Starting off in Scond Gear?

[bikerbillone]

I ride a 2005 GW with a 2012 Road Smith conversion, and a post over on another board intrigued me. A GW rider, two wheels, starts off in second gear to reduce the 'clunk' aspect of 1st to 2nd, others posting confirm they do this as well. Sounds reasonable for a smooth start, not sure it would work so well with a trike conversion with the additional weight and differential change up. The low range, low end first gear must be there for a good reason. Any opinions, comments?

[knob]

I do it on my two wheeled 1500 if I don't come to a complete stop but the 1800 trike doesn't like it so much. On the trike I don't even consider taking off in second.

[rhino 2]

If i tried that with my Tri-Glide, It would shorten my clutch's life...A clunking into first isn't a big deal....Starting off in Second with a trike will be a big deal if done too often...

[Gold Rush]

Are we seeing a pattern here? I do not know the cost of replacing the clutch assembly on a GL1800 but it would not be cheap that is for sure. I'd think the entire drive train would be exposed to additional stress. Just not worth it. I've found if I shift out of 1st around 2000 rpm and not be into the gas when I do that the clunk is not so bad. JMHO...

[mhgoldwing]

I always use first gear to start off. How long I stay in first depends on conditions and load. Normally, I shift to second at about 2500 rpm and then keep the engine above 2500 except when running on flat ground or downhill. To me the drivetrain seems to like that rpm range best.

Note: the smoothest shifting is around 4,000 and up. Try it sometime.

[consitter]

If i tried that with my Tri-Glide, It would shorten my clutch's life...A clunking into first isn't a big deal....Starting off in Second with a trike will be a big deal if done too often...

+1

[FRR]

1st gear is obviously there for a reason. When you come to a complete stop, use 1st gear. Continual use of a higher gear may cost you a big problem.

[Grandpa1]

I tried it once. Didn't like it. Pain in the butt trying to find second when downshifting so I just do what I've done forever and go all the way to first. Much easier for me.

[bustedwing]

I have to agree with the rest. The added weight of a trike would require using 1st unless you are pointed downhill. Being a mechanic I reason like the rest; 1st gear is there for good reason and should be used. Almost like not using the clutch in big trucks; yeah it can be done, but why do it and put extra wear on the transmission? ( I suppose THAT will open up a can of worms!)

[rhino 2]

I have to agree with the rest. The added weight of a trike would require using 1st unless you are pointed downhill. Being a mechanic I reason like the rest; 1st gear is there for good reason and should be used. Almost like not using the clutch in big trucks; yeah it can be done, but why do it and put extra wear on the transmission? ( I suppose THAT will open up a can of worms!)

I have a pile of wood chips on the side of my house, And i dig up worms and put them in a can, For my Grandkids to go fishing for Sunny's.....

[desertclassic]

I started off in second a couple of times by accident, trike does not like it. Jim

[GoSlo]

I've started off in 2nd more times than I care to admit to and sure it's not good for the trike, but mistakes happen.

Unfortunately, this past Saturday, I started up a trike and took off in 4th gear. Got it going and couldn't figure out why it was running so rough until it finally stalled. Only then did I figure out that it was left in 4th gear when stopped.

I was moving someone else's trike from an accident scene on 141 out of Gateway heading towards Grand Junction. The accident involved three bikes (I know all of the people involved) and was a bit distracted by everything going on....three ambulances, one flight for life helicopter, cops, firemen, EMTs, etc. all over the place and the road backed up in both directions. Two of the people involved are going to be fine. One walked away with only a broken thumb!! The third guy is in intensive care, but stable and expected to be OK after recovery.

[Ed Hobgood]

When I had my Goldwing I started off several times in 2nd and never had a problem. Now I'm not saying I did in when starting off up hill or pulling a trailer.

[silverbullet05]

That's the joy of having a Suzuki Burgman trike! There is no shifting! And even if I do use the shift mode it automatically goes to 1st when starting from a dead stop.

[rhino 2]

That's the joy of having a Suzuki Burgman trike! There is no shifting! And even if I do use the shift mode it automatically goes to 1st when starting from a dead stop.

Cheater.................

[DPK]

If the clunk from shifting into first is troublesome for you, shift briefly into second and then to first - no clunk.

[FRR]

Starting off in second gear is not a smart idea regardless if you are on two wheels, three wheels, or a unicycle. Think about it. First gear is there for a reason

[pisoiu]

I often start with second gear, especially when I am first in row at the traffic lights. The trike can handle it in my opinion, the entire drive train was designed for higher weights. My trike uses ford zetec engine, 1600cmc, same as in many ford cars.