learned something new today ....

Message

tanitatt · #1 Unread post by **tanitatt** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 4:30 am

Easy off the throttle ....

I nearly took a spill today because when getting ready to brake at a stop sign, I simply snapped off the throttle. Apparently the engine drag on a motorcycle is an order of magnitude higher than what I am used to in my manual shift car. I was nearly thrown from my bike ... I guess it's better to learn these newbish things early on.

Thomas

Fathertork · Wed Feb 28, 2007 4:33 am

What make and model

Philo · #3 Unread post by **Philo** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 4:42 am

I can roll off the throttle on my cruiser and use engine braking to slow down. On a high compression engine rolling off the throttle too quickly can result in a rear wheel lock-up and a nasty situation. Another reason newbies (like myself) shouldn't start out on a high compression sport bike.

tanitatt · #4 Unread post by **tanitatt** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 4:56 am

I ride a 250 ninja ... I think I was probably in too low of a gear for the speed I was going as well, so that might have added to the problem. Still trying to get a feel for the bike. When I drive my car I rely on engine noise and acceleration to cue my shifting ... still trying get just as aquainted to my bike.

Thomas

Sev · #5 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:38 am

Pull in the clutch and release the throttle at the same time.

tanitatt · #6 Unread post by **tanitatt** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:10 am

I'm just so used to being able to come off the gas without touching the clutch in my car.

If you want to come of the gas, regardless if you intend to stop or not, do you always disengage the clutch? I think I just need to get a better feel for being in the right gear ... matching gear to road speed is much more important on a bike than a car is the lesson I'm taking away from this.

Thomas

Ian522 · #7 Unread post by **Ian522** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:52 am

I use engine braking all the time, but you should remember to tap your brakes as well, so the person behind you will see your brake light and notice you are slowing down.

You probably were in too low a gear, or you let the clutch out too abruptly which could have caused a sharp "jerk" motion.

Sev · #8 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:45 pm

Did you blip the throttle prior to releasing the clutch?

m1a1dvr · #9 Unread post by **m1a1dvr** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:36 pm

I can chop the throttle and the wheel keeps spinning. It does engine brake pretty hard when I do that though. Just take your time and give it alittle clutch you will be just fine.

intotherain · Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:52 pm

m1a1dvr wrote:I can chop the throttle and the wheel keeps spinning. It does engine brake pretty hard when I do that though. Just take your time and give it alittle clutch you will be just fine.

yeah your right.

you can still let go of the throttle and be fine as long as you use your clutch. Ive had similar experiences on my bike, (mine is under 20HP) so I cant even imagine what it's like on a real sport bike..

when you down shifting, pull your clutch in, shift down, then slowly let your clutch out for a much smoother slow down.

for me, to make it even smoother,
I do this: clutch in, shift down, then put clutch to friction point as I give more throttle, then you can almost have a seamless down shift.

When I began I used to just let it go and have some painful experiences having my rear wheel jerk like hell when down shifting.