Shifting into 2nd gear

[GordonBH]

OK, I'll admit it, I've asked this on the other forum as they have a hefty tech archive. However, I haven't had a reply (although other topics have...)

So I thought I'll try here and try to increase our tech archives too while I'm at it.

It's about shifting into 2nd (old topic - Yawn!) - I found 2 yrs ago that if I followed the manual's advice and held a 'neutral' throttle and shifted it told me all would be OK. But on my bike (07 385 SS SB) that equals a big thump into 2nd and a significant torque twist. (Can't be good for the delicate 2nd gear internals I thought) so I played around and found that if I eased off the throttle, yet didn't induce a lot of engine braking I could sweetly slip into 2nd at 55 to 65, no drama, and gently roll on. So I've been doing that for 8,000miles, since ownership I've changed trans oil 4 times and have clean oil and filters. No trans issues ever, never a hesitation or anything untoward.

My question is do I carry on or adopt the recommended "hold at neutral" and thump into 2nd every time?

[Tom Lee]

I myself would lean towards the smooth shift.

[petitemoose]

Do what you've been doing. I found my bike shifts smoothest into OD @ 45 - 50

[CanuckHoss]

Do what you've been doing. I found my bike shifts smoothest into OD @ 45 - 50

EXACTLY Dennis...I would always shift at 50 or 55 at most...neutral throttle and always a nice steady shift....SB or BB

At 60 to 65 you are getting into more rpm and more transmission change...

Not sure you will hurt anything at a neutral 65 shift but I personally would not go there..

[randy burkey]

I replied other sight..Too much typing to do again..check there..My opinion..

[CanuckHoss]

I replied other sight..Too much typing to do again..check there..My opinion..

Too bad they never had a "copy and paste" on these fan dangled computers...lol

[Bhilldw0111]

My 02 shifts great at any speed but better if loaded slightly, not a neutral shift.

[Puff]

After I installed the 32-tooth front pulley,
the tranny shifts better between 45 and 50.
I would shift between 50 and 55 with the
original 34-tooth front pulley.
Not sure this helps, but there should
be "some" pressure on the tranny while
up-shifting.

[GordonBH]

Thanks all, I think the SS has a 34 tooth pulley, I stand to be corrected though. With my "smooth" technique that seems to be accepted as best on here I still get a noticable tranny push - just not a thump so I'll follow all your good advices and rest easy.