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Thread: Down shifting?

  1. #1
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    Default Down shifting?

    Hello,
    We're looking at buying 2014 RTL with the semi auto tranny. Can you manually down shift at any time? Or is all the down shifting done automatically? Sorry for the stupid question but I'm new to the Spyder....

    Thanks for your time and help!!
    P.W.

  2. #2
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    Yup - Up or down any time you like If you do nothing, it will down shift for you, but I downshift frequently going into corners

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    I have found myself manually downshifting the 2014 MUCH less often, than I did my 2010. They've certainly improved the transmission's ability to handle this chore on it's own...
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

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    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Still waiting to beta test the 2014. On all previous 's I like to be in charge and downshift at the sweet spot. I don't like clunks and lurches.

    RE: 2014: Bob has some very good points and that's a good thing to check out for now. Not to many others have posted about the subject so far.

    I will also know more after I get about 1000 miles on mine.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

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    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default Yes..!!

    your choice..if you need to by all means do but if you coast on down it will do it for you. Those using engine compression to slow down will have to do it manually...the new transmission is much better with added gear and better ratios...
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

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    Quote Originally Posted by PeeWee View Post
    Hello,
    We're looking at buying 2014 RTL with the semi auto tranny. Can you manually down shift at any time? Or is all the down shifting done automatically? Sorry for the stupid question but I'm new to the Spyder....

    Thanks for your time and help!!
    P.W.
    Yes, you can downshift whenever you feel you might be "lugging" the engine. But on your 1330 ACE engine you may not have to as much to keep the RPM's up....I usually downshift when going up a long hill, or to pass a vehicle. Gives me more "varoooooom"!

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    You won't have to downshift for hills anymore... It's THAT strong!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  8. #8
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    Go ride the Dragon with an automatic and you will really enjoy the paddle shifter upshifting and down shifting 318 curves in 11 miles you will feel like you are in a formula car. Manual downshifting helps save your brake pads in the mountains.

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    The 1330s display a lot more engine braking...
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  10. #10
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    Default DOWN SHIFTING

    I down shift often. I guess it's from my old 18 wheeler day and for no other reason your breaks will last longer

  11. #11
    Very Active Member jcthorne's Avatar
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    If you put the bike in trailer mode, the SE will do a much better job of downshifting for you. Much better fully automatic engine brakeing.

    Blue Flame Spyder F3-S
    2015 F3S , Blue Flame

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    Registered Users dano's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PeeWee View Post
    Hello,
    We're looking at buying 2014 RTL with the semi auto tranny. Can you manually down shift at any time? Or is all the down shifting done automatically? Sorry for the stupid question but I'm new to the Spyder....

    Thanks for your time and help!!
    P.W.
    Where in Iowa are you? I'm in Coralville. There are a bunch of us to ride with so lets go!
    Dano

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by jcthorne View Post
    If you put the bike in trailer mode, the SE will do a much better job of downshifting for you. Much better fully automatic engine brakeing.
    ... That'll work nicely for the 998s... The 1330s don't have, or need a Trailer Mode.
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

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