Downshifting into 1st
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
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Downshifting into 1st
Hey guys,
I"m only at the 50 mile mark as of today. I had a question about my Nightster. When i'm coming up to a red light, in 2nd gear and just about to stop, let's say going around 10 to 15 mph and the light turns green, should i downshift to 1st while rolling or keep it in 2nd gear and bog the motor a bit while accelerating?
I know it's not good to downshift into 1st while moving, but is it worse to let the motor struggle in a higher gear while going slow? Is it brutal on the bike to downshift into 1st while going slow or is it okay?
Also, i can't get enough of the sound of the motor. I like to rev the motor/blip the throttle at very low rpms....just to hear her purrrr. Is that bad for the motor considering the low miles i have on her? thanks
I"m only at the 50 mile mark as of today. I had a question about my Nightster. When i'm coming up to a red light, in 2nd gear and just about to stop, let's say going around 10 to 15 mph and the light turns green, should i downshift to 1st while rolling or keep it in 2nd gear and bog the motor a bit while accelerating?
I know it's not good to downshift into 1st while moving, but is it worse to let the motor struggle in a higher gear while going slow? Is it brutal on the bike to downshift into 1st while going slow or is it okay?
Also, i can't get enough of the sound of the motor. I like to rev the motor/blip the throttle at very low rpms....just to hear her purrrr. Is that bad for the motor considering the low miles i have on her? thanks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
RE: Downshifting into 1st
If I come to a stop, I do downshift to 1st gear, the only reason I do that is because I have all the power ready to roll in case something happen. Sometimes I shift to "N" and roll forward but not a good idea rolling in neutral. As long as you blip the throttle while downshifting, matching the engine rpm, you will be just fine. In your case, I would just leave it on 2nd gear and go again.
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Cruiser
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RE: Downshifting into 1st
ORIGINAL: Dallastx
10 MPH, 1ST. Above that second. A quick question.. Have you done the M/C course and wear a helmet?
10 MPH, 1ST. Above that second. A quick question.. Have you done the M/C course and wear a helmet?
It's much different than my sport bikes. I have to admit, i'm not as confident on this bike as i was on my sport bikes. I would haul *** through the twisties on my cbr and aprilia(within reason and never reckless)..with this bike as of right now i'm pretty much in "granny" mode. I always wear a helmet, goggles and gloves along with a jacket.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 259
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From: Wichita Falls, Texas
RE: Downshifting into 1st
I agree with others, I keep second handy unless I am below 10mph. I have found plenty of power in second if I need to roll on the throttle at low speeds. Personally, I like to grab some clutch and let her rumble to an idle if coming upon a stop/slow roll. I like how she sounds. I rarely tranny brake at low speeds. Makes me cringe.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
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From: Ozark Country
RE: Downshifting into 1st
ORIGINAL: Dallastx
10 MPH, 1ST. Above that second. A quick question.. Have you done the M/C course and wear a helmet?
10 MPH, 1ST. Above that second. A quick question.. Have you done the M/C course and wear a helmet?
Do I have to go and sit in a corner and have a 'time out period'?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 945
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
RE: Downshifting into 1st
ORIGINAL: OldFenderGuy
I don't wear a helmet....
Do I have to go and sit in a corner and have a 'time out period'?
ORIGINAL: Dallastx
10 MPH, 1ST. Above that second. A quick question.. Have you done the M/C course and wear a helmet?
10 MPH, 1ST. Above that second. A quick question.. Have you done the M/C course and wear a helmet?
Do I have to go and sit in a corner and have a 'time out period'?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Rowlett, Texas
RE: Downshifting into 1st
I don't wear one either but have been riding since Johnson was in the whitehouse. A new rider needs to wear one until they have riden for awhile. That's why all these boomers are dying when riding.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
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From:
RE: Downshifting into 1st
ORIGINAL: Dallastx
I don't wear one either but have been riding since Johnson was in the whitehouse. A new rider needs to wear one until they have riden for awhile. That's why all these boomers are dying when riding.
I don't wear one either but have been riding since Johnson was in the whitehouse. A new rider needs to wear one until they have riden for awhile. That's why all these boomers are dying when riding.
Here in Kalifornistan it's the law.I'm not a baby boomer, only 30 years old. Regardless, like you said, i'm new to harley riding and it's most likely a good idea to helmet up, law or not
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Cruiser
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RE: Downshifting into 1st
ORIGINAL: TJ *****
I agree with others, I keep second handy unless I am below 10mph. I have found plenty of power in second if I need to roll on the throttle at low speeds. Personally, I like to grab some clutch and let her rumble to an idle if coming upon a stop/slow roll. I like how she sounds. I rarely tranny brake at low speeds. Makes me cringe.
I agree with others, I keep second handy unless I am below 10mph. I have found plenty of power in second if I need to roll on the throttle at low speeds. Personally, I like to grab some clutch and let her rumble to an idle if coming upon a stop/slow roll. I like how she sounds. I rarely tranny brake at low speeds. Makes me cringe.