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Is it possible to lock up my rear wheel when down shifting?

I ask because earlier today I down shifted too far I believe, and when I let out the clutch I heard a sound that was like I locked up one of my wheels.

I was only doing 15 mph so as soon as I heard the "screeeeech" I pulled the clutch in and pressed on my rear brake to slow myself down.

Yes. It's especially easy if the pavement is wet. Slow down or match rpm when down shifting.

Yes it is possible. I use to do it quite a lot on my old SRX 250.

It's one of the best ways to get the rear end out on a corner. I'm too afraid (too smart?) to try it though

If you kind of snap the throttle to speed up the engine as you down shift you should have better luck plus it is not so hard on the bike.

If you're running the engine at a high RPM in a certain gear and then downshift then you'll run the risk of making the rear wheel lock up temporarily.

I've done this countless times and I've learned how to make the most of it. I would never do it when the pavement is wet though.

Some sport bikes have a clutch that won't let the back tire lock up when downshifting at a high RPM... a slipper clutch I think it's called.

Thanks for the information everyone

I'll watch my RPMs more that's for sure!

JC Viper wrote:I've done this countless times and I've learned how to make the most of it.

You learned how to make the most of it but never learned how to rev match?

Just let out the clutch slower when downshifting. Everything will be smoother and your rear tire won't lock up.

I have this same dilema on my bike. I don't like the way engine braking feels though so I practiced matching engine speed while down shifting. I still mess up now and then, but its fun learning to master something new