SM5 or SE5

[bone crusher]

Bah hum-bug...if you want the SE5, just get a Miata...

 

[aka1004]

I have the SE5, I think its the greatest machine. I orignally bought the SE5 thinking my wife would get hers Motorcycle License, she states after I got "no it is your Toy".

After seeing a few people with the SM5 and compared the milage and the rear wheel treads seems on the SM5 has more wear then mine, now I compared with three different SM5 with the about same amount of miles which now I have a little over 6200 miles on my a friend SM5 has 5900 miles and I did see quite a difference.

He stated he like to burn rubber every now and then. The SE5 is almost impossible to burn rubber. I only burned rubber once with a little help "sand" on the rode. I have no idea how much the rear tire cost "YET" and will hesitate looking forward to that day. Something you might want to look into.

I wouldn't trade mine for the world and yes I do ride my every chance I get! no matter which one you get you'll have a blast with either one :2thumbs: !!!!!

-Larry :spyder:

WHAT?
i burned so much rubber on my se5 i needed new rear tires by mile 7000

 

[bone crusher]

I don't know if it's lack of buyers or BRP's subtle way to tell us that they want the SE5 to be the main model. But here in Kansas City, there are few, new SM5 available, and all their showrooms have all colors of SE5.

And Moon Silver is faster, especially like last Friday night when the moon was full..... really fast then !:2thumbs:

That's because people in Kansas City don't have full function and can't use their hands and feet at the same time!

Right atcha!
:yes:

 

[Tom in NM]

muscles, coordination, and body position

After driving the local dealers crazy by testing manual vs. electronic, I am a new SE5 owner. I am a long-time motorcycle rider and a clutch is as automatic to me as breathing.
The big reason for going with the SE5 was my body's position - I could sit more comfortably with more butt options when I didn't have to be on call with my shifting foot and clutch hand. I am sure I would have adjusted, but I really liked the comfort flexibility. ( and not getting your left toe scuffed and dirty is pretty spiffy too )
If you are new to clutches and motorcycles, be prepared for some muscle fatigue in the hands and forearms. Both the clutch and the throttle call for the use and development of different muscles - not strength, but endurance and coordination. Depending on how much you ride, it may take a couple of weeks for that to develop.
Most everyone calls the SE5 an "automatic", but to me it is more Electronic Assisted. You still listen to the engine and "feel" the RPMs and combine that with your ride path and road conditions to decide WHEN to shift and if you are going to shift UP or DOWN. For most people, doing this is easy and "automatic".
One thing I miss on the SE5 is that 'thing' that motorcycle and SM5 riders do when they are at a stop; that " vroooom---vroooom---vroooom " engine revving with the clutch is disengaged. Yes, I could shift into Neutral and do it, but I found it is just not the same.
The other thing I miss goes to the heart of motorcycle riding, a feeling like dancing. On a motorcycle, both your hands and both your feet are working in a intricate 'dance' and movements with the bike. Your hands are working the clutch and throttle and your feet are working the shift and brake to the 'tune' of the engine. There is a a lot of rider activity and synchronization going on. All of your hands and feet are engaged and coordinated, and your body is in 'balance'. When that becomes natural, to me, it is like a wonderful dance between you, the bike, and the road. It feels sooooooo good. To me, the SM5 has 75% of this interaction, while the SE5 has around 50%. I think this difference between motorcycles and Spyders is one of those things that some long-time motorcyclists find "lacking" when they try one.
BUT, for me, the Spyder has added new elements to the dance and I find that I am more aware of the road and world around me and I can enjoy them more. Trade-off or Enhancement? For me it has become a wonderful enhancement of the riding experience. I am riding my motorcycle less and less. I have no regrets on getting the SE5 over the SM5.
You have a tough decision, being a new rider. I think the SE5 is faster and easier to master, though the SM5 will give you a more traditional riding experience and sensations. It is a very personal decision you get to make for yourself.
As far as SE5 reliability, until all the numbers come out, who (besides BRP) really knows? We humans tend to give a lot more attention and weight to the bad stories we hear than the "business as usual" ones - it seems to be how we are wired. The SE5 is more mechanically complex than the SM5, but it is my impression that the weakest link is the rider; machines do fail, but it is usually the rider that is the critical point of failure. Practice, pay attention, use good judgement, follow directions, perform all maintenance, get a warranty, and most importantly - ENJOY!

There is a whole new world out here! I hope to see you on the road.

Tom

 

[Dudley]

After driving the local dealers crazy by testing manual vs. electronic, I am a new SE5 owner. I am a long-time motorcycle rider and a clutch is as automatic to me as breathing.
The big reason for going with the SE5 was my body's position - I could sit more comfortably with more butt options when I didn't have to be on call with my shifting foot and clutch hand. I am sure I would have adjusted, but I really liked the comfort flexibility. ( and not getting your left toe scuffed and dirty is pretty spiffy too )
If you are new to clutches and motorcycles, be prepared for some muscle fatigue in the hands and forearms. Both the clutch and the throttle call for the use and development of different muscles - not strength, but endurance and coordination. Depending on how much you ride, it may take a couple of weeks for that to develop.
Most everyone calls the SE5 an "automatic", but to me it is more Electronic Assisted. You still listen to the engine and "feel" the RPMs and combine that with your ride path and road conditions to decide WHEN to shift and if you are going to shift UP or DOWN. For most people, doing this is easy and "automatic".
One thing I miss on the SE5 is that 'thing' that motorcycle and SM5 riders do when they are at a stop; that " vroooom---vroooom---vroooom " engine revving with the clutch is disengaged. Yes, I could shift into Neutral and do it, but I found it is just not the same.
The other thing I miss goes to the heart of motorcycle riding, a feeling like dancing. On a motorcycle, both your hands and both your feet are working in a intricate 'dance' and movements with the bike. Your hands are working the clutch and throttle and your feet are working the shift and brake to the 'tune' of the engine. There is a a lot of rider activity and synchronization going on. All of your hands and feet are engaged and coordinated, and your body is in 'balance'. When that becomes natural, to me, it is like a wonderful dance between you, the bike, and the road. It feels sooooooo good. To me, the SM5 has 75% of this interaction, while the SE5 has around 50%. I think this difference between motorcycles and Spyders is one of those things that some long-time motorcyclists find "lacking" when they try one.
BUT, for me, the Spyder has added new elements to the dance and I find that I am more aware of the road and world around me and I can enjoy them more. Trade-off or Enhancement? For me it has become a wonderful enhancement of the riding experience. I am riding my motorcycle less and less. I have no regrets on getting the SE5 over the SM5.
You have a tough decision, being a new rider. I think the SE5 is faster and easier to master, though the SM5 will give you a more traditional riding experience and sensations. It is a very personal decision you get to make for yourself.
As far as SE5 reliability, until all the numbers come out, who (besides BRP) really knows? We humans tend to give a lot more attention and weight to the bad stories we hear than the "business as usual" ones - it seems to be how we are wired. The SE5 is more mechanically complex than the SM5, but it is my impression that the weakest link is the rider; machines do fail, but it is usually the rider that is the critical point of failure. Practice, pay attention, use good judgement, follow directions, perform all maintenance, get a warranty, and most importantly - ENJOY!

There is a whole new world out here! I hope to see you on the road.

Tom

As an SE5 owner with 7300 miles I agree with all your points 100%. Hope your Spyder gives you thousands of happy miles!

 

[krb1945]

Hope I didn't make a mistake

Well I will be picking up my SO's new red SE5:shemademe_smilie:... really it is a new toy for me hyea:she just doesn't realize it. I rode the SE5 and it is fantastic :yes:except for what I perceive to be overly sensitive steering assist. Maybe there is a way to retard it so it is not overly active that I don't know yet. I haven't picked up the machine or manual yet. It could be that it is overly sensitive to me because I'm used to riding two wheels.a

Anyway I will pick it up the middle of the week. should I have gotten the manual shift for her?

 

[Smylinacha]

hoo boy, you are walking on dangerous ground there with the female using the clutch remark! The last guy who made a comment like that got flamed real bad. (I think it was Road Dog and his woman's shopping club remark) I recently rode with a petite young lady who drives a manual, and I would not want to take her on head to head. She can handle the bike, and got a real need 4 speed. Good luck buddy, I can't wait to read the replies.....

That being said, hydro clutches dont require too much strength, and if they can turn the Spyder, I don't see a problem pulling the clutch unless it a an issue of smaller hands. Thats where most people find the clutching problem and a piazzo (sp) lever helps.

Good advice on the warranty, no matter if you choose the SM or SE, both have some complicated and expensive electronics. I also agree, why spend the extra for an auto unless you really feel you need it. I think it is an extra grand, and to me you give up control.

Only a need for speed in the straights! If the law ain't around then go for it - that's what I say!:clap::clap::clap:

 

[Smylinacha]

I have an SM5. I've always had mostly standard cars too. Well not my Charger but I can paddle shift if I want.

I don't know what it's like to ride the SE5 so I can't have an opinion on which :f_spider: is better but I've always felt (even with cars) that if it's manual, I have more control over how I ride.

And with SM5's you downshift to a stop - just pulling in a clutch a few times, it's easy. Or you can just pull the clutch in and hold it there while you clunk down back into 1st but that's no fun!

Just my 2 cents.:doorag:

 

[Don in E Texas]

Well, I will be picking up my SO's new red SE5:shemademe_smilie:

welcome:2thumbs:

You'll love that turbo-charged engine in the Red model Spyder (our little secret hyea: )

Ride safe.

don

 

[nyfdtsdemt]

SM5 here

like the control factor

SE5 great bike...
but i love my clutch!

 

[bone crusher]

I have an SM5. I've always had mostly standard cars too. Well not my Charger but I can paddle shift if I want.

I don't know what it's like to ride the SE5 so I can't have an opinion on which :f_spider: is better but I've always felt (even with cars) that if it's manual, I have more control over how I ride.

And with SM5's you downshift to a stop - just pulling in a clutch a few times, it's easy. Or you can just pull the clutch in and hold it there while you clunk down back into 1st but that's no fun!

Just my 2 cents.:doorag:

:agree:

 

[NancysToy]

Well I will be picking up my SO's new red SE5:shemademe_smilie:... really it is a new toy for me hyea:she just doesn't realize it. I rode the SE5 and it is fantastic :yes:except for what I perceive to be overly sensitive steering assist. Maybe there is a way to retard it so it is not overly active that I don't know yet. I haven't picked up the machine or manual yet. It could be that it is overly sensitive to me because I'm used to riding two wheels.a

Anyway I will pick it up the middle of the week. To tell me if I should have gotten the manual shift.

You will get used to this feeling. Relax your grips on the bars and it helps tremendously. All of us two-wheelers have seemed to experience this feeling. You will also get used to how much weight to shift by leaning or moving on the seat pretty fast. Don't deprive your SO too often, though. It makes me grin every time I see my wife on her Spyder in my rearview mirrors. So much nicer than two-up.
-Scotty

 

[Questions]

Thank you all for the feedback on the SE5 and SM5. I've had auto and stick shifts on all the car I owned. Living in Los Angeles, its a pain to drive stick in the crazy traffic we have here.
I will go test drive both and go from there. Thanks again you are the greatest bunch of people in any forum I've been in

 

[bone crusher]

Thank you all for the feedback on the SE5 and SM5. I've had auto and stick shifts on all the car I owned. Living in Los Angeles, its a pain to drive stick in the crazy traffic we have here.
I will go test drive both and go from there. Thanks again you are the greatest bunch of people in any forum I've been in

You're gonna make us all collectively blush! Whichever bike you get, you're gonna love it!...(you'll just have a bit more fun on the manual)...
pps:

 

[krb1945]

Warms my heart...

I hope I didn't say anything to get me flamed... because the good Lord knows that I never meant anything like that. I was just wondering if I should have gotten her a manual because there is a problem with the semi-automatic?

It warms my senior citizen heart to see young ladies:clap::bowdown::yes: riding and controlling trikes and motorcycles. I have always wanted them to experience the same excitement I feel when riding. And my SO really likes to ride so I wanted her to have a machine she could handle safely after going through the safety course.

Let it be known here and now... I dearly love the ladies, each and every one of them... matter of fact... I still tear up and still miss my mother and grandmother when I visit their graves every two weeks. And I travel a total of 325 miles for the visit. Just wanted everyone to know...

Ride em safe...

 

[Cundiffla]

You might want to have your machine checked out. I have smoked the rear almost all the way through first and then some in second with my SE5.

Now that the GPS replacement seems to have cured my shifting problems, I don't see any advantage of a manual clutch (except to save some dinero).

Ok one or two things, something wrong with my Spyder, "this won't make me happy". or I just don't know how to burn rubber on the spyder. Now which is it. My third service is due this week and I will have it check out!

Thanks for everyone letting me know!

Larry

 

[Cundiffla]

I hope I didn't say anything to get me flamed... because the good Lord knows that I never meant anything like that. I was just wondering if I should have gotten her a manual because there is a problem with the semi-automatic?

It warms my senior citizen heart to see young ladies:clap::bowdown::yes: riding and controlling trikes and motorcycles. I have always wanted them to experience the same excitement I feel when riding. And my SO really likes to ride so I wanted her to have a machine she could handle safely after going through the safety course.

Let it be known here and now... I dearly love the ladies, each and every one of them... matter of fact... I still tear up and still miss my mother and grandmother when I visit their graves every two weeks. And I travel a total of 325 miles for the visit. Just wanted everyone to know...

Ride em safe...

So you're in Keystone Height, Florida. I am in Orange Park, Florida. Keystone Height has some of the nice roads there, don't know if it still is haven't been down there is quite some time. If you're in this neck of woods PM me and we'll ride around.

-Larry

 

[Degaman]

Ok one or two things, something wrong with my Spyder, "this won't make me happy". or I just don't know how to burn rubber on the spyder. Now which is it. My third service is due this week and I will have it check out!

Thanks for everyone letting me know!

Larry

There's no secret... just let go of the brake, and jam the throttle... if it doesn't squeal the rear tire, something is wrong with the machine.

 

[Dudley]

Well, I guess I am just one of the few who rides and has ridden since 1966, over 300K miles and never burned rubber. I just have never seen a reason for doing it. For those of you who enjoy it, go for it! I just thought I would share with all of you.

 

[NancysToy]

Well, I guess I am just one of the few who rides and has ridden since 1966, over 300K miles and never burned rubber. I just have never seen a reason for doing it. For those of you who enjoy it, go for it! I just thought I would share with all of you.

Glad you said "the few". Count me in. Guess when you have sat between the tires on a front-engined dragster, the other stuff loses its thrill. Our club now numbers two.
-Scotty