[Donzo]

Looking at the Spyder - I have ridden bikes for many years and have been very comfortable with the 5 speed. The SE5 is interesting though......I just want to ask your opionion - you guys have been living it and have seen/heard the pros and cons. Is the SE5 a better way to tap the power of th Rotax...or is the SM5 better?
I love the Spyder and will have one --

[John in PA]

Unless you're uncomfortable with foot shift and hand clutch, I'd stay away from the SE5. Why add a layer of complexity and extra stuff to break if you don't need it? And, according to the board posts, they haven't been trouble free.
I've been riding motorcycles for 38 years, test rode the SE5 for fun, but didn't consider buying one. 900 miles on the SM5 so far, I'm quite pleased.
Be prepared for a learning curve on the Bug compared to bikes. TOTALLY different feel, but in a way that you'll (very) soon come to enjoy and appreciate. Have fun, be safe!

[Shunkmanitu]

John in PA, on Nov 6 2008, 05:43 PM, said:

Unless you're uncomfortable with foot shift and hand clutch, I'd stay away from the SE5. Why add a layer of complexity and extra stuff to break if you don't need it? And, according to the board posts, they haven't been trouble free.
I've been riding motorcycles for 38 years, test rode the SE5 for fun, but didn't consider buying one. 900 miles on the SM5 so far, I'm quite pleased.
Be prepared for a learning curve on the Bug compared to bikes. TOTALLY different feel, but in a way that you'll (very) soon come to enjoy and appreciate. Have fun, be safe!

I just wonder why one would have to be "uncomfortable" with the shift to buy a SE? A lot of us older "bikers" have physical problems making the SE resonable choice. Others just like things easier as we ger older. Both reasons influnced my choice along with availability, my ordered SM never showed up. I will say that you are right about the sensor problem, that, along with BRP's apparent lack of concern for paid up customers really does suck!

[Renegade 1 LI]

Personal preference.

[BeRight]

To answer your question-SM5
I enjoy controlling when to shift-greater flexibility

[DragonSpyder]

I have an SM5 because I did not want to wait for a SE5. Folks that have pulled a clutch for years seem to have a problem letting go IMHO. I rode ATV's with a clutch for years but once I converted to an autoclutch I see no reason to pull the lever.

Advantages:
1. Possibly better traction as most just dump the clutch.
2. Both hands stay planted on the bars. You have to let go of your grip while your pulling the lever
3. Slightly better performance as you can shift easier/safer with the throttle on.
4. Will not stall when taking off or other low RPM situations (Can you say safety).
5. If you need to stop quickly you don't need to search for neutral.
6. Those that have not used a clutch before can ride it without concern.
7. You can shift while hanging off the side of the bike during hard cornering. (More of a concern on ATV's as you hang farther off the side of the machine).
8. Landed many jumps only to have the machine stall on landing. This never happens with an auto clutch.

Disadvantages:
1. You cannot rev the motor to sound cool while it's in gear.
2. You are unable to use aftermarket clutch levers.

[B-Man]

We ordered the SE5 for my wife, her multi tasking is limited. You must up shift, and can down shift at your discresion. I also noted the roll on the throtal is smooth, as to not cause the bike to jump out from under her. Don't get me wrong...that thing will flat out get it!!!!

Donzo, on Nov 6 2008, 06:20 PM, said:

Looking at the Spyder - I have ridden bikes for many years and have been very comfortable with the 5 speed. The SE5 is interesting though......I just want to ask your opionion - you guys have been living it and have seen/heard the pros and cons. Is the SE5 a better way to tap the power of th Rotax...or is the SM5 better?
I love the Spyder and will have one --

[Director]

Donzo, on Nov 6 2008, 06:20 PM, said:

Looking at the Spyder - I have ridden bikes for many years and have been very comfortable with the 5 speed. The SE5 is interesting though......I just want to ask your opionion - you guys have been living it and have seen/heard the pros and cons. Is the SE5 a better way to tap the power of th Rotax...or is the SM5 better?
I love the Spyder and will have one --

I have test-ridden an SE5 and my personal preference remains with the manual transmission. I like having a clutch and shifting when I think it is appropriate to do so. I thought the SE5 was doing too much of the work for me, and it is "work" I enjoy. Having said that, as other posters have pointed out, there is no right or wrong answer; it is a matter of personal preference.

Bruce

[spyderwoman]

Director, on Nov 7 2008, 10:30 AM, said:

I have test-ridden an SE5 and my personal preference remains with the manual transmission. I like having a clutch and shifting when I think it is appropriate to do so. I thought the SE5 was doing too much of the work for me, and it is "work" I enjoy. Having said that, as other posters have pointed out, there is no right or wrong answer; it is a matter of personal preference.

Bruce

I've ridden motorcycles for many years. I bought the SE5 and have put over 800 miles on it so far and have had no problems. It was a good choice for me. Spyderwoman

[Donzo]

Thanks for the replies - I am leaning for the SM5. As was mentioned it is one more thing that can get you stranded or at least stuck in one gear. I can definately see where it would have great value for special need and 1st time bike/clutch people.

[Arachnid]

[Donzo]

Arachnid, on Nov 8 2008, 06:01 PM, said:

[Marc]

Donzo, on Nov 7 2008, 10:20 AM, said:

Thanks for the replies - I am leaning for the SM5. As was mentioned it is one more thing that can get you stranded or at least stuck in one gear. I can definately see where it would have great value for special need and 1st time bike/clutch people.

Here's our review of the SE5

I really like the SE5, but I did buy an SM5. For me it was 51%/49%.

[mrfilovirus]

Marc, on Nov 9 2008, 03:03 PM, said:

Here's our review of the SE5

I really like the SE5, but I did buy an SM5. For me it was 51%/49%.

Test drove a SM5 today - I'm happy I bought the SE5 (and I came from a traditional yamaha motorcycle background). The SM5 doesn't stink, but the SE5 is far better in my opinion - and I had the same if not more control than I did driving the SM5.

[Dudley]

spyderwoman, on Nov 7 2008, 10:20 AM, said:

I've ridden motorcycles for many years. I bought the SE5 and have put over 800 miles on it so far and have had no problems. It was a good choice for me. Spyderwoman

I test drove one for 130 miles on Friday. Been riding clutches for over 40 years, 300K plus miles. Sure is nice to be able to shift when I want to and not miss a gear, even when getting on it to red-line. Down-shifting is the same. You can either let it shift on it's own or you can do it yourself. REALLY nice when going into a mountain curve that starts to go up. Just flip your finger and you're in a lower gear...just that quick! But again, it's a matter of preference. Should have mine by Friday, and it will be an SE5.

[Timmah]

I have an SE5 and have about 4800 miles on it so far. Its all in personal preference really for me i can't shift the SM5 due to medical problems so i went with the SE5 from what i have heard the power is the same either way the only difference is clutch/shift control. However even on the SE5 you control the upshift and can also control the downshift as long as you like downshifting above 2300 RPMS (thats when the computer will downshift for you)

[Everett]

After riding for 45 years on motorcycles with clutch levers, foot gear shifts---with the feet going up and down in bad traffic-----I took the SE5 for a long ride (bless the salesman,Chad), it's all about the speed and feel between shifts----I bought the SE5, and it's a smooth as silk----I shift down from 5th to fourth, then let the Spyder go down automatically from 4th to 1st----so far----I'll never go back to two wheels and a gear shifting system----Ev