Shifting into 2nd gear
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 2:10 pm
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?
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?