[anguy079]

What I learned from the msf course was that as I begin to slow down, engage the clutch, apply front+rear brakes, and lower gears appropriately. for example, 1st gear 1-15mph, 2nd gear 15-25, 3rd gear 25-35, 4th gear 35-40 or so and so on. and once I reach the speed I want to go at, switch to that gear and release clutch.

For example say I'm on the freeway at 70mph and there's traffic ahead, so I release throttle, engage clutch, apply brakes, drop gears to about 3rd/4th gear, once speed is around 30-40mph depending on traffic, and release clutch?

Or if I'm coming to a red light, I usually release throttle, pull clutch in, apply both brakes till I come to a stop, then drop gear to first.

Am I doing it wrong? Whats the best way?

 

[P House]

If approaching a stop just pull the brakes and nothing else. At 10 MPH pull the clutch and slowly click through the gears to first or neutral while coming to a stop. If neutral then let the clutch out and take a rest.

If interstate traffic is slowing from 70 MPH to 55 MPH then just slow. At 55 MPH, if the tach is low, go down a gear.

There's no need to downshift during braking unless there is something to get clear-of at first opportunity.

But it's relatively easy and reasonable to keep the RPM in the lower range of the powerband when the bike is just changing speeds. Unless coming to a stop or involved in emergency braking, there's an RPM number not to dip under.

 

[arobk]

Being in the right gear can save you if need to go faster to get out of a bad spot. Breaks first if stopping is important,but there are some times that getting out of the way is the better choice.So being in the right gear can be very helpful,

 

[rrages]

Or if I'm coming to a red light, I usually release throttle, pull clutch in, apply both brakes till I come to a stop, then drop gear to first.

Coasting to a stop is always wrong. You should be in the appropriate gear for your speed.

 

[Top]

Anguy,

i wouldn't be coasting on the freeway if everyone is breaking ahead.

Last thing you want is to be in the wrong gear and have to react quickly to someone either rear ending/cutting you off

 

[jsherm01]

You should pretty much always change down gears as you slow down. Blip the throttle to match engine speed to lower gear is good practice as well. Besides, it is fun!

If you wait until you are stopped to change down to first you might have problems because the transmission gears are not moving. You really don't want to be in neutral at a stop. You might want to leave plenty of room in front of you and watch your mirrors for the cager that's about to tag you in the rear. If you are in neutral you lose time getting back in gear to escape. If you left no room in front of you to escape then you get sandwiched.

Not good!

 

[DeicidE]

I usually downshift 2 or so gears before I start braking. When downshifting I give it just a little throttle just to catch the revs and downshift instead of blipping and it feels smoother to me I dunno maybe it's easier bc im new to riding.

 

[TheoR]

If you've just taken the MSF, it might take a bit of time to get the gear shifting to be second nature, but you should always match gear to your speed.

Next time you have a chance, be in 4th gear or 5th gear, and down shift one to slow down (for this exercise, don't use brakes). Make sure when you're doing this, don't let go of the clutch abruptly. Gently let it out.

As you get comfortable with controls, it will be pretty much second nature to downshift as you're braking. As you get better, you'll also blip your throttle a bit to match revs.

On the red light scenario you mentioned, you'll not want to coast to a stop, then shift into first. Bike's gear shift better when moving, so you'll discover sometimes that it'll be very difficult to shift into 1st once you're stopped.

Have fun and be safe.

 

[TX_Dj]

Brakes first, gear changes second.

Always be in a gear that has you no more than one downshift away from the power band.

 

[EmptySet]

What I actually do:

Short distance (not going to make it through a red light and scared of cameras): clutch in and stays in, brakes on firm, go down through gears gradually coming to a stop in 1st gear. Shifting gradually keeps you in or around the "right" gear in case you need it. Don't go all the way to 1st while you're still going at 40mph.

Medium to long distance (seeing light turn yellow from far away): brakes on gently, shifting down one gear at at time and coming to a stop in 1st while rev matching.

Blipping the throttle means to match engine speed when downshifting. When you pull in clutch and shift down, you rev (blip) the throttle quickly to get the engine speed a little higher so the bike doesn't lurch.

Checking behind for the car that rear end you? Most people tell you to do it. Most people don't usually do it. How well can you judge a car's speed by looking at it from the mirror? But it is the "proper" thing to do after all...so do it!

 

[cbrlocal]

Agreed with Emptyset. I was taught in the MSF and through experience to pull the clutch in while applying gradual pressure on BOTH brakes, and downshifting at the appropriate speed. That way you're in the gear you need to be in if you need to get back on the gas, and you just give it some throttle and ease out the clutch. I usually don't coast down in gear unless someone is braking in front of me and I'm free of traffic and don't want to downshift. But one thing is to ALWAYS stop in 1st gear so you can GTFO when someone doesn't stop behind you or you need to move.

If you forget to downshift when slowing, while at a stop, just put down pressure on the shifter and ease the clutch out a tad. It will pop into the lower gear. Do that until you're in first. Or you can rock the bike, but I found it easier to just use the clutch.