Downshift to first for turn?

[NCRonB]

I just passed the MSF BRC this past weekend and got my endorsement yesterday. It sure was mentally and physically draining, but lots of fun. It was wet most of the weekend and rained on us a few times, but that helped my confidence once I saw what could be done in the rain. I had problems with a choppy throttle at low speeds and a tranny that didn't like to go into first. It was a Suzuki GZ250; I couldn't stand the position of the foot controls, but I managed. My Ninja 500R is ready to go, but I'm waiting on some gear and my wife is waiting for the life insurance to kick in.

One problem I had was downshifting into first before making a tight turn. I didn't think the turn was that tight, but the exercise called for it, so I did it. The problem was that first seemed way too low. I never downshift into first in my car, even in really tight turns, unless I'm basically stopped.

Is it common to downshift into first to make tight turns (e.g., a U-turn at a light or a 90-deg right onto a side street), or should I be able to stick to second and use the clutch/throttle to keep from stalling?

Thanks.

[ZooTech]

I can't speak for your particular bike, but I don't usually drop below 2nd gear on a rolling turn. Do what feels right for your particular bike.

[brbolin]

In our MSF class, it wasn't wet or anything, but 95% of our tasks were done in 2nd gear. Mainly to keep it "smooth". The throttle in 1st gear and be rather jumpy with the slightest adjustment. In 2nd, it's not nearly as bad.
If the instructors saw someone having trouble with a certain task, they'd recommend trying it in 2nd; and once that was done the person usually had no further problems.
Personally, I agree with ZooTech...don't go below 2nd gear on a rolling turn.

[cb360]

I take some turns in first... but that's usually from a dead stop. Most rolling turns I use second as well.

[DJGroove]

I think it's one of those things that is probably good to do as a beginner; but as you develop good control in the friction zone, you might want to keep it in second.

Personally, I only shift to 1st when coming to a complete stop.

[DivideOverflow]

I usually keep it in second unless I come to a full stop.

[ronboskz650sr]

I vote second.

[shane-o]

I actually dont use 1st much.

even stopped at lights ill take off in 2nd.

only exception is if ive stopped on the side of an incline, then ill kick off in 1st.


not sure about you guys but i can ride around at about 10kmh in 2nd before she wants to think about stalling.

[NCRonB]

Thanks for all of your responses.

I guess they just want you to practice downshifting before the turn. It seems a third to second would be a better exercise, but one can only do so much on a small range.

[Wizzard]

From a standing stop I use 1st gear , from rolling turns it all depends on how fast I am going that determines which gear I am going to use . Just as long as I have the power I need when I twist the wick .
Regards, Wizzard