Down Shifting?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 806
Likes: 1
From: Carquinez Straights - Northern CA
As long as you "match the gear to speed/RPM" while braking, crank run-out isn't an issue. This is how the motor's designed to function & normal/recommended slow/stop method. It's the riders who pop clutch/drop hammer on take-off + "chirp" tires during slow-down/stopping who might experience run-out issues...if they operate in this manner on a continual basis.
The OP is only having problem w/using 1st @ stop which was addressed/covered by previous posts.
The OP is only having problem w/using 1st @ stop which was addressed/covered by previous posts.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Yeah, I've grinded a gear or two in the past. Downshifting is good for a number of reasons: It prolongs the life of your brake pads by having the engine assist in braking (or slowing down) and in the event you have to do an emergency maneuver to accelerate out of something, the bike responds quicker at higher RPMs. I just make it a point never to downshift to 1st unless I am just about stopped.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Those speeds listed in the manual are based on the engine being at idle speed, but if you blip the throttle appropriately you can downshift to any gear at any speed (provided the lower gear does not result in over-reving the engine).
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
Except for the very rarely part I agree. I DO NOT go into 1st gear unless I am at under 5 MPH.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Mt.Pleasant Pa.
I always blip the throttle when downshifting.It make's the bike respond more smoothly when decelerating and hopefully decreases the stress on the drive belts and tires. I've always done this in any manual shift vehicle that I owned.
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