Problem shifting to first

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Jul 10, 2019 | 11:38 PM

#11

bowelder

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Joined: Apr 2017

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From: Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey,U.S.A.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jersey Drew

This happens to me all the time, if you stop for a red light and your let’s say you’re in 4th the bike will only click down one or two gears. So what I do is click down as far as it’ll go, and then I slightly let the clutch out about half way (till you feel a slight tug) for it to move the trans gears. At this point pull the clutch back in and continue shifting down. I have not encountered having to do this twice but I also don’t come to a complete stop when in 6th.

Thanks I'll try it, I usually come to a stop in first, but sometimes my mind is on stopping and I forget to down shift until I'm stopped.

Jul 11, 2019 | 03:20 AM

#12

shrekmoose

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From: tn

I’m still trying to figure out why your not downshifting while you slow down. Even slamming on the brakes for deer or people pulling out in front of me I’m usually downshifting as well.

Jul 11, 2019 | 04:41 AM

#13

GalvTexGuy

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I've already downshifted to first gear by the time I come to a complete stop. On those few occasions when I haven't, I do what Jersey Drew does in post #10.

Jul 11, 2019 | 04:53 AM

#14

Gas Smasher

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From: West Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalvTexGuy

I've already downshifted to first gear by the time I come to a complete stop. On those few occasions when I haven't, I do what Jersey Drew does in post #10.

Same for me. I have cable clutches, but the same thing applies. Keep the bike in a gear that matches the ground speed. As you slow down, shift down. I will most times click it into neutral at the last little bit of tire movement before stopping. If it won't shift when stopped just ease the clutch out a little bit and pull it back in.

Jul 11, 2019 | 01:47 PM

#15

Moose2011FLHX

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jersey Drew

^^^This, it happens to me occasionally.

Jul 12, 2019 | 09:41 AM

#16

kickstartfan

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From: nw Ark

Sounds like you just need more time in the saddle. You say it does not happen all the time.
So pay attention and figure it out. Something is different when it happens and when it does not.

Just keep at it. If your mind is not on what you are doing when you are riding you will not be riding long.

(forget to downshift because you are busy stopping?)

Jul 12, 2019 | 10:16 AM

#17

RK4ME

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Joined: Aug 2009

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From: west Michigan

Engine braking and downshifting are part of stopping a vehicle with a manual transmission. The transmission should always be in the gear that matches the speed of the vehicle. You'll get gigged on a driving test for not doing that. Freewheeling is a no no.
I downshift my bike(s) into second and then Neutral as I roll to a stop.

Jul 12, 2019 | 10:24 AM

#18

NMfxdf

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Joined: Sep 2015

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From: Albuquerque New Mexico

It may be difficult at a stop to get the transmission into first, especially if your coming from 3rd or higher. You really should be in 1st my the time you come to a stop. I agree with the more saddle time comment, Down shifting and braking should be all fluid, even in emergency braking you should be down shifting. If you need to add power at some point during the braking process to get out of the way of whatever it is it will be extremely hard to do in 3rd or above.