Downshifting technique?

Message

#11 Unread post by **Sev** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:33 pm

Comparing my 599 to my LS650 I'd say they're about the same, it's not a LOT of it, but it's enough, I have a habit of starting to slow early. I'd rather pull up to a red light at 10 and hold up the person behind me a little then come in a little fast and have to emergency brake.

scan · #12 Unread post by **scan** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 2:11 am

Sevulturus wrote:Comparing my 599 to my LS650 I'd say they're about the same, it's not a LOT of it, but it's enough, I have a habit of starting to slow early. I'd rather pull up to a red light at 10 and hold up the person behind me a little then come in a little fast and have to emergency brake.

I whole heartedly agree with this idea. I think the best thing you can always do is anticipate. So a little contrary to what I said, 9 our of 10 times I end up doing basically what you said, more than rev-matching. My bike also has very good engine braking characteristics.

macdaddy · #13 Unread post by **macdaddy** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:24 am

I guess the part I'm having trouble with is applying the front brake while revving the engine before letting out the clutch. That's what I do in the car when I'm coming in hard to a corner - I assume that's what you do on a bike. When I see the sport bikes on track, they certainly don't sound like they're getting off the brakes before letting out the clutch. Or do I have it wrong, and you do have to get off the brake before letting the clutch out?

scan · #14 Unread post by **scan** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:44 am

I may be wrong, but that's some advanced track related thinking your doing there. If you take some track classes, or pick-up some of the books on track technique you might get a better idea. Racing up to the corner and trying to downshift, while braking, and such isn't something you should attempt on the street. If you are talking about the track, I think you can open this up on the exprerienced rider forum and we have some track trained guys here.

macdaddy · #15 Unread post by **macdaddy** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:10 am

Thanks for the responses, folks. I suspect our esteemed moderator is right - I'll take my question to the track junkies and check out some of the track technique books. As an old guy on a Bonnie, I felt a little silly trying to hang with that crowd, but maybe an old dog can learn some new tricks, eh?

#16 Unread post by **Sev** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:41 am

I was sort of under the impression that you did one or the other. Using the front brake significantly reduces the load on the rear tire, which essentially minimizes the application of engine braking. I've done a little trail breaking coming up to a corner, but even then I mostly don't use the brakes, unless I'm going for top speed. In which case I actually just pull in the clutch downshift once or twice (two quick taps) and brake. When it's time to accelerate again I'll get back on the gas and slip the clutch to match the engine revs.

earwig · #17 Unread post by **earwig** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 5:15 pm

If I remember correctly it came natural to me... as you slow down just start down shifting and let the clutch out slowly, before you know it you won't even be thinking about it.