Downshifting into 1st
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
RE: Downshifting into 1st
I found this a very interesting post and have had my wife, a new rider, read all the post. She has been practising her stops and is doing great. She is learning that the bike starts better at stop light in first than in second. She handled it like a trooper and never freaked. She said she liked the power of first at the stops and no more of the second gear tug and dying.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Downshifting into 1st
I downshift to first when coming to a stop and don't coast in "N" because I always wanna make sure that I can get out of any situation without any chance of hiccups. You never know when that person pullin' up behind you is going to stop so you wanna make sure you're able to get out of the way as fast as possible just in case. It'd suck to be tryin' to move and forget that you're in neutral.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
RE: Downshifting into 1st
I think the nightster down shifts into first rather smoothly (compared to some 6 speed sportsbikes) so far I have never felt that gear grindfeelinglike the bike aint ready for first gear yet. I usually downshift through the gears at all stops.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Woodstock, GA
RE: Downshifting into 1st
If you've taken the MSF course, they teach you to downshift into first while approaching the stop (still rolling) and wait at the light/stop sign in first with the clutch disengaged so you have the opportunity to immediately start moving if it becomes necessary. I pretty much follow this with the exception that once I see the vehicle behind me stopped, I shift into neutral if it's going to be a bit of a wait. I think this might be one of those areas with no "right" answer - just lots of different techniques for lots of different reasons.
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