Downshift issue on quick decel
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 1,215
From: Fort Myers, Fl
I just havent noticed any such thing on my 18 SG. It could be that I downshift differently than you I guess. But I have held the clutch in and ran through the gears and havent had any problems.
Most of the time I do use engine breaking as I am coming to a stop, just not crazy fast really.
Most of the time I do use engine breaking as I am coming to a stop, just not crazy fast really.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 73
From: Sunshine state
I tried to search on this topic and cannot get a hit. So Im gonna ask the question here. When attempting to engine brake on my 17 Ultra Limited during a quick decel (to conserve brakes and be in first gear at stop), the clutch is not engaging in 3-2-1, again on quick decel. Is this a clutch switch issue or is the engine speed to fast for the clutch to engage in the selected gear? On previous bikes, never had an issue downshifting at any speed except to be careful not to cause rear tire to lock. Ive had this issue since I purchased the bike w 7K mi on it about 9 mns ago. I really dont like fully relying on the brakes during a quick decel, although ABS does help. I prefer to engine brake by downshifting from 5-3-2-1 but the clutch or tranny is not responding to the drivers commands. Anyone have this issue? Thanks all.
P.S. On a separate note, just installed the Rinehart 45 Moto Pro 4.5 muffs and love them. Air intake and head pipes stock at this point. Seems to have provided a deeper, slightly louder note compared to stock muffs. May or may not do full Stage 1 later. Will see how she runs after muffs broken in.
P.S. On a separate note, just installed the Rinehart 45 Moto Pro 4.5 muffs and love them. Air intake and head pipes stock at this point. Seems to have provided a deeper, slightly louder note compared to stock muffs. May or may not do full Stage 1 later. Will see how she runs after muffs broken in.
Harley says it provides significantly more torque-handling capacity, is designed for improved engagement grip, and provides minor slippage during downshifting to reduce shock to the power train,
https://www.motorcycle.com/features/...ip-assist.html
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
Mine won't let me downshift fully through all the gears in one lever pull either. I think all my previous bikes did the same - can't remember.
I usually have to let the lever out a wee bit a few times to get all the way to first.
I usually have to let the lever out a wee bit a few times to get all the way to first.
Last edited by lp; Aug 12, 2019 at 03:39 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5,063
Likes: 2,582
From: On my bike!
Same here, had to do this exact same thing on my 2017 SGS and now on my 2019 CVO SG, no big deal after you get used to it.
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
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 858
Likes: 286
From: nw Ark
My two cents:
1. Your shifting mechanism is not working properly. It should do what you are trying to do.
2. Doing what you are trying to do is not a good idea. Years ago motorcycle brakes were weak and
needed engine braking for fast stops. Modern braking systems are adequate for fast stops with no engine assist.
The brakes can handle it, no need to add wear and tear to the motor.
1. Your shifting mechanism is not working properly. It should do what you are trying to do.
2. Doing what you are trying to do is not a good idea. Years ago motorcycle brakes were weak and
needed engine braking for fast stops. Modern braking systems are adequate for fast stops with no engine assist.
The brakes can handle it, no need to add wear and tear to the motor.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 35
Likes: 11
From: NY
I dont need to read anything I figured out on my own it doesnt like this! Im not complaining just addressing the OPs concerns