downshifting question
Joined: Jun 2005
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RE: downshifting question
ORIGINAL: ikhoudvanu199
also, ive noticed something in my own riding experience...when im driving my car...a front wheel drive vehicle with four wheels on the ground, since most of the braking force is applied to the front wheels when using the brakes...downshifting is easily and smoothly accomplished almost completely in conjuction with braking
but, when driving a rear wheel drive 2 wheeled motorcycle...most of the braking should be done with the front brake...but when downshifting and using the engine as a brake, an almost uncrontrolable amount of braking force is applied to the rear wheel
now, since downshifting becomes a habit...just like any other habit you have while driving...in an emergency situation(in this case quick stopping)...downshifting is just instinct, i just do it very quickly in my car...i tried that once in my bike...bad idea...its so hard to control the amount of brake going to the rear wheel, especially when emergency stopping, that i dont think its a good idea to engine brake by downshifting at all, as its a very bad idea when in an emergency situation
also, ive noticed something in my own riding experience...when im driving my car...a front wheel drive vehicle with four wheels on the ground, since most of the braking force is applied to the front wheels when using the brakes...downshifting is easily and smoothly accomplished almost completely in conjuction with braking
but, when driving a rear wheel drive 2 wheeled motorcycle...most of the braking should be done with the front brake...but when downshifting and using the engine as a brake, an almost uncrontrolable amount of braking force is applied to the rear wheel
now, since downshifting becomes a habit...just like any other habit you have while driving...in an emergency situation(in this case quick stopping)...downshifting is just instinct, i just do it very quickly in my car...i tried that once in my bike...bad idea...its so hard to control the amount of brake going to the rear wheel, especially when emergency stopping, that i dont think its a good idea to engine brake by downshifting at all, as its a very bad idea when in an emergency situation
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Prince George's County, MD
RE: downshifting question
I think I understand what he means. Downshifting is instict for me as well, heck I don't even remember doing it most of the time and blip with every one. However, when I had an "Oh Sh--" moment, and needed hard braking, I came to a complete stop and then had to downshift from 4th to 1st. I suppose this can be trained too, but you'd have to purposely put yourself in panic mode to train that.
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RE: downshifting question
Just so its been said: I wouldn't recommend downshifting more than one gear at a time. Even blipping the throttle probably won't help keep the rear tire from chattering if you move down more than one gear at a time.
Also, if you are in a panic stop situation, where you have to come to a complete stop, who cares if your bike stalls because you forgot to switch down gears. Every time you pull the clutch in, you are in neutral and not benefitting from any engine braking. When I have to panic stop, the only two things I'm thinking about is how much more I can use the rear break before it lets go, and where should I point my bike to avoid a collision.
Also, if you are in a panic stop situation, where you have to come to a complete stop, who cares if your bike stalls because you forgot to switch down gears. Every time you pull the clutch in, you are in neutral and not benefitting from any engine braking. When I have to panic stop, the only two things I'm thinking about is how much more I can use the rear break before it lets go, and where should I point my bike to avoid a collision.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: TN
RE: downshifting question
ORIGINAL: lifties
Just so its been said: I wouldn't recommend downshifting more than one gear at a time. Even blipping the throttle probably won't help keep the rear tire from chattering if you move down more than one gear at a time.
Also, if you are in a panic stop situation, where you have to come to a complete stop, who cares if your bike stalls because you forgot to switch down gears. Every time you pull the clutch in, you are in neutral and not benefitting from any engine braking. When I have to panic stop, the only two things I'm thinking about is how much more I can use the rear break before it lets go, and where should I point my bike to avoid a collision.
Just so its been said: I wouldn't recommend downshifting more than one gear at a time. Even blipping the throttle probably won't help keep the rear tire from chattering if you move down more than one gear at a time.
Also, if you are in a panic stop situation, where you have to come to a complete stop, who cares if your bike stalls because you forgot to switch down gears. Every time you pull the clutch in, you are in neutral and not benefitting from any engine braking. When I have to panic stop, the only two things I'm thinking about is how much more I can use the rear break before it lets go, and where should I point my bike to avoid a collision.
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