Down shifting an SE - can you still downshift manually??

[PeeWee]

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.

 

[sddinnh]

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

 

[Bob Denman]

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... :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

Still waiting to beta test the 2014. On all previous :ani29:'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.

 

[Chupaca]

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...:thumbup:

 

[stallion143]

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"!:yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

You won't have to downshift for hills anymore... It's THAT strong! nojoke

 

[sassoman]

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.

 

[Bob Denman]

The 1330s display a lot more engine braking... :thumbup:

 

[SPYDERFUZZ]

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:2thumbs::yes::yes:

 

[jcthorne]

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.

 

[dano]

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

 

[Bob Denman]

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.