Tall First Gear - Just get used to it?

[XBTractor]

First thing I noticed taking off on the xb12 for the first time is the really tall first gear. I fiddled with the shift lever, even stopped and started from neutral just to make sure I was in first. It takes a little slipping to start off smoothly but I figured out I can also just slowly dump the clutch and the torquey engine will lunge the bike forward without bogging.

So I guess slipping the clutch to start doesn't hurt anything? I haven't seen anything on the board about clutch problems.

I've seen reference to putting the lower xb9 primary on the xb12 and I can see why some people would want to do that. I guess if you rode for miles and miles on the freeway, the current setup would be fine.

Anyway, just an observation. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

-Tractor-

 

[Lokien]

I slowly dump the clutch as well, and still the bike starts fast, far from stalling.

Slipping the clutch is never good in the long run, and what you should do is slip the clutch... Without the throttle ; you minimize damage that way and you get a smooth (as smooth as possible anyways) start.

IMO I love this about the bike, first gear isn't only to start you off, but is an actual usable gear.

 

[LeFox]

don't fully understand what you mean by 'tall 1st gear'.

do you mean it takes long to get the desired rpm or that you have to push deep with the shift lever, or... [confused]

 

[mrdozer2you]

Yeah i'm confused too...(not meant to be rude ) but you are starting in first correct? First is down...second is up past neutral. Only reason i'm asking is because I knew someone who didnt know that first gear was down

 

[XBTractor]

"don't fully understand what you mean by 'tall 1st gear'."

Relatively high road speed for a given engine rpm. For example, with the bike in first, engine idling, it's going maybe 10mph instead of 5mph. Don't know if those numbers are right. Just an example.

"Yeah i'm confused too...(not meant to be rude )"

No, offense taken. taller, shorter, higher, lower, it can be confusing depending on how you look at it. But Yeah, 1 down, in first, the bike is moving faster than I'm used to for first gear.

When I'm in traffic behind a line of cars starting from a red light, sometimes it takes a while before everyone is moving fast enough that I can fully release that clutch. If you wait long enough for a gap to open up in front of you, you've got a latte' express on your taillight. Drives me nuts.

Lokien, I do see where you're coming from on the "more usable first gear". I guess it's more a personal preference kinda' thing.

It's not that big a deal really. I just hate to slip the clutch more than I have to. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

 

[mrdozer2you]

HAHAHAAH ok I see now I start lettin the clutch out till I feel it start to bite....then throttle a bit just so its not "jerky" Kinda hard in slow stop and go traffic. I find myself sort of feathering the clutch....when traffic slows pull in, keep rolling, when traffic speeds up, out. So its almost a constant squeeze release ( no comments ) Probably not the best but better than riding the clutch.

 

[LeFox]

aha...got it.

but why stick behind a car when you're on 2 wheels? i just squeeze the throttle and off we go

during turtle-race i feather the clutch or play between engage & disengage.

 

[XBTractor]

That sounds like a good strategy...

I guess I should just be thankful the xb will pull right off idle so you don't have to rev it like a chainsaw to take off. Torque... yum!

 

[GatorBuell]

Riding the clutch will not hurt it like it would a car. The pressure plate is not as heavy and your not pulling as much weight as a car. Law Enforcement motorcycle officers are actually taught to ride the clutch in slow traffic maneuvers.