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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through September 08, 2004 » Downshifting into 1st......Question. « Previous Next »

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Joojoo
Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 08:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey fellow Buellsters.....

Im finding that sometimes when I get to a REALLY tight turn and come onto the brakes a bit Im still in 2nd, and would like to shift to 1st to run through the turn at a decent RPM level. Thing is, Im doing around 40KM/H. The manual says to avoid shifting from 2nd into 1st at anything over 15 KM/H which is frickin slow.

SO, is this real? Or is it garbage? Whats the max speed Im safe going from 2nd into 1st at without hurting my tranny?? Why would they publish that in the manual?

Thanks for the help guys,

Jack
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Signguyxb12
Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i don't think it will do anything ( aleast i hope)
i do it all the time

just make sure that you blip the trottle to get the rpm's up so you don't chirp the tire and wind up on your side
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Keith
Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 09:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Joojoo - I too wonder about that. I shift into first at 48 kph (30 mph) or higher with no apparent damage.

It is my guess that Buell is trying to avoid a liability issue. If you let out the clutch too hard leaned over, more than likely you will high side. Not good. There is a lot of engine braking.

I'm just super careful letting out the clutch when I down shift that far.

Keith
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Midknyte
Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 09:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It's not that you will damage the tranny - it's all the extra torque you'll be throwing into the turn.
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Starter
Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 10:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I find 2nd is the lowest gear I'm prepared to corner on full lean. 1st is just too touchy. Use the torque to pull it out.
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Jasonxb12s
Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 10:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

JooJoo,

I do it frequently when approaching a tight down hill corner. Signguy is right on about bliping the throttle. Make sure you get your rpms up before releasing the clutch or you will lurch.
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Aztec12r
Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 11:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I agree starter, 1st is a little too temperamental. I've had no problems with available torque on my 12 at 2000rpm coming out of some tight, off camber, downhill corners. I just use 1st to get her going!
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Blake
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 01:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Go faster and leave it in 2nd. : ]
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Darthane
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 07:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

LOL...I'm with Starter and Blake. Stay in second. First gear is way too touchy for my tastes. Difficult to keep constant throttle.

...but that said, I've downshifted into 1st at those speeds plenty. Just gotta make sure you match the engine RPM with the wheel speed.
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Captainplanet
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 10:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Careful about that first gear downshift in a turn. Two things happen as some have pointed out above. The first is if you don't blip the throttle the wheel will skid due to engine braking. The second thing that can happen and will suprise you is that if you give too much throttle in a first gear turn the wheel will spin. I had it happen on my 9r. It is more likely in cold weather, but it will get you quite a wake up call.
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Jeremyh
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 10:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i avoid shifting down to 1st like the plaug because i hate the bone jarring CLANK that i get out of it, Yes the clutch is all the way in. Just use the torque that the bike has and nail the throttle a little more and work the clutch. I would rather wear the clutch than knock the teeth off the gears.
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Joojoo
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Jeremy,

That was my question! So hitting it into 1st from 2nd CAN knock the frikin teeth off the gears even at 40km/h????

Jack
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Darthane
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 01:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Read that again. He didn't say it happens, but that he, like you, worries that it WILL.

Find me a bike that has had it's transmission ruined by downshifting in the manner described, and I'll believe it. Until then, no. You've got a be careful, yes, but that's true in any downshift, ESPECIALLY when in a turn.
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