Downshifting when approaching a stop sign with the V-Twin 990/998

[ARCTIC]

V-TWIN Motors only please (ALL RS/GS models, ST models and pre-1330 RT's).

What is the proper method for downshifting with the SE transmission when approaching a stop sign on the highway? Are you guys actively clicking through the gears on the way back down using the motor to help slow you and keeping the RPM's up or are you coasting and then clicking through the gears quickly as you slowly roll to a stop?

[Cruzr Joe]

I just let it downshift by itself on my 2012 & 2013.


Cruzr Joe

[ARtraveler]

We have an SE version 2011 RT.

akspyderlady lets the downshift.

I usually manually downshift at about 4000 rpms until I get to second gear. Second to first at about 2500 - 3000. For me this method seems less clunky sounding.

I let the 1330 do its own thing. No clunky sound.

[Bob Denman]

I used to just about split the chores between my fingers, and the computer with the 2010 RT...
But on the new 1330; they've really improved the programming, and it just a great job all by itself!

[bruiser]

I can't vote. I have a manual.

[GuitarPlayer]

I usually down-shift manually instead of letting the Spyder down-shift. I just like to be in the right gear in case I have to move in an emergency. I think either way is ok.

Tony

[revjvegas]

What is "proper" can be added to the debates of what oil to use.

But coming from and also having a two wheeler, I like using the engine breaking to slow me down when approaching a stop, plus having the added plus of already being in a lower gear if the light changes or I got to get out of the way in a hurry.

[vided]

When I had the 2013 stl, I did the downshifting.
with the rts, I still do the downshifting.
i like the engine braking.

[Chupaca]

looks like most are semi automatic. Mines a manual and if I wait for it to downshift I am shooting through that stop sign.... Always downshift probably why my brakes have 27,000 miles on them and still good...also the brake foot is the bad one...

[Bensonoid]

I usually down-shift manually instead of letting the Spyder down-shift. I just like to be in the right gear in case I have to move in an emergency. I think either way is ok.

Tony

Me too

[2Paw]

by that I mean I do both depending on the situation/my mood.

[billybovine]

When the RPM drops to about 4,000 I down shift.

[jcthorne]

If you put the RT into trailer mode, the bike will do the downshifting for you. Just below 4000 each gear.

[bluestratos]

If I come up to a stop sign or exit off the freeway I downshift manually to help bleed speed off fast. If I try to down shift from too high of speed it will not shift until it is safe to do so, so no worries about overreving. I ride the chuchanut, a beatiful but very winding road with lots of blind corners and rocks on the road. I love to push the limit down the straights then use the gears and breaks to reduce speed in the corners, then back hard on the throttle and run through the gears.

[900Dave]

I always downshift. As said before just like to be in the correct gear. You never know when you need to quickly accelerate.

[Indyron]

Using the engine to downshift puts excessive wear and tear on the engine, brake pads are a lot less expensive. Let nanny do her job.

[Bfromla]

Personally know i have bad habit rarely down shift unless bad traffic. But mostly because in town im always a gear lower 2 or 3 max anything under 60mph to keep rpm up. Hard to train myself for the difference from old bike. (Americanized shifting)


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[kep-up]

Depends on how lazy I feel that particular day. When carving corners, I manually downshift so as to power through the corner.

Also, I have for 50 years of riding motorcycles been a firm believer that the engine is used to make the machine go. The brakes are put there to make the machine stop.

[Pennyrick]

If you put the RT into trailer mode, the bike will do the downshifting for you. Just below 4000 each gear.

??? ???

The RT SE will downshift automatically when it is not in trailer mode as well. It kicks down at approximately 2,250 rpm when not in that mode and when in trailer mode it holds until about 3,200 rpm.

[Illinois Boy]

Manually downshift to make sure the machine is in its optimal configuration at any time in case I need to move or stop in a hurry.

[flaggerphil]

I downshift myself the same as if I was on a bike with a manual.

[jcthorne]

??? ???

The RT SE will downshift automatically when it is not in trailer mode as well. It kicks down at approximately 3,750 rpm when not in that mode and when in trailer mode it holds until about 4,200 rpm.

I did not respond to this right away because I wanted to observe the conditions again first hand to make sure I was remembering correctly. But, mine does not work as you describe. With trailer mode off, RPMs drop down to about 2500 before the downshift occurs automatically. With the trailer mode on (where we always keep ours). It downshifts when rpms drop to about 38 or 3900 rpm.

If I am carving corners or mountain riding I will force a downshift sooner rather than ride the brakes. Otherwise we leave them in trailer mode and let nanny downshift on our behalf.

[Pennyrick]

I did not respond to this right away because I wanted to observe the conditions again first hand to make sure I was remembering correctly. But, mine does not work as you describe. With trailer mode off, RPMs drop down to about 2500 before the downshift occurs automatically. With the trailer mode on (where we always keep ours). It downshifts when rpms drop to about 38 or 3900 rpm.

If I am carving corners or mountain riding I will force a downshift sooner rather than ride the brakes. Otherwise we leave them in trailer mode and let nanny downshift on our behalf.

You are right. I corrected my earlier post. Fat fingers on the keys I guess.

[jesselee712]

I always let my Spyder downshift by itself. But might try to downshift to see which one I prefer


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[ARCTIC]

I honestly wish that I could switch my spyder between fully automatic mode and toggle shift. It'd be nice just to twist the throttle and go without worrying about shifting at all.