Tips for riding the 2019 SE6 compared to my 2010 RT SM5

[BigGuy66]

Sold my 2010 and I'm curious about the technique in riding the SE6. I'm used to the manual/clutch. The SE6 paddle will be new to me. I appreciate you experienced riders giving me a few tips before I pick up the bike on Wednesday the 29th.
Thanks -
Jim

 

[JayBros]

Hold the throttle steady as you shift up and down. You don't need to blip it when shifting down. Ditch the ECO mode unless you want to watch the dash display telling you when to up-shift. A good many of us shift somewhere between 3,000 - 3,500 RPM as it seems to be smoother than the minimum of somewhere around 2,500. The Spyder won't let you upshift below a minimum RPM in each gear. Take it out on a level stretch of road and run it up into 6th gear and then close the throttle and you'll see that it will automatically downshift to the next lower gear when engine RPM drops to about 1,900. You can downshift manually or let the ECM and HCM do it for you; the Spyder doesn't care. I prefer to always manually shift to Neutral and set the parking brake before shutting off the engine and I always use the kill switch, just force of habit. Be safe!

 

[BigGuy66]

It will seem odd to shift at 3000-3500... I shifted my 998 at about 4200-4500. JayBros - when you say, "Hold the throttle steady as you shift up and down" at what RPM do I start and hold for first gear... 3000? So it's unlike my manual that I let out the clutch and slowly open the throttle? I get the rest - thanks.
Jim

 

[ARtraveler]

When you put the shifter into first just crank it up to 3500 for the next gear. The 1330 likes to be shifted into all gears around that point. Find that sweet spot on yours and get used to the sound. Its good when the shift is seamless and you hear no clunk. First always makes a clunk when shifting from neutral to first or reverse. Don't release the throttle during the shifting process.

I let the Spyder downshift itself almost 95% of the time. If I need extra power to pass or avoid something, I will kick it down a gear and then hit it.

 

[RICZ]

Back the throttle off ALL THE WAY when braking to a stop. If you want smooth shifts, JayBros was right, hold the throttle absolutely still - not off, just still. If the throttle moves while shifting, you'll get a clunky shift.

 

[JayBros]

When you upshift just keep the throttle at the position you've twisted it to; e.g., you've twisted the throttle to 3,450, just hold it at that rpm and push the the shift lever. Unlike with a manual where, unless you're speed shifting, you roll off the throttle when you engage the clutch and then reapply throttle to continue in the next higher gear. Hope my English is clear enough.

 

[Little Blue]

Se6

YES, All very good TIPS. Enjoy your new Ryde.
Stay Safe and Healthy. .....:thumbup:

 

[BigGuy66]

Thanks for the excellent tips about the shifting. Next question - what can I expect my mileage range to be for trips? it's usually different than the standard given by the manufacturers. 130 miles on a tank? 200? My 2010 was pretty thirsty on trips. Thanks.
Jim

 

[ARtraveler]

For the 1330/3 I find the mileage is high 30's. No problem getting 200 miles out of a tank. I still like to fill up between 150 and 200. No sense pushing it to the end if you do not have to.

 

[BigGuy66]

We are planning on taking on the Head of the Dragon, the Claw, the Back, the Tail... and any other parts we can find! The mileage will be helpful here... and thanks to all you experienced Ryders with the good tips.
Jim

 

[fatboy]

you can hold the throttle wide open if you like while shifting

 

[Gedge]

BigGuy66, nice to see another spyder owner just 10 mile from me. I have a 2019 F3 limited and ride through Winona Lake often.

 

[Little Blue]

Milage

I usually go about 150 miles and then refill. I need a little break every 2 hours.
Some people can go a 200+ and not have a problem. Ryde and Enjoy. .......:thumbup:

 

[Gwolf]

They pretty much covered the shifting, except for reverse. When you shift to reverse, the Spyder has to be stopped dead still, foot on the brake, or it won't go in reverse.

I have the big rear pulley, so I average around 32 MPG all the time. Doesn't seem to matter if I run 60 MPH on county roads or 75 MPH on the Interstate Highways. It gets about the same mileage all the time. It might drop down to 30 MPG pushing it hard on twisty roads. Other than that, it is always around 32 MPG.