Help with changing down gears

[ginguar]

Hello all. I am going to sound stupid here but I am having trouble with changing down gears and am too embarassed to ask my motorcycle instructor Dad. My problem is that I am unsure what to do when coming to a stop. If this already has a thread for it please point me in the right direction.

The problem I have is that I am unsure what to do when coming to a stop at for example traffic lights. I am going along in 4th gear and see that the lights have changed. I have a tendancy to ease off the throttle, start braking then get to a stop. At that point I bloke change down to 1st gear. I am pretty sure (although correct me if I am wrong) that I shouldn't be doing this as it doesn't feel right.

Should I be changing down to third then riding in third for a few seconds then down to second riding in second for a short while and so on until I stop. This seems like a lot to be doing in the time it takes to stop.

Anyways any helps would be much appreciated. I know I may sound stupid but I would rather ask than ride like idiot for the rest of my days.

[carvell]

You should always have the gear you are in match your speed.

So yes, when you are slowing down for traffic lights you should gradually change down as you get slower and slower - this also helps you slow down because of engine braking.

Bear in mind that you should only change down to second, change to first when you are at a standstill.
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Yamaha TDM 850

[ginguar]

Thanks very much for your help, it's nice to clear that up. I guess I will have to go out there and practice.

[JonB]

I have a query about gears, when at traffic lights is it best to be stopped in first gear or put back into neutral?
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[carvell]

If you know you're going to wait ages then I'd stick it in neutral so I can free up my hands for a bit.

Usually I'll just sit there with the clutch in though.
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Yamaha TDM 850

[White Noise]

[Barker-CBR 600]

Matching gear to speed is the most important thing, long as you got that right then you dont gotta think about what gear your in.

It depends on your bike somewhat as well, on larger bikes with a wider range of speeds for gears then changing straight down doesnt matter hugely long as the speeds right.

What you gotta avoid is the
'change down'
*Buzz engine braking making you uncomfortably pushed forward*
Wait for it to stop
'change down'
*Buzz engine braking making you uncomfortably pushed forward*

Which is common if you not going slow enough for the change down.


As for first gear, on alot of bikes (125's especially) its far too jumpy/harsh to use except when pulling off. Changing down into it and you get harsh amounts of engine braking. Trying to drive along in it and you end up 'jumping' forward and back trying to keep a low speed. 2nd can handle pretty much all low speeds (and pulling off if it really must) on 125's so it is the best 'town gear'.


Sitting at the lights it makes little difference whether your in neutral or with clutch in.

However remember its preferred that you have your LEFT foot on the ground (whether people agree is another matter, the CBT teaches that). So if you leave it in first with the clutch in you can avoid the 'hop' as you change feet shift from neutral to first then switch feet.

So unless your waiting ages or really need both hands, leave clutch in.
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[ginguar]

Excellent cheers for the help.

[Craggles]

[Krs]

Is is this in the test training:up: