In 2013 Spyders, is auto-downshifting back to 1st gear always reliable with the SE5?

[nonseven]

I read somewhere on the forum that in relatively rare instances the SE5 did not go back down to 1st gear at a stop, if you didn't downshift yourself while slowing down. And then it was a hastle to get it to 1st hear. Is this still an issue on any 2013 models?

Are all you SE5 users downshifting as you slow down or not?

 

[Jeriatric]

I read somewhere on the forum that in relatively rare instances the SE5 did not go back down to 1st gear at a stop, if you didn't downshift yourself while slowing down. And then it was a hastle to get it to 1st hear. Is this still an issue on any 2013 models?

Are all you SE5 users downshifting as you slow down or not?

Don't have a '13 but do have the SE5 and 99% of the time I downshift @ 4K.

 

[jerpinoy]

99.9999% on my 2021 RT SE5. I'm sure it will ironed out for your 2013. Otherwise take it to the dealer.

 

[nonseven]

99.9999% on my 2021 RT SE5.

You are from the future.

 

[2Paw]

My 2012 downshifts at 1800 RPM, the only time it has failed to downshift on its own is if I inadvertantly keep the RPMs too high.

 

[SpyderLady]

In 2013 Spyders, is auto-downshifting back to 1st gear always reliable with the

Agree with Jerbear. It is a fact that the semi-automatics are down shifting at a much lower RPM than is recommended for downshifting even the manuals. I downshift around 3-4k when downshifting in any gear

 

[Bob Denman]

I kind of split the difference; I'll drop it down about half of the time, and then I'll let it handle the chores on it's own for the rest...:dontknow:
It's probably not going to hurt the clutches... as the bike is slowing, the load on them is pretty minimal. :thumbup:

 

[harrypottar]

Also worth pointing out that if you stop too quick/brake late it won't always make it too first. You have to give it time to downshift. Personally never had an issue with my 2012 leaving the spyder to do it automatically but you can always manually down shift

harry

 

[Netminder]

I personally like to do the downshifting myself rather then let the spyder do it. Can control RPM better that way. Feels better I think!

 

[ARtraveler]

Have not had a problem with the machine failing to downshift on its own. I know that a quick stop in high gear can bring it on though.

I usually shift from 2nd to 1st at 2500-3000 rpm. I don't like that clunk when it goes into first gear on its own.

 

[Bob Denman]

I think that mine stalled just once; during a quick panic stop! :yikes:
Other than that: :thumbup:

 

[MouthPiece]

"Always" is the key word at the inception of this thread. Is anything really "always"? From my perspective I haven't, in the few miles that I've put on my SE (4,000), had any problems. Do I down**** on my own? Yes, and probably do it more than allowing the machine to do it.

Chris

 

[Bob Denman]

I think that you're right! :thumbup:
Don't they say that the only two certainties; are Death and Taxes?? :roflblack:

 

[missouriboy]

...Don't they say that the only two certainties; are Death and Taxes?? :roflblack:

There's been a new one added: "Shipping & Handling" :sour:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Gosh... I forgot all about that one! :banghead:

 

[BikerDoc]

I virtually never downshift manually and I have been known to stop very quickly. - still have never had a single problem with 2012 se5 with 25000 miles already

 

[Illinois Boy]

I read somewhere on the forum that in relatively rare instances the SE5 did not go back down to 1st gear at a stop, if you didn't downshift yourself while slowing down. And then it was a hassle to get it to 1st hear. Is this still an issue on any 2013 models?

Are all you SE5 users downshifting as you slow down or not?

The issue you are referring to occurred on some Spyders when stopping very abruptly; and typically after having been in higher gears going faster. It was a rare occurrence; but reported by some to happen.

I had it occur twice on my 2011 RT-SE5; and it WAS a hassle to get it back into gear. It eventually did, and I was on my way.

Down-shifting yourself is an option, obviously. However, you can see many prefer to down-shift manually.

I downshift to get to 4th, 3rd, and 2nd -- but I mostly let it downshift itself to 1st if I am approaching my stop at a slower speed by then and am not in a hurry.

Otherwise, I would manually downshift to 1st also just to make sure it lands there. I don't want to have the problem occur again... because, as I said, it was a hassle.

 

[nonseven]

The issue you are referring to occurred on some Spyders when stopping very abruptly; and typically after having been in higher gears going faster. It was a rare occurrence; but reported by some to happen.

I had it occur twice on my 2011 RT-SE5; and it WAS a hassle to get it back into gear. It eventually did, and I was on my way.

Down-shifting yourself is an option, obviously. However, you can see many prefer to down-shift manually.

I downshift to get to 4th, 3rd, and 2nd -- but I mostly let it downshift itself to 1st if I am approaching my stop at a slower speed by then and am not in a hurry.

Otherwise, I would manually downshift to 1st also just to make sure it lands there. I don't want to have the problem occur again... because, as I said, it was a hassle.

OK, this is not a big issue - I'm getting my ST-S next week.

If it ever does happen - what actions do you to get it to 1st?

 

[Illinois Boy]

There is a lot conversation about this subject and as a final-thought on the subject:

Many experienced riders recommend getting in the habit of manually downshifting, and there is a valid reason why they believe so.

Manually downshifting helps maintain rider-control of their machine (by maintaining power and torque ratios at the throttle at a more optimal configuration) at any moment of riding. ​

When is this important?

The SE5 downshifts at around 1875 RPM's (or thereabouts). As you wait for the SE5 to downshift at that RPM, you will go through a phase where the "gear-ratio" (based on RPM's) will be at a less than an optimal "power-torque" configuration at the throttle.

During this "phase", in the event you suddenly need to take evasive-action (like if a car turns suddenly at you, or a dog/deer comes out of nowhere and you need to quickly take evasive action), you will find the power to be "mushy" at best. You will then be required to shift fast -- and may not be able to do so in time to avoid the situation.

Thus, the recommendation by more experienced riders to always manually downshift, so they can always have optimal power at the throttle. Doing so will not guarantee your success at avoiding a bad-situation; but it certainly improves your chances -- and when it comes to avoiding an accident, you need all the advantages you can get at that moment.

This is just a rider-safety suggestion that applies to most all vehicles... that's all. Nothing more...​

:thumbup:

 

[SpyderLady]

In 2013 Spyders, is auto-downshifting back to 1st gear always reliable with the

There is a lot conversation about this subject and as a final-thought on the subject:

Many experienced riders recommend getting in the habit of manually downshifting, and there is a valid reason why they believe so.

Manually downshifting helps maintain rider-control of their machine (by maintaining power and torque ratios at the throttle at a more optimal configuration) at any moment of riding. ​

When is this important?

The SE5 downshifts at around 1875 RPM's (or thereabouts). As you wait for the SE5 to downshift at that RPM, you will go through a phase where the "gear-ratio" (based on RPM's) will be at a less than an optimal "power-torque" configuration at the throttle.

During this "phase", in the event you suddenly need to take evasive-action (like if a car turns suddenly at you, or a dog/deer comes out of nowhere and you need to quickly take evasive action), you will find the power to be "mushy" at best. You will then be required to shift fast -- and may not be able to do so in time to avoid the situation.

Thus, the recommendation by more experienced riders to always manually downshift, so they can always have optimal power at the throttle. Doing so will not guarantee your success at avoiding a bad-situation; but it certainly improves your chances -- and when it comes to avoiding an accident, you need all the advantages you can get at that moment.

This is just a rider-safety suggestion that applies to most all vehicles... that's all. Nothing more...​

:thumbup:

Great explanation. This is what I have telling the ladies on GOS on Facebook. Also if the engine is not downshifted below 3k and/or shifted up before 5k they will eventually have clutch problems even tho they are on a semi automatic. How do I know this.....John blew his clutch out and damaged his engine to the point it had to be rebuilt, all because he was not shifting up and down at the proper RPMs. Too many Ryder's are trying to shift based on speed and that is just not correct for the Spyders. A lot of the semi automatic don't realize they still need to shift down and up correctly.