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SM or SE? What and why did you choose?

SM saves about $1500.00. I have had both versions. Now, 1 SM vs. 4 SE's.

I actually like the SE. Notice no difference in performance. You just lose the feeling of being in charge of all the shifting. Both the other ryders in my life would not have learned to drive the :spyder2: if the SM option was the only one available.
 
I had an SM for 50k, I now have an SE. The SE is great in stop and go traffic and in twisties. My next bike will be an SE also. Once you have an SE, it's hard to go back to SM. Of course, this is all just my opinion.
 
SM for me. I prefer to be in control of when I shift. I prefer a manual in a car also but currently have an automatic car. Rode an SE for 8,000 miles and felt like I was just along for the ride. With an SM I feel like I am in charge.
 
Depends

I drive a 6 speed manual sport coupe and a manual trans spyder. I have owned auto trans and much prefer manual trans for driving fun. If you have never driven a manual trans vehicle it may seem strange, but after a while shifting is just automatic and traffic or stop and go is not an issue, nor is shifting for curves. My wife has an auto trans and does not like to drive my car. I learned to drive on a tractor and a truck with a manual trans and two speed rear axle. All my early cars were manual; 50 Ford, 49 Merc, 58 VW, 64 1/2 Mustang, 67 Sunbeam Tiger ( wish I still had the Tiger!). So, what do you like to drive? No one else has an opinion that matters in the slightest, yours is the only one that counts.
 
Carpel Tunnel SE 4 me. I barely have to even touch the bars just rest my hands on them. Click cruise and ride away. :thumbup:
 
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For everthing there is a season.

The 2013 I bought was used and is manual. I wanted the se but I have arthritis in my thumbs and fingers so pushing the shifter buttons may have been an issue. I like the manual and the clutch is not a problem. Some of the control buttons can be tricky if my thumb is acting up but so far no issues.:clap:
 
I drive a 6 speed manual sport coupe and a manual trans spyder. I have owned auto trans and much prefer manual trans for driving fun. If you have never driven a manual trans vehicle it may seem strange, but after a while shifting is just automatic and traffic or stop and go is not an issue, nor is shifting for curves. My wife has an auto trans and does not like to drive my car. I learned to drive on a tractor and a truck with a manual trans and two speed rear axle. All my early cars were manual; 50 Ford, 49 Merc, 58 VW, 64 1/2 Mustang, 67 Sunbeam Tiger ( wish I still had the Tiger!). So, what do you like to drive? No one else has an opinion that matters in the slightest, yours is the only one that counts.

I have a manual trans car, too, and prefer it (depending on the kind of car). But I really like the SE6. The hand clutch is problematic for me, so the semi-auto does the trick!
 
I have trigger finger on my middle and ring fingers of the left hand. Can not pull in a clutch handle. SE allows me to ride a motorcycle at all. Spyder has been a God Send. I now have two. A 2013 RT-S in Mesa, Az. and a 2014 RT-s in Chelan, Wa. When I get back to Mesa I have to address the heat issues on my right foot. Going to install Spyderpops heat deflector and see if that solves the problem.
 
ESSIE... :2thumbs:
Severe Diabetic Neuropathy has left me with no strength in my left ankle; I couldn't upshift an ESSEM bike! :opps:
 
Great! Thank you all for your feedback. Seems about 50/50 or whatever you prefer. Deciding weather making that extra $1500 is worth it or not.
 
Choices choices..!!

manual all the way. Maybe because I'm old school but I like the control. I like to be able to coast the long downhills, the ability to push start if in a bind, being able to be in the gear I need when I need it, being able to park in gear in case park brake fails, being able to pop the clutch to get out of harms way to name some. But totally understand those who prefer the semi automatic. It is a choice..you have to make...:lecturef_smilie:
 
SM5

like being in control -- dont like the way the SE downshifts -- can ride at lower rpm without hurting trans -- also $1500 cheaper and less parts to go bad
 
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