2014 Semi-Auto clutch over the earlier years?

[Rangeguy405]

Can anyone discuss the 2014 semi auto performance (clutchburn out) as compared to the earlier years? Is there still a great risk ofburning it up if you ride below a certain RPMs?
I want to trade in my 2012 RT-S Manual and I'm concerned a bit.
ray:

 

[tobor9]

The new '14 RT uses a hydraulic clutch, the others have a centrifugal clutch. The new one is not subject to the same problems as the old one as it does not use centrifugal forces to keep it engaged . I don't know if it has any weaknesses but they will be different!

 

[retired1]

On my '14 RTS, I've found out that I need to let it warm up longer than my '10 RTS. I guess that makes sense, since the '14 needs to build oil pressure for the clutch to work properly, and the '10 only needed RPM's.

 

[BikerDoc]

After 2500 miles on test bike and 8700 miles on my 2014 rt ltd I conclude shifting is much smoother and overall performance much better than either my 2010 or 2012

 

[stillriding]

Can anyone discuss the 2014 semi auto performance (clutchburn out) as compared to the earlier years? Is there still a great risk ofburning it up if you ride below a certain RPMs?
I want to trade in my 2012 RT-S Manual and I'm concerned a bit.

ray:Apparently there's a problem with slipping clutches on some of the '14s with the SE6 tranny. A service bulletin has been issued and I have an appointment next week to address it. I have NOT noticed any slippage on my RTS.

 

[Chupaca]

As I see it..!!

This is a totally new system in a new engine so there is not much to go on. Gear ratios are different making for a smother shift less change from one gear to the next. There have been some issue with the clutch as to slipping and noise but we shall see in time...:thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Bottom line: no need to worry about toasting your clutch plates with the 2014 system. :2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

Still waiting to get my hands on one. Will give some impressions at 1000 miles or so.

 

[ulflyer]

[/SIZE]
ray:Apparently there's a problem with slipping clutches on some of the '14s with the SE6 tranny. A service bulletin has been issued and I have an appointment next week to address it. I have NOT noticed any slippage on my RTS.

If you have any more info on this bulletin, can you share it with us? I think i've read everything on this forum about the
14 and don't recall seeing anything about slipping clutches.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Nobody has seen or heard anyting "official" yet... :shocked:
Do you have a T.S.B. #?

 

[stillriding]

Sorry guys. I don't have a TSB number or details. It's in the shop now and when it's done next week I'll pass along as much info as I can.

 

[stillriding]

UPDATE ON CLUTCH SLIPPING TSB

Got my '14 RTS back yesterday after two TSBs were checked out. One was the potential oil leak because of an improper manufacturing problem involving a screw's insertion. The other was to check for clutch slippage on the SE6. Mine was inspected and found to be OK. I got all fresh oil, too. (Not filters). The way it was explained to me, and this is going to be in ultra-simple terms, is there are two pistons involved in the operation of the clutch. In some models the brackets that hold these pistons were installed improperly allowing these pistons to "extend out" too far allowing the clutch to slip. The remedy is to correct the placement of those brackets. Mine had been installed correctly. I didn't get the TSB number. It looks like my dealer, JohnnyK's Powersports in Burbank, OH, took a proactive approach by calling me to have this situation checked out. Perhaps many dealers are waiting to see if their customers report a problem. However, my dealer knew nothing about a CB radio problem as reported on Spyderlovers about a week ago and therefore couldn't do anything, yet.

 

[Bob Denman]

Do you have a phone number for your dealer handy?
I'll give them a call, and see if they'll give the T.S.B.# to me... :thumbup:
Thanks!

 

[ulflyer]

Got my '14 RTS back yesterday after two TSBs were checked out. One was the potential oil leak because of an improper manufacturing problem involving a screw's insertion. The other was to check for clutch slippage on the SE6. Mine was inspected and found to be OK. I got all fresh oil, too. (Not filters). The way it was explained to me, and this is going to be in ultra-simple terms, is there are two pistons involved in the operation of the clutch. In some models the brackets that hold these pistons were installed improperly allowing these pistons to "extend out" too far allowing the clutch to slip. The remedy is to correct the placement of those brackets. Mine had been installed correctly. I didn't get the TSB number. It looks like my dealer, JohnnyK's Powersports in Burbank, OH, took a proactive approach by calling me to have this situation checked out. Perhaps many dealers are waiting to see if their customers report a problem. However, my dealer knew nothing about a CB radio problem as reported on Spyderlovers about a week ago and therefore couldn't do anything, yet.

If yours had the leaky screw it must have been one of the earler ones. Whats the build date on yours? Theres white tags stuck all over the place that show the date. One is under the frunk lid.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

After 2500 miles on test bike and 8700 miles on my 2014 rt ltd I conclude shifting is much smoother and overall performance much better than either my 2010 or 2012

:agree: (only 4700 miles)


Cruzr Joe

 

[stillriding]

Do you have a phone number for your dealer handy?
I'll give them a call, and see if they'll give the T.S.B.# to me... :thumbup:
Thanks!

Once JohnnyK's number is 330-302-4155. Once the recorded bull starts on the phone, hit 0 and you'll get a human. The service manager's name is Ron.

 

[stillriding]

If yours had the leaky screw it must have been one of the earler ones. Whats the build date on yours? Theres white tags stuck all over the place that show the date. One is under the frunk lid.

All of those white tags show Jan. 6, 2014. By the way, do you know what the date on the swing arm represents? Mine says Jan. 20, 2014, but because I first saw my Spyder on January 23rd there's no way it could have been readied for shipping, shipped and fully assembled in only three days!