Changing down gears at speed

**carlsjunior** · 18th June 2015, 09:09

Hello, I am new here and am just looking for a quick tip on how to change down gears without locking up the back wheel at speed. I am used to smaller bikes and have just got a big Harley and can't seem to stop it from happening. Thanks.

**Doppleganger** · 18th June 2015, 09:27

Rev the engine as you pull in the clutch and change to the lower gear (known as bliping the throttle).
This will bring the engine revs up to closer match the speed the new gear.

**FJRider** · 18th June 2015, 09:33

Originally Posted by carlsjunior

Hello, I am new here and am just looking for a quick tip on how to change down gears without locking up the back wheel at speed. I am used to smaller bikes and have just got a big Harley and can't seem to stop it from happening. Thanks.

Just use the brakes to slow down. Then change down when you get within the rev range for the gear you are dropping to.

Failing that ... buy a small Harley ...

**sugilite:Me** · 18th June 2015, 10:43

Originally Posted by FJRider

Just use the brakes to slow down. Then change down when you get within the rev range for the gear you are dropping to.

Yep, this.

**puddytat** · 18th June 2015, 11:39

Wind up your idle.....poor mans slipper clutch.

**iYRe** · 18th June 2015, 11:39

This will explain it, and many other things beside:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVWLIfChUwg

(twist of the wrist 2)
Every rider should watch it at some point.

**Mike.Gayner** · 18th June 2015, 11:58

"This unnecessary thing I'm doing is causing me trouble - what can I do to keep doing this unnecessary thing that I don't like doing?"

Harley riders.

**Banditbandit** · 18th June 2015, 13:15

The issue suggests that you are changing down unnecessarily .. but if you are trying to slow down with engine braking only, you're better off using the brakes and changing down when you hit the lower speed required for a lower gear - as suggested by FJRrider above ..

**FJRider** · 18th June 2015, 14:53

Originally Posted by Banditbandit

The issue suggests that you are changing down unnecessarily ...

It's a Harley ... so it's unlikely he'll be going that fast anyway ...

**carlsjunior** · 18th June 2015, 15:39

Cheers for that. Even the smart ones :P

**Banditbandit** · 18th June 2015, 16:12

Originally Posted by FJRider

It's a Harley ... so it's unlikely he'll be going that fast anyway ...

fast enough to lock the back wheel when changing down ...

Originally Posted by carlsjunior

Cheers for that. Even the smart ones :P

What were you riding before you got the harley ???

**FJRider** · 18th June 2015, 16:14

Originally Posted by Doppleganger

Rev the engine as you pull in the clutch and change to the lower gear (known as bliping the throttle).
This will bring the engine revs up to closer match the speed the new gear.

Works well on a multi cylinder bike ... but the big twins (plenty of engine braking) just like you to just button off the throttle ... untill you need to change down. Much easier on the drive train too ...

**FJRider** · 18th June 2015, 16:19

Originally Posted by Banditbandit

fast enough to lock the back wheel when changing down ...

What were you riding before you got the harley ???

No mention in his post that he got out of second gear ..

That he needed to ask ... points to a definite lack of experience. The same problem can occur on small bikes too ...

**PrincessBandit** · 18th June 2015, 17:11

Originally Posted by FJRider

No mention in his post that he got out of second gear ..

That he needed to ask ... points to a definite lack of experience. The same problem can occur on small bikes too ...

Hmmm, happened to me on my first big ride (out to Clevedon

) when I was a n00b. I learnt quickly not to do it again by doing what others have suggested above - either blipping or shock horror using a bid of rear brake to slow appropriately.