Downshifting with SE5

[Rar]

Does anyone manually downshift with the SE5, or do you let it downshift automatically? I have been manually downshifting because the RPMs seem to be too low.

[prmurat]

I always downshift manually

[Jeriatric]

Most of the time - manual.

[Dustybell]

When I slow down to the point that the rpms get to around 4,000, I downshift. Don't know if that is right or not, but that is what I do.

At what rpms do most of you shift down at?

[Jeriatric]

When I slow down to the point that the rpms get to around 4,000, I downshift. Don't know if that is right or not, but that is what I do.

At what rpms do most of you shift down at?

Around 4K......like to keep that clutch locked as much as possible.

[TimmieTheGeek]

I downshift manually all the time. Sometimes the bike beats me to first gear but I usually precede it. I agree with Rattigan_Roger. Saves on brake wear.

[Rar]

When I slow down to the point that the rpms get to around 4,000, I downshift. Don't know if that is right or not, but that is what I do.

At what rpms do most of you shift down at?

I've been downshifting when it drops below 4000.

[revjvegas]

always manually.
saves on brake pad wear.

And coming from two wheel riding, I'm just too programmed to use engine braking to slow down to stop now.

[Ivorspyder]

I downshift manually all the time.

[GI Jane]

Well I guess I'm the lone stranger. I always let mine downshift itself at @2300 rpms. This is my second SE5 and I found that she gets pissed off if I downshift myself. I don't ride the brake either!

[donnellpj]

Me too,...downshift manually most of the time. I do it primarily because I hate the sickening "clunk" of a automatic downshift when I goose the throttle at too low of an RPM. Ugh,...

[ARtraveler]

Like most other posters above--I manually downshift pretty much all the time. Between 3500-4000 is my downshift point. About 2000 from 2nd to first.

The above seem to give a smooth, seemless downshifts, without the dreaded "clunk".

Akspyderlady lets her downshift by itself and she is happy with that.

I guess there is no right or wrong--just a matter of personal preference.

[Bob Denman]

I play on both sides of this fence...
Keeping the clutches locked-up isn't as much of an issue, since there's no drive-loads being generated...
But I don't like paying for brake pads either!

[SpyderFun]

Manually 90% and Auto 10% (want to make sure it still does it automatically)
4k rpms keeps your charging system charging! Remember THIS bike loves to operate in the high RPM range! Take a look at how many revs your turning @60mph and at 80mph. That is the range the engineers "designed" it to operate in.

[rcantrell52]

I downshift manually on our SE5.
Reese

[cjackg]

I nearly always downshift manually. It saves brake wear, but it also keeps the rpms up in case you have to accelerate quickly.

When I am following a vehicle, the minute I see a brake light go on, I drop down a gear.

[Dustybell]

Oh, yeah! It looks like I'm doing good downshifting around 4,000. Always good to know I'm on the right track!

[d.o.spyder-rts]

I'm like SpyderFun, 90% manual 10% auto. Dale

[Ga Blue Knight]

Always manually but let the Spyder take it home to first, just to be sure it's still working! Also it sounds terrible when it does it itself all clunky

[JJW SpyderRider]

I down shift manually also 90% of the time. But remember that the car behind you may not know your slowing down unless you at least pump the brake a few times while slowing down. Don't like getting rear ended

[YumaJim]

Manually as well!

[murphybrown]

When I first got Ms Spyder dealer said that I never had to worry about downshifting just let the machine decide when is best .. so I did .. but after a year of following this advise I was becoming aware that the engine was sounding what I called "labored", not smooth...so thought wonder what would happen "if"....
I am now a converted down shifter....at least 98% of the time...once in awhile the tranny will beat me to 1st....I "hear" or see RPM's reach 3900/4000 and I shift it down a gear...everything sounds better and now I feel like I reallllly am ryding/shifting Ms Spyder...just like a REAL MC rider!!!!

[chris56]

I heard that they test a new software which shifts down if you need more power ..
on a normal ryde I use the gears like here :

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/m...etails&mid=276

[Sarge12]

Does anyone manually downshift with the SE5, or do you let it downshift automatically? I have been manually downshifting because the RPMs seem to be too low.

I also manually downshift, coming from two wheels, it just seems natural to me. And reading other posts it seems to be the best way.