When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: CDM, CA
RE: When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
in 1rst before stoppping.....stop with left foot down with right foot on brake pedal.....ready to bale should trouble arrise. When you are sitting at the light with both feet down in neutral as i see alot....you cant get the f out of the way nearly as quick as the left side down
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 0
From:
RE: When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
Downshift to first, feather the clutch in the friction zone, 1800 rpm, pressure on the rear brake, slow (still pulling) to almost stopped, then kick the jiffy stand down, keeping both feet on the boards, settling down on the stand, leaning a little to the right to maintain balance; on green, pop the clutch and the jiffy stand will retract itself, you're on your way. However, people do look at you rather strangely.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1638/ACD3C7DA484F49169E29749257074C5C.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/1638/ACD3C7DA484F49169E29749257074C5C.jpg[/IMG]
RE: When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
ORIGINAL: SMenasco
Downshift to first, feather the clutch in the friction zone, 1800 rpm, pressure on the rear brake, slow (still pulling) to almost stopped, then kick the jiffy stand down, keeping both feet on the boards, settling down on the stand, leaning a little to the right to maintain balance; on green, pop the clutch and the jiffy stand will retract itself, you're on your way. However, people do look at you rather strangely.
Downshift to first, feather the clutch in the friction zone, 1800 rpm, pressure on the rear brake, slow (still pulling) to almost stopped, then kick the jiffy stand down, keeping both feet on the boards, settling down on the stand, leaning a little to the right to maintain balance; on green, pop the clutch and the jiffy stand will retract itself, you're on your way. However, people do look at you rather strangely.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
RE: When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
I shift into first while moving for the reasons others have mentioned. Also, the old bikes (and I think the new ones) shift easier with a little relative motion. First and especially neutral is easier to "find" if you're still moving slowly rather than stopped. I'd rather do it that way than do the Mexican Hat Dance on the levers when the bike is stopped. I was old school taught.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
When I'm coming to a stop I am in second gear then hit nuetral,I rarely ever shift into first coming to a stop.Then when I stop both feet hit the pavement.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
First gear as soon as RPM feels that it is time, and in first before the left clod goes down.... right is nearly always on the brake.... If the front brake is used instead of the foot brake to keep from rolling, IMO it would make for a delayed escape if such a need happened if the fingers were not on the throttle... seems small but over the years we get into habits that seem to work best for us... I am very wary of the guys behind me as there are way to many drunks, cell phones, food, kids....you get the picture...
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
RE: When do you downshift to first at stop sign?
In this order approaching a full stop:
Downshift, arriving in first at 5mph or less
Left foot down
Once complete stop is done, front brake to hold bike still
Both feet on the ground. Bike in first, clutch disengaged, idling. Ready to go in a heartbeat.
Downshift, arriving in first at 5mph or less
Left foot down
Once complete stop is done, front brake to hold bike still
Both feet on the ground. Bike in first, clutch disengaged, idling. Ready to go in a heartbeat.