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Thread: Changing down gears at speed

  1. #1
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    Changing down gears at speed

    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.

  2. #2
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    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.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by carlsjunior View Post
    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 ...
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

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    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    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.

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

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    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.
    "If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing." - Anatole France
    "An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don't." - Anatole France
    ZRXOA #9170

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    "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.

  8. #8
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    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 ..
    "So if you meet me, have some sympathy, have some courtesy, have some taste ..."

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Banditbandit View Post
    The issue suggests that you are changing down unnecessarily ...
    It's a Harley ... so it's unlikely he'll be going that fast anyway ...
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  10. #10
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    Cheers for that. Even the smart ones :P

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    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 ...

    Quote Originally Posted by carlsjunior View Post
    Cheers for that. Even the smart ones :P
    What were you riding before you got the harley ???
    "So if you meet me, have some sympathy, have some courtesy, have some taste ..."

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Doppleganger View Post
    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 ...
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Banditbandit View Post
    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 ...
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    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.
    I lahk to moove eet moove eet...

    Katman to steveb64
    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    I'd hate to ever have to admit that my arse had been owned by a Princess.

  15. #15
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    I don't understand. If your slowing down why is the rear wheel on the ground? Are the front brakes working properly?
    I have evolved as a KB member.Now nothing I say should be taken seriously.

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