Down shifting

Closed Thread Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 27, 2010 | 11:50 PM

#21

siclmn

Advanced

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 64

Likes: 0

From: Western Washington

Yes, blipping the throttle is a moronic and and brain dead thing to do. I was being sarcastic.

May 28, 2010 | 06:41 AM

#22

spudislandbiker

Intermediate

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38

Likes: 0

After being up for a few days, generally work, I've downshifted by forgetting to pull in the clutch a few times (shouldn't have been on the road). Still works great, never had a problem.... Don't worry, Harley's are actually quite tough.

May 28, 2010 | 07:15 AM

#23

Rick-e

Road Master

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 935

Likes: 2

From: Upstate NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by siclmn

Yes, blipping the throttle is a moronic and and brain dead thing to do. I was being sarcastic.

Yeah, by all means, DON't blip the throttle, matching the revs for a smoother downshift is a moronic thing to do, it's better to let the drivetrain take the full force of the downshift.... :-/

May 28, 2010 | 07:21 AM

#24

dankfoot

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 81

Likes: 0

Once again Thanks.

BTW here is my new bike.

Attached Thumbnails

May 28, 2010 | 07:26 AM

#25

JayStronghawk

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 9,254

Likes: 283

From: Lake City, Florida (Native)

Down shifting will become a part of riding just like upshifting .. Even without a tach it's a no brainer with a little practice... Enjoy your new ride..

May 28, 2010 | 08:19 AM

#26

XL50#674

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 4,904

Likes: 9

From: Streetsboro, Oh

Yes you can down shift an HD LOL! i rev match alot of time when down shifting just to keep it smooth and not to shock the drive line as much. I would never pull up to a stop in a high gear then click all the way down to first.

May 28, 2010 | 05:23 PM

#27

Wingnut51

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 265

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

I always downshift when slowing, I want to be in the right gear for fast acceleration if necessary.

May 28, 2010 | 05:53 PM

#28

mickymoto

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 331

Likes: 0

Down shift?..Yes!, no good trying to take off again in 4TH gear, have a ball with your new bike, don't stress - just ride & ride, soon you'll get the feel for it. Enjoy

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

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Verdad Gallardo

May 28, 2010 | 11:33 PM

#29

MidnitEvil

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 6,235

Likes: 65

From: Joliet, Illinois

I go screaming up to the light, then apply a bit of pressure to the rear brake while down shifting way too early so it locks up the back tire briefly. I do that all the way down to first. Some times I can get it to lock up enough to slide the *** end around a bit.