The Importance of Proper Gear Shifting in Motorcycles
Understanding the nuances of downshifting is fundamental for any motorcycle rider, especially when approaching stops. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely tour on the highway or navigating through city traffic, mastering this technique can significantly enhance your riding experience.
Downshifting during Stopping: Key Points to Consider
When a motorcycle comes to a stop, the clutch must be disengaged, but this process is smoother and more accurate if you downshift while gradually reducing speed. If you fail to downshift, achieving neutral gear or first gear can be considerably more difficult. For instance, on my Harley, the manual recommends against downshifting during motion entirely. This practice is particularly important when approaching an exit on the highway. Failing to downshift can result in a higher risk of stalling the engine, as the motorcycle may start in a gear incompatible with sudden acceleration.
The Role of Engine Braking
During the deceleration phase, engine braking becomes crucial. By downshifting, you can control your speed more effectively, reducing the need to heavily rely on the brakes. For a smooth stop, gradually reducing the engine's RPM as you decelerate can help maintain control and prevent lock-up of the brakes, which could enhance braking efficiency.
Engaging First Gear after Stopping
Stopping from a higher gear can pose challenges. When the motorcycle is stationary, the gear shifter only allows sequential engagement, meaning you must manually shift through each gear one by one to reach first gear. If you do not downshift before stopping, your motorcycle might begin in a higher gear, making it harder to restart and potentially causing the engine to stall.
Practical Tips for Effective Downshifting
Given that the gear shifter engages in a fixed sequence (1-2-3-4-5-6 and 6-5-4-3-2-1), downshifting when the rear wheel is not turning is particularly cumbersome. To overcome this, you might need to wiggle the bike to allow the rear wheel to rotate just enough to engage the next lower gear. This maneuver is awkward and can sometimes feel humiliating, particularly if you are watched by others.
Emergency Situations and Muscle Memory
Beyond regular stops and starts, downshifting can also be critical in emergency situations, especially for large trucks. However, for most motorcycle riders, like myself, the back brake is the go-to mechanism for gradual deceleration during normal riding. The back brake serves as a primary control, while the muscle memory of using maximum braking power in emergencies is non-negotiable.
Comparison with Car Driving
While the mechanics of downshifting a car and a motorcycle share some similarities, there are distinct differences. For example, a car driver can downshift from a high gear to first with relative ease when approaching a stop sign. On a motorcycle, this process is much more time-consuming and challenging since the transmission gears must first engage the rear wheel. The difficulty of shifting is particularly pronounced when the motorcycle is stationary and the rear wheel is not turning.
Understanding these distinctions and practicing proper downshifting techniques can significantly improve your riding skills, ensuring smooth stops and starts and promoting safer riding overall.