I think it is time to start an Oil thread.
Coasting vs deccelerating
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,534
Likes: 12,168
From: Indianapolis
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
Which involves no throttle blipping or claims of downshifting better when blipping the throttle.
Yes, I agree with you about matching gearing to the conditions. But that’s a different subject than what folk are describing.
There are plenty of folk who think they are spinning up the input shaft of the transmission by blipping their throttle when they pull in the clutch. All they’re spinning up is the outer clutch basket. The claims of a smoother downshift is probably poor clutch modulation on the release.
Yes, I agree with you about matching gearing to the conditions. But that’s a different subject than what folk are describing.
There are plenty of folk who think they are spinning up the input shaft of the transmission by blipping their throttle when they pull in the clutch. All they’re spinning up is the outer clutch basket. The claims of a smoother downshift is probably poor clutch modulation on the release.
With a diesel, you only have about 12-1500 rpms operating range to play with, so it's important to match your gearing to your speed.
No, they think they have to 'rev match' because they're just downshifting too early. Just let your rpms drop to where it will slip into the next lower gear to downshift. On the bike, I downshift for just about every stop, and never 'revmatch', because I don't feel the need to spin my engine rpm at max during the whole ride, and making noise to make sure people look at me.
Last edited by hdbob2006; Sep 12, 2022 at 12:32 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,534
Likes: 12,168
From: Indianapolis
They're matching engine rpm to speed, but not matching gearing to speed-which is the whole point of downshifting in a semi.
With a diesel, you only have about 12-1500 rpms operating range to play with, so it's important to match your gearing to your speed.
No, they think they have to 'rev match' because they're just downshifting too early. Just let your rpms drop to where it will slip into the next lower gear to downshift. On the bike, I downshift for just about every stop, and never 'revmatch', because I don't feel the need to spin my engine rpm at max during the whole ride, and making noise to make sure people look at me.
With a diesel, you only have about 12-1500 rpms operating range to play with, so it's important to match your gearing to your speed.
No, they think they have to 'rev match' because they're just downshifting too early. Just let your rpms drop to where it will slip into the next lower gear to downshift. On the bike, I downshift for just about every stop, and never 'revmatch', because I don't feel the need to spin my engine rpm at max during the whole ride, and making noise to make sure people look at me.
I was late to this party! I was too busy riding my bike, down shifting while blipping the throttle with my gas cap in my lap so the EPA guys would loose their minds I was releasing raw hydrocarbons into the air.
Do electric motorcycle use oil, or grease?
Do electric motorcycle use oil, or grease?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 766
From: MS
I use Amsoil in all three on my electric bike. Haven't found the gas cap yet, so not sure where I'll set it when filling up.