Proper way to down shift?
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: League City,TX
Proper way to down shift?
Is there a proper way to downshift? I have always downshifted at the proper speed intervals and let out the clutch between each shift and used the engines built in braking to help slow my bikes. But now that I have a new bike I'm wondering if this is bad for the drive belt (stretch) and/or transmission. Any thoughts??
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,120
Likes: 17
From: Indiana
It's fine using the motor to downshift and slow down. When I downshift I also bump the throttle to speed up the engine to the tranny to prevent locking up the rear tire and less ware on the clutch.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
X2 this is how I drive. Don't all the new bikes have slipper clutches?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
I've always downshifted at around the same speed levels that are recommended for upshifting. It really helps minimize brake usage. However, I'm always aware of what is behind me and may also throw on my brake light to make sure they know I'm slowing down or stopping.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Upstate, SC
I've never understood the concept of downshifting when coming to a stop. I've never done it with any manual tranny cars I've owned and I've never done it on my bikes. It's the least efficient way to slow the bike down, causes unnecessary wear on the clutch and primary chain, and because you can't modulate the stopping force you are applying to the rear wheel, you always risk a lock up--especially on anything other than clean dry pavement.
Slowing and stopping are what the brakes are for, not the clutch and the engine. Just my 2 cents.
Slowing and stopping are what the brakes are for, not the clutch and the engine. Just my 2 cents.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: Dubuque, Iowa
I almost always downshift to help slow me down. I also blurp the throttle a little to get the engine rpms up there a bit before releasing the clutch, I notice that sometimes the rear tire will cherp.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,166
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From: la
"I've never understood the concept of downshifting when coming to a stop."/ So ya stop it in 6th?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Upstate, SC
I leave it in whatever gear I'm riding in as I'm coming to a stop. When I feel the engine start to "protest" I pull the clutch in and start downshifting without letting the clutch out in between gears, using the brakes to stop. As I come to a stop I'm downshifting into 1st.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: Dubuque, Iowa
Don't know about you bud, but i've got 1 down and 5 up and my sixth isn't down.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
I've never understood the concept of downshifting when coming to a stop. I've never done it with any manual tranny cars I've owned and I've never done it on my bikes. It's the least efficient way to slow the bike down, causes unnecessary wear on the clutch and primary chain, and because you can't modulate the stopping force you are applying to the rear wheel, you always risk a lock up--especially on anything other than clean dry pavement.
Slowing and stopping are what the brakes are for, not the clutch and the engine. Just my 2 cents.
Slowing and stopping are what the brakes are for, not the clutch and the engine. Just my 2 cents.