Downshift issues...normal?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 2
From: NC
Downshift issues...normal?
Just got back from Nashville and put 1000 miles on the bike. Before I left, I swapped out the Syn3 in the primary and trans to Redline. I ran around the day before I left NC and had an issue on the way home where I came off the interstate downshifting from 6th to 1st. I didn't engine brake much and dropped it pretty quick from 4th to 1st and it didn't want to downshift. I had to let the clutch out between each gear to get it into 1st. Didn't think too much of it thinking maybe it was a fluid change thing. Didn't do it again, so I headed out to Nashville without issue. On the way home I was getting off for gas in the exact same situation and it happened again. Got to the stop sign and I had to let the clutch out after each shift to get it down into 1st. Can anyone enlighten me on this? My last bike was an 03 with a 5 speed and obviously different clutch.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 39
From: Olive & Oak
I currently run Redline in the tranny and do not have to do what you described. I can downshift from 6th to 1st, without letting out on the clutch, if I want to. I normally use the engine to brake but don't have to.
I do downshift while moving not when stopped.
I do downshift while moving not when stopped.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 2
From: NC
Yeah, I usually engine brake but on these two occasions I didn't. I was moving both times of course, but it wouldn't go from 4th to 1st in succession with the clutch held in. Since it wouldn't downshift any further I had to get it into 1st at a stop while working the clutch.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Acworth
Mine does it pretty often. I run redline in primary and transmission. My 11 with the 96 did it also. I didn't run redline in it. I just release the clutch a little in between. Never thought much about it. If I go back, I think the 06 with the 88 did it also.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 125
From: Reading, PA
Put syn 3 back in the transmission and take it for a ride.
I just wasted $14 on a qt of Amsoil 75-90 gear oil, if it makes you feel any better. it was harder to shift, harder to find neutral, after 100 miles I poured it out and went back to Syn3, shifts nice again.
14SGS, 5000 miles
I just wasted $14 on a qt of Amsoil 75-90 gear oil, if it makes you feel any better. it was harder to shift, harder to find neutral, after 100 miles I poured it out and went back to Syn3, shifts nice again.
14SGS, 5000 miles
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 361
Likes: 32
From: Ridgecrest, CA
I went from syn 3 in the tranny and primary to Redline fluids in both. Mainly because of all the hype about Redline. Not sure I like it! Shifting seems noisier, more clunky now. Might go back to syn 3 on the next change.
Trending Topics
I run Amsoil SevereGear 75w-110 in the transmission, do not have any issues....
I've ran that fluid since about 2007 or 8.
Currently on Red Line Primary...
I've ran that fluid since about 2007 or 8.
Currently on Red Line Primary...
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Mine does that.
It's that as you're slowing down the decreasing speed and the gear ratio selected at that moment are so close with the engine idling that the clutch dogs in the tranny are moving at the same speed and don't line up to engage immediately. At least, that's what's going on when it happens to me.
It's hard to put it into words to describe what's going on, but it's nothing to worry about.
It's that as you're slowing down the decreasing speed and the gear ratio selected at that moment are so close with the engine idling that the clutch dogs in the tranny are moving at the same speed and don't line up to engage immediately. At least, that's what's going on when it happens to me.
It's hard to put it into words to describe what's going on, but it's nothing to worry about.
Last edited by jpooch00; Aug 4, 2015 at 10:34 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
I have noticed on mine it down shifts like that as far as 2nd gear. But need to let out clutch to go to first. Red line in trans. To me thought it was the quirks of the 14 Rushmore. I have taken off in 2nd a few times from a light. LOL