What a Weekend!

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to our little island of madness in a sea of conformity!
Based on what you've posted, I'm guessing that you've got little or no biking experience, and same goes for manual-shift transmissions???
NOT TO WORRY!!
It's as easy as falling off a ...uhhh never mind that! It's pretty easy anyway!
SM 5 transmission... Pop it down into first gear. (Foot on the brake!) SLOWLY let the clutch lever out... When you feel the bike JUST start to want to move forward a bit, take your foot off the brake. DON'T release the clutch lever just yet! The bike will slowly start to want to creep forward... Get a feel for that and then pull the lever back in... You have found the engagement point!
Of course you might already know all of this and I'm wasting your time... SORRY!
These motors like to rev, so twisting them up to 4500 rpm or so before shifting is perfectly acceptable way to run them!

[Sippi1]

Lemur ryder - check with your local Harley Davidson dealer. The one's here in MS offer a trike course. They don't provide trikes for the class, but you have your own so you should be good. I imagine they allow spyders since it is a safety oriented class.

Sip

[sassapnts]

Welcome, Lemur!

Any motorcycle rider can give you the basics of shifting; Bob's done a good job up there if you learn by reading. Check with the local Spyder dealership, they should be able to point you in the right direction for instructions.

You are correct in your interpretation that second gear should be shifted into after 20 mph. Its much smoother that way.

Questions are welcome here - feel free to ask!!! Take your time and get comfortable at your own pace... we're here to cheer!