When to shift into first
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 269
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When to shift into first
My buddy's been riding a lot longer than me and keeps telling me not to shift into first till the bike is stopped. I shift into first just before coming to a complete stop, or just before a slow speed turn. The tranny doesn't sound like it minds and it doesn't feel like I'm doing any harm. Anyone have opinions on this?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
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From: Glendale, AZ.
RE: When to shift into first
ORIGINAL: marty44
My buddy's been riding a lot longer than me and keeps telling me not to shift into first till the bike is stopped. I shift into first just before coming to a complete stop, or just before a slow speed turn. The tranny doesn't sound like it minds and it doesn't feel like I'm doing any harm. Anyone have opinions on this?
My buddy's been riding a lot longer than me and keeps telling me not to shift into first till the bike is stopped. I shift into first just before coming to a complete stop, or just before a slow speed turn. The tranny doesn't sound like it minds and it doesn't feel like I'm doing any harm. Anyone have opinions on this?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: South County, CA.
RE: When to shift into first
Unless you have some Granny-Low first gear, you won't hurt it doing what you're doing, and it's more of a preference anyway. What ever you feel comfortable doing.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: SW Corner of NW Corner
RE: When to shift into first
I shift into first while moving. If I am going more than around 10'ish, it will clunk heavier, so I make sure I am going pretty slow
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RE: When to shift into first
Hmph...I've heard that about cars too. Not true.
I shift to first when I feel I am going to slow (or plan to go to slow) for second. I ride some stop and go traffic and I often shift to first when speeds get below 10 - 15 mph or the bike starts to lug.
If the bike ain't complainig your fine.
I shift to first when I feel I am going to slow (or plan to go to slow) for second. I ride some stop and go traffic and I often shift to first when speeds get below 10 - 15 mph or the bike starts to lug.
If the bike ain't complainig your fine.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
RE: When to shift into first
On a "stopped bike" shifting could be difficult and you may have tojuggle it back and forth to get into gear and that is bad news at a stop light. If I know I am coming to a stop I get into first and stop. Also if I am slowing down to a stop and light turns green and I am still moving no matter what speed, I pick up in 2 and go(solo rider 140 lbs on a heritage softail). I think full load will require first gear at below 10-15 mph