2011 RTL SE-5 Shifting when cold

[Bob Ledford]

Our RT SE-5 has a new idiosyncrasy . The last few rides have been in the 40 to 55 degree temperature range at the start. Before I back out of the garage I start it up and let it warm up at least to the point the Temp Gage just moves off the peg. It is 100 feet to the first stop sign then 5 blocks to the red light intersection. I almost never make it on green. When I get the go light I try to run it up to 5 K before the first shift. This where I first noticed it happening, that first to second gear shift is smoother then a hot weather shift. All the shifts there after are the same smoother shift. After 20 miles of stop n go traffic it reverts back to the normal semi smoother shifting.

Don't misinterpret that a hot shift is not smooth as it is but a colder weather shift is sweeter smooth. Anyone ever notice this condition.

OBTW 6k miles on odometer

 

[Michael211_2000]

5K rpm's before shifting into 2nd gear? Wow! That just seems extreme to me... I'd think that's gotta be yanking the clutch, hard.

I know mine isn't an RT model, but I shift up to 2nd before 3K rpm's are reached and thereafter bump it up between 3.5 and 4K rpm's till I'm in the high gear. If I'm pressed to accellerate hard for some reason, I go up an additional 500 rpm's or so before bumping up to the next gear. I know others disagree with me on this, but I'm satisfied with the way it's working.

- Michael

 

[OJ UK]

Almost certainly to do with the viscosity of the oil at differing temperatures.
Just my tuppence worth!!

 

[Chupaca]

Have to agree..!!

:agree: and as to shifting rpms..this is a high rpm engine and those with the autoclutch must remember that your clutch is not fully engaged till around 3500 rpm's. Under that and you are still slipping and can cause clutch wear...:thumbup:

 

[Jeriatric]

If you have an SE5

5K rpm's before shifting into 2nd gear? Wow! That just seems extreme to me... I'd think that's gotta be yanking the clutch, hard.

I know mine isn't an RT model, but I shift up to 2nd before 3K rpm's are reached and thereafter bump it up between 3.5 and 4K rpm's till I'm in the high gear. If I'm pressed to accellerate hard for some reason, I go up an additional 500 rpm's or so before bumping up to the next gear. I know others disagree with me on this, but I'm satisfied with the way it's working.

- Michael

you will trash your clutch. That said, it's your choice to do so.