Downshifting?

Downshifting?

by Michelle
(Brampton, Ontario, Canada)

Okay, so I think I've mostly got the hang of shifting gears upward (except I'm still scared to go over about 50-60km/h). My question is about slowing down and downshifting. I've been trying to learn how to slowdown on the bike and I'm not sure how to change the gears as I do so. Stopping is no problem as I just downshift all the way to first and then stop. But what if I want to just go slower? When ever I slow down the bike sounds like its in the wrong gear, but when I actually shift down a gear its even worse. How do I know what gear I should be in at any given time? Sorry if this seems like a dumb question. It makes sense to me when I'm speeding up but I can't seem to apply this knowledge in reverse :).

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Downshifting?

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Aug 20, 2011

practice and more practice.
by: Red Rebel

I am also a new rider - my first summer riding my Honda 250. The bike does not have much in the way of guts but neither do I so we are a good team. Downshifting still has me a little bit baffled. I am beginning to master it but I have donw shifted too soon - or not enought while slowing down to make a turn. This is the main reason I still practice, practice, practice. I ride sometimes early in the morning - when the traffic is light and I can experiment a little. I think its just a matter of practice and learning your bike. Its funny in a way that to me riding is not hard - but developing finesse and real control comes with experience. I rememeber feeling nervous and my hands would sweat and my heart would beat fast when getting ready to ride. No more - my confidence grows with each ride. I think the class idea is a great one. Good luck, God bless and stay safe always.

Aug 07, 2011

more downshifting comments
by: Michelle

Hi, I've been trying this out.

Bellas advice seems pretty spot on - Thanks. Once I remembered to convert it to kph it worked even better.

To Anonymous - I think you are right about the hondas because I traded my bike today for a different honda (same year) and it did the same thing.

Aug 07, 2011

Nice job Bella
by: Crissy

I totally agree with Bella. I find it easier for shifting to be in the gear my mph are in. 20's = 2nd, 30's = 3rd etc... I usually always go to second on a turn, 'cuz that is what I end up going, 20 something around it. If U jerk, you went too low, because you r slowing down too quick, if it is revving too high, you did not go low enough. It took me a little while just to liten to the sound of the bike. Hop som of this help,and good luck to you :)

Aug 04, 2011

Hi Michelle
by: Anonymous

First; No, you and none of your concerns sound stupid. We've all been there-women and men (even if the men don't like to admit it or none of us remember being there-we all have been!)
As you downshift, the bike will adjust and will make noises-yes. Sometimes, if you downshift too soon like before letting off your accelerator a bit to slow down naturally and then start downshifting...your bike will *clunk,* will make loud noises and likely feel like it's jerking. Remember, you don't want to downshift from going 55mph in 5th gear to suddenly going into 2nd or 3rd gear. If you have time (not an emergency) you definitely want to downshift through each gear as your are slowing down. It's okay to lay off your accelerator clutch before downshifting as well. Say your going through town, traffic is somewhat light and you know the red light in a distance is changing to red-lay off your accelerator clutch to begin slowing down then downshift accordingly to the appropriate gears/speed. I notice a loud clunking particularly when I'm downshifting to 2nd gear then to first as well as even the same loud noise when I'm up-shifting from 1st to 2nd. I'm told this is very common among Honda's so I could probably guess exactly what noise is scaring you. I too thought something was wrong in the beginning of riding my VTX. Once you get more comfortable with riding-more confident, you get a better feel for your bike and you will know by that feel when to shift to what gear etc. It will become automatic for you. Believe me when I tell you that you won't even have to think about it. Good luck getting to that moment! I'm excited for you!
I think the intermediate course is a great thing for you and you should pick up a lot more tips there. If they don't go over something your concerned about or interested in, PLEASE ask them. It's your money you paid to learn and your safety is important. Don't feel stupid by asking. The only time to feel that way (without sounding rude) is when you don't ask, because that could lead to injuries. Keep us posted.
bikermama at bikermamathejourney dot com

Aug 04, 2011

It's starting to make sense now...
by: Michelle

Let me just clarify one thing. So when I downshift a gear and the bike jerks a bit and sounds different, that is it slowing down without the break? In other words that is a normal noise/reaction and I'm not breaking it? :). I'm terribly afraid of doing something wrong and breaking it - which probably sounds stupid.

Like many of the other women on here I'm still new to riding and very nervous. I decided to take another course this weekend if I can still get a spot. Its called the intermediate rider course and it is for people who have passed the first course and gotten their m2 (there is graduated licensing in Ontario) but "have not had much experience driving on the road". I figure they might be able to help me figure out some of this stuff but I still have to manage to get my bike there, intact, Sunday morning. It is probably 30-40 mins away by car so its going to take me much longer on the bike since I'm still terrified to go above 50km/hish. :)

Thanks very much for all of your help on this topic and if any one has anything else to add I really appreciate it.

Aug 03, 2011

Downshifting
by: Anonymous

Bella posted good info on the *when should I*.

I want to add-definitely learn how/when to down shift to slow down and going to a stop. You'll be thankful. I downshift all the time. It saves my hand and my brake when I'm coming to a stop.

Just a little piece of advice; as you downshift-particularly when you know you're coming up to a stop light/sign and you know you're going to likely have to stop (roads your familiar with etc where you *know* your surroundings) PLEASE do yourself and the driver or rider behind you a favor; tap your brake via the hand lever or foot so as to blink your brake light a time or two.

I'm so used to downshifting in my car and everything is on autopilot for me-I don't even think about what I do. But, apparently on the bike, I'd be downshifting, not tapping my brake and the person behind me (whether it was my hubby on his bike, another rider or a car) had no idea I was really slowing down. My first reaction of course was "well they/you need to pay a-damn-ttention." But in reality, we know as riders, NO ONE is paying attention to us! SO- be safe, learn to downshift-you'll love/appreciate it, and remember to tap your brakes so the person behind you *WAKES UP* Good luck and let us know how you do!!

Aug 02, 2011

How to shift gears when lowing down..
by: Bella

That is a good question and the way I usually work it is this way.

If you have 5 gears and you want to down shift:

1) 50 mph slow down to 40 mph and down shift to 4th gear
2) 30 mph down shift to 3rd gear
3) 20 mph down shift to 2nd gear
4) 10 mph down shift to 1st gear

The same applies if you want to speed up.
Hope this helps you.

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