To pre-load shift, or not?
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 6
From: Arkansas
To pre-load shift, or not?
On my previous bikes, all metric, I was told to pre-load my shift peg with my toe before every up shift. This system has always worked very well. Creating fast and fluent shifts with just a squeze of the clutch. But my WG doesn't seem to like the preloaded shifts. When the WG is shifted this way, every shift is very loud. Most of the time I hear a second clunk when I release the clutch too. ( Clutch bounce?). Shifting without the preload is quieter and without the second clunk. But changing my shifting habits is awkward. Does anyone else have any familiarity with this subject?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
First off I would like to congratulate you on your impeccable taste in motorcycles.
Secondly what the heck is preloading a shift? I've always pulled in the clutch, hit the shifter then let the clutch out. I been doing it wrong?
Secondly what the heck is preloading a shift? I've always pulled in the clutch, hit the shifter then let the clutch out. I been doing it wrong?
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: St Louis, Missouri
Harley transmissions are not designed to the same tolerance level as the metrics. They have a LOT more freeplay in the shifter and more backlash in the gear train. If you continue to shift your Harley like that you will likely be spending a large amount of money on transmission parts. I used to shift my Honda without pulling the clutch at all, but I doubt my Harley would shift smoothly that way.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
I get the second clunk when I preload the shifter on my wide glide too. I try not to do it, but I go back and forth between my wide glide and my sport bike, so I forget sometimes especially when I'm really flogging it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 16
From: Norfolk, VA
Nah, I think they are talking about putting upward pressure on the gear shift prior to actually shifting. It is popular with people that like to make riding a motorcycle as complicated as possible (j/k boys).
I have never done this while riding a Harley, no need for it.
I have never done this while riding a Harley, no need for it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
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.
Hopefully someone who really knows why will weigh in soon.
Hopefully someone who really knows why will weigh in soon.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,427
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From: Smack Dab in the Middle of Louisiana
Flat shifting..............you got it.
When RPM's and speed are in-sync it is supposed to give smooth shift without clutching. Hard on drive train unless beefed up to handle it, as other poster (axslingerw) stated.
When RPM's and speed are in-sync it is supposed to give smooth shift without clutching. Hard on drive train unless beefed up to handle it, as other poster (axslingerw) stated.