accidental downshift/over-revving, aftermath?
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Tx
Yeah like the one time I stalled my bike at a red light... So glad I had a fullface on, lol. Seriously still don't know how that happened!!! I stalled cars when learning how to drive standard but never a bike...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
More than likely you're fine if you haven't noticed any obvious damage. But with that said, you really didn't give enough information to make a credible assessment.
How fast were you going when you made the unintended downshift?
If you were wound out close to redline before the shift, then you probably over-revved the engine. If you were just cruising along and shifted at say 2 or 3 grand, then you more than likely did not over-rev. Either way, if you're not picking up motor pieces from the ground, hearing any noises, or feeling some new vibration then you likely did no damage. Obviously over-revving and/or mis-shifting is not something you want to do repeatedly, but a random event here and there is usually inconsequential.
How quickly did you engage and subsequently release the clutch once you were aware of the downshift?
If you fully engaged the clutch quickly that would subject the engine and drive train to higher shock loads and rpm's than if you engaged it slowly or incompletely. And how quickly you released the clutch plays a role in the duration of the event.
One other point. Previous posts have mentioned the rev-limiter as a mitigating factor. Actually, the rev limiter has no effect in your situation. The rev limiter will keep the engine from over-revving on its own from throttle input but is rendered completely ineffective if it's your rear wheel driving the engine.
Now, after all that mumbo-jumbo, I'll admit to doing the same thing a few times over the years. Funny how brain-fade strikes on occassion.
How fast were you going when you made the unintended downshift?
If you were wound out close to redline before the shift, then you probably over-revved the engine. If you were just cruising along and shifted at say 2 or 3 grand, then you more than likely did not over-rev. Either way, if you're not picking up motor pieces from the ground, hearing any noises, or feeling some new vibration then you likely did no damage. Obviously over-revving and/or mis-shifting is not something you want to do repeatedly, but a random event here and there is usually inconsequential.
How quickly did you engage and subsequently release the clutch once you were aware of the downshift?
If you fully engaged the clutch quickly that would subject the engine and drive train to higher shock loads and rpm's than if you engaged it slowly or incompletely. And how quickly you released the clutch plays a role in the duration of the event.
One other point. Previous posts have mentioned the rev-limiter as a mitigating factor. Actually, the rev limiter has no effect in your situation. The rev limiter will keep the engine from over-revving on its own from throttle input but is rendered completely ineffective if it's your rear wheel driving the engine.
Now, after all that mumbo-jumbo, I'll admit to doing the same thing a few times over the years. Funny how brain-fade strikes on occassion.
Last edited by 2black1s; Mar 29, 2012 at 10:29 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Im with others in that I think your fine. I did an even bigger bone head move by downshifting with NO clutch. In 2nd between 20 and 30 mph. I was just about ready to downshift normally when somehow my foot went down but my fingers didnt squeeze the clutch. And its not like I hit a bump or anything...........just didnt pull the clutch. I didnt worry about it, called myself a dipshit and kept going 
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2012, 2nd, 48, accidental, chirping, davidson, downshift, downshifting, gear, harley, motorcycle, revving, rod, shift, sportster, vibrations
