguably can get into a 998 Spyder for less than buying a 1330. This way, if the Spyder is not to your liking, you aren't out as much money as you might be if you bought a later 1330 model.

You sound like you won't be racking up mega-miles, so don't worry about buying the latest version. Just look for a well-maintained one with a service record, and have fun.

 

[robtdonna]

Maybe most nobody else agrees with that.

It certainly was NOT the case with the RT that I had for a while.
And I have small hands.

:agree: My 2014 1330 Triple SM-6 was a easy clutch, certainly no more difficult than my previous 2 wheelers, from various Manufacturers: Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki to name a few.

Was my understanding that adding the assist (although should have been on the F3 from the factory) then it was just like the RT.