I just read in MCN magazine a review on the new Road King. It said the new M8 engine allows the rider, while in top gear, to pass without having to down shift. WTF? Am I missing something here? Have we got so lazy that we can't/don't want to down shift anymore???? Am I just too old and behind the times???
I like to shift - I wish I had 7 gears.

How many here like or don't like to down shift??? And why? What am I missing?

 

First...I'd like 7 gears too. And a 7.5 gallon tank.

I don't downshift to pass or go faster. I just give it more gas. Maybe that's wrong but it's what I do.

 

Depends what speed I'm going. If I'm doing anything above 55 I don't downshift. If I need to zip around someone quick enough to where I need to downshift to do so, I won't pass them. But that's just me.

 

Its not about laziness, it's meant to give something of an "apples-to-apples" comparison on torque that's more than just a dyno number.

The idea being that the engine has enough "roll-on torque" in 6th gear that it'll feel like it has nearly as much power as your old bike in 5th gear. Or at least more torque in 6th gear.

It doesn't have anything to do with being too lazy to downshift.

 

I try to maintain the power zone. I want it to be there if I need\want it. Cruise then at 2700 to 3400, mostly hover right at 3000\3100 for comfort.

 

Maybe they should make bikes with automatic transmissions next...

 

Im sure that's coming soon.

 

I don't think it has to do with being lazy as much as pointing out the better torque on the M8 as compared to the TC. I don't mind downshifting but more roll on torque out of an engine is always a benefit

 

It's not that I don't "like" to downshift to pass, I just don't need to.

Cheers!

 

Just because you don't need to doesn't mean you can't if you'd like to. Gotta like that much torque.