Is BRP now Recommending Manual Downshifting on SE's?

[ulflyer]

Was told today by a Can Am mechanic that I have a lot of faith in, that BRP is now saying the SE's wern't really ment to downshift automatically, that it was essentially a failsafe factor, and that downshifting should always be done manually.

I've sort of got into the habit since last year's computer upgrade and the word about shifting and maintaining higher RPM's to keep the clutch from slipping. Don't recall tho, reading any word then or since that it should be done all the time.

This mechanic has also rebuilt the clutches on 4 SE's, no particular year.

 

[ARtraveler]

This is a new one to me. Would like to know his "official" source of information.

:bbq::bbq::bbq:

 

[ulflyer]

This is a new one to me. Would like to know his "official" source of information.

:bbq::bbq::bbq:

Didn't think to ask. He just said "BRP is now saying.." Its a fair size dealership with two BRP mechanics and they do contact BRP on issues or questions about warranties so I'm assuming it was someone on the tech side.

 

[Sarge707]

Didn't think to ask. He just said "BRP is now saying.." Its a fair size dealership with two BRP mechanics and they do contact BRP on issues or questions about warranties so I'm assuming it was someone on the tech side.

I always Manually downshift the SE5 except for 2nd to first and it does that with no noise whatsoever at the stop light. I used to find that 3rd to 2nd would "Clunk" if I let it downshift automatically so I wanted to avoid that!nojoke

 

[Bob Denman]

When the Spyder is "coasting down"; there's little load on the drivetrain, so clutch wear shouldn't be an issue... I don't know what this is being said. :dontknow:

 

[Jeriatric]

When the Spyder is "coasting down"; there's little load on the drivetrain, so clutch wear shouldn't be an issue... I don't know what this is being said. :dontknow:

Bob, if that's true. Why did they raise the downshift RPM's last year? Just asking.

 

[Bob Ledford]

Yeah, Bob

​yeah Bob why did they make the change?

 

[Bob Denman]

Did they? :shocked: I've got a 2010, and have been hooked up to BUDS more than several times... no changes to mine;YET! pps: It could even have been done to aid in slowing down the bike... :dontknow:

 

[bullant12]

Wife and I took a couple of ST's out on a Demo Day. The instructor told us (we both have SM-5's) to just let the braking do the downshifting....

 

[Bob Denman]

So what'd you think of them?

 

[bullant12]

So what'd you think of them?

I rode Lamont's loaner ST when we went to Dallas IMS... I liked it but went to an RT instead. Wife liked it too but she likes her RS-S... IMHO... rather have an SM-5!

 

[jerpinoy]

This is new, but once in a while I manually downshift just to check my curiosity. I wonder what is the mechanic intention by making statement that it is not BRP word in black and white.:dontknow::banghead:

 

[Bob Denman]

I liked the handling and the "feeling", but it was just a bit too breezy of a ride for somebody used to that big wide RT windshield...

 

[billybovine]

I have to agree with Bob. During engine braking the load on clutch should be lower than under acceleration.
But if you change your mind and start to accelerate in the higher gears the clutch may slip if your rpms are not high enough. Remember the taller the gear the greater the load on the clutch.

 

[Bob Denman]

...And that's when I pop the little levers... :thumbup:

 

[shelbydave]

Bob, if that's true. Why did they raise the downshift RPM's last year? Just asking.

I don't think they changed the downshift RPM's. I do recall the update where they added an "automatic" downshift if you hit the throttle in too high of a gear. It feels like "passing gear" in a car.
I suspect that the manual downshift is meant for when you are slowing into a curve, and accelerating out of it. The SE-5 may not downshift to the right gear to keep the clutches locked up, thus you have to downshift manually.

If coming to a stop, letting it downshift is fine. I usually manually downshift to 2nd anyhow because I don't like the surprise of being in the middle of braking, and she decides to grab in the next lower gear.

 

[JJW SpyderRider]

I don't think they changed the downshift RPM's. I do recall the update where they added an "automatic" downshift if you hit the throttle in too high of a gear. It feels like "passing gear" in a car.

The update to down shift earlier and if lugging the engine just came out. Got mine done two weeks ago. This is the update that was tested on a few Spyders by members here then removed. It does raise the point where the SE wants to shift on it's own. I don't lug the engine so have not tested the other feature.

 

[blambert]

I always manually downshift on my 2011 RS paddle shifter - once in a while I will let the bike automatically shift from 2nd to 1st but that is on a rare occasion

 

[Bob Denman]

I do split the downshifting chore between me and the bike; perhaps 80/20 for me!

 

[FlaBound]

This discussion raises an interesting question.

Like some here, I much prefer to downshift myself. Makes me feel like I have better control of the bikes response to varying conditions.

However, as one who wants to treat the bike as it should be treated;
Should I brake more than I do, and let the computer decide when to downshift?

For example, if you were behind me on some twistys, you'd very rarely see my brake lights.
Should you see my brake lights more often?