To pre-load shift, or not?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
NO
YES
YES
NO
Are we all together now?
No. Preloading the shifter is when you put slight pressure on the shifter lever in anticipation of an up shift. With that pressure on the shifter and under acceleration, a quick grab and release of the clutch makes for smooth quick shifts. Well on my zx7r it does. On my wide glide it just sounds painful. I think the transmissions are too loose and the bikes too heavy to make this the ideal way to shift a Harley.
Are we all together now?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,046
Likes: 398
From: sugar land, gulf coast, tx
OK, I'll join in to this mess. I agree that Harley transmissions do not like to be preloaded. Had a few metric bikes, adventure style, that required preloading to keep from mis-shifting.
As to clutchless shifting, it works great up and down, on Harleys, as long as the shifting rpm is around 4k or higher. Proper throttle control before and after the shift is needed to be smooth, too. Normally I use the clutch on the Dyna, because I am shifting at lower rpms and clutchless shifitng at those rpms are definitely not smooth.
So. preload: NO
clutchless shifting: YES
harmful to trans: NO
clutched shifting is smoother but normally a slower shift: YES
Back to the fun... tomp dd50
As to clutchless shifting, it works great up and down, on Harleys, as long as the shifting rpm is around 4k or higher. Proper throttle control before and after the shift is needed to be smooth, too. Normally I use the clutch on the Dyna, because I am shifting at lower rpms and clutchless shifitng at those rpms are definitely not smooth.
So. preload: NO
clutchless shifting: YES
harmful to trans: NO
clutched shifting is smoother but normally a slower shift: YES
Back to the fun... tomp dd50
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
Thanks TORQUEY. Figures a sport bike rider would know. Wow, I didn't know that I was doing any fancy trick ridin stuff. This is how I was taught to shift. This method actually makes shifting easier. Like was mentioned earlier. Just apply a little upward pressure on the shift peg just before the shift. Then, with just a gentle squeeze of the clutch, the bike will shift itself just as soon as the shift dogs release. I guess if the WG doesn't like it though, I'll just have to revert back to the "pull, shift, release" method.
Thanks Guys for the replies.
Thanks Guys for the replies.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
I think most would recommend VERY LIGHT pressure. I use this technique, and all is well. Largely though, I am very easy on my bike, riding almost always in a moderate RPM range, using positive, firm, but not forceful shifting.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
Ya, slight pressure is all that is required. And, I'm no mechanic, but it was explained to me that nothing happens until the clutch lever is depressed far enough to cause the shift to happen. This is the same method used for speed shifting. Even though I have done it on accident. I usually try not to get my RPMs high enough to be consistent with that maneuver. And, I always pull the clutch anyway. I know that shifting becomes second nature once you have done it enough. But since I'll have to adjust my method, shifting is awkward currently.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
I had a Yamaha SECA 750 back in '80... it's shifting can best be described as a sports car "snick" with preload and sometimes without clutch... Harley's shift is more like your 1960 chevy dump truck... get the rpms right, and shift it slow... with some good gear lube... works like a charm. .. that's if you're cruising... hitting it hard, it shift's alright.. not lightning.. but faster.