Touring 2008 Road King

[maherjad]

Would anyone know if its best to down shift as you're slowing down or what is the best for the bike.
Thanks,
Matt

[evoKENevo]

Welcome to the forum,Maherjad
Yeah, down-shifting is IMO thee way to slow...gear by gear as needed...in combination with braking,of course.

[JCourneyaP]

Matt,

Yes and sort of.

You wanna make sure you brake down to the correct speed before you down shift. If you down shift and your speed is too high you can skid or wreck your transmission.

But yes down shifting is a big part of riding. Should be used most of the time as you reduce speed in normal situations.

Have you ridden before??

[EZE RIDER]

Most would agree that you downshift as much as you upshift on a bike. As JC suggested be careful on limited traction surfaces. Use the same judgement as you would when using your brakes.

[frisco-rigid]

Wow,, you're really keeping every one on their toes here Matt..

And I believe they're right-on..

I personally use my brakes 90% and only down-shift when convenient and easy on the tranny or if I expect to need power very soon..

Even though I have High compression in my motors,,--- in my experience,, it doesn't hold a candle to the stopping power of correctly installed and maintained brakes..

[maherjad]

Thanks for all your help I get it. I have been riding for years but I just got this new bike and I wanted to make sure it is as perfect as it could be but I get it now.

Matt