[Rattler]

As you say the engine spins down (slows) quicker as there is less resistance, ie. less engine braking! - which supports my theory!

You have more engine braking in first than in third, because you need more revolutions of the engine for a given revolution of the rear wheel! Hence greater resistance.

I'm happy to be proved wrong on this, so all comments (except Dibble's) welcome!

Tim