Downshifting Question
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5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: California
Downshifting Question
I was told by a fellow Harley rider that downshifting in order to slow the bike and be in the right gear as you come to a stop is bad and will cause oil to be pushed out of the sump and into the air box. I am new to HD but in every vehicle or motorcycle I've ever owned I've used the motor to aid in breaking. Is this a problem?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
Harley riders generally do not even know how to do regular braking. I witnessed once a rider in front of me locking up his rear and crashing because he was cut off. He obviously didn't use front brake at all.
I'd say ride normally, downshift as speed goes down and use engine for braking.
I'd say ride normally, downshift as speed goes down and use engine for braking.
Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8,538
Likes: 1,646
From: SF Bay area
Don't know about the oiling issue, but from what I gather heavy engine braking on a Harley can cause the crank to shift.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
Does not sound right. The same crank can withstand 80+, possibly over 100 HP. The power of engine braking is nowhere near these numbers. Just another wisdom from wannabe pundits. We have lots of them here.
Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8,538
Likes: 1,646
From: SF Bay area
I think you can believe the "wannabe pundits" on this one.
How many foot pounds of torque do you think a 1200 pound bike/rider combo applies to a crank pin under hard deceleration?
__________________________________________________ ____
For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click the links below...
How many foot pounds of torque do you think a 1200 pound bike/rider combo applies to a crank pin under hard deceleration?
__________________________________________________ ____
For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click the links below...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Wisconsin, USA
I don't think they're talking about damage from normal downshifting. More like skipping a gear downshift from 3rd to 1st, where you spin the rear.
