Downshifting Problems
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Montebello
Downshifting Problems
Hey everyone, im currently having a problem downshifting at idle.. obviously im a newbie to a harley n recently i came to a red light n i forgot to down shift as i was slowing down. I was at a red light in 4th gear. So i tried to downshift at a dead stop n it downshifted to third alright but after that the shift lever just sank down without shifting. To be honest i made the same mistake wen i first bought my bike n it downshifted fine at a stop sign or two. Is there a way i could fix this or did i ruin my tranny somehow? Any help is greatly appreciated! Bike is a 2015 deluxe...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 589
From: Michigan
Does it downshift properly when slowing down (not after you've stopped)?
Trying to force a downshift while stopped instead of while rolling could possibly bend of break the shift pawl. Fortunately, being a 2015, you have warranty. If there's a problem (beyond your poor riding technique), the dealer service should be able find & fix it under warranty.
You might want to consider a basic rider class to learn how it's done correctly?
BTW - Welcome aboard! We've all been there at some point. You'll get it figured out & get plenty of enjoyable rides from that Deluxe!
Trying to force a downshift while stopped instead of while rolling could possibly bend of break the shift pawl. Fortunately, being a 2015, you have warranty. If there's a problem (beyond your poor riding technique), the dealer service should be able find & fix it under warranty.
You might want to consider a basic rider class to learn how it's done correctly?
BTW - Welcome aboard! We've all been there at some point. You'll get it figured out & get plenty of enjoyable rides from that Deluxe!
Last edited by Hammz; Apr 30, 2015 at 03:30 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 3
From: Montclair, CA.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 589
From: Michigan
Downshifting while stopping is taught in the MSF Basic Rider Course. It's drilled on the range until it becomes an automatic response.
His skill set doesn't seem to include this basic ability & he's having issues once stopped. I asked additional questions to try to better understand what his issues were. And if he had damaged the shifting mechanism to have the dealer warranty it.
And I offered a legitimate suggestion regarding how to correct the root cause of his problem w/o "dissing" him, then went on to offer a welcome & encouragement to ride.
Why do you think he should ignore this advice?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 3
From: Montclair, CA.
Really?
Downshifting while stopping is taught in the MSF Basic Rider Course. It's drilled on the range until it becomes an automatic response.
His skill set doesn't seem to include this basic ability & he's having issues once stopped. I asked additional questions to try to better understand what his issues were. And if he had damaged the shifting mechanism to have the dealer warranty it.
And I offered a legitimate suggestion regarding how to correct the root cause of his problem w/o "dissing" him, then went on to offer a welcome & encouragement to ride.
Why do you think he should ignore this advice?
Downshifting while stopping is taught in the MSF Basic Rider Course. It's drilled on the range until it becomes an automatic response.
His skill set doesn't seem to include this basic ability & he's having issues once stopped. I asked additional questions to try to better understand what his issues were. And if he had damaged the shifting mechanism to have the dealer warranty it.
And I offered a legitimate suggestion regarding how to correct the root cause of his problem w/o "dissing" him, then went on to offer a welcome & encouragement to ride.
Why do you think he should ignore this advice?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 50
From: Louisville, KY
If you find yourself stopped in the wrong gear, use your legs and get the bike moving just a little while gently attempting to get it into the correct gear.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Central Arkansas
That's exactly right. Sometimes you have to rock the bike back and forth to get it to switch gears. Nothing is wrong.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 272
Likes: 17
From: Texas
This happens sometimes, seams to happen a lot more often on the 6 speed verses the 5..just let the clutch out a little to put some torque on the tranny,then pull clutch back in.then you should be able to shift down.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Maryland
What Asputin said- There is nothing wrong, and this will happen every so often when in too high of a gear. Just roll the clutch out a little, and then pull it back in- just enough to move the mechanism inside- you will then be able to find your gear. This applies anytime you can't get it out of neutral as well. Just let it out enough that the bike starts to feel the engine try to pull.