[zx6rguy]

This is my very first time riding a bike and I am having trouble down shifting. My question is when do you downshift? I can shift up just fine and have the hardest time knowing when and how to shift down. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yes I know I should take the MSF course. I will be taking it in 1.5 weeks. It is just so hard to look at the bike and not get on it.

 

[spuk0]

Can you enlighten about your troubles?? I guess to start, downshift at appropriate RPMs the manual says or soon to ask MSF instructor. I think by being a newbie its just going to take time and feel. You'll have to go by sound and feel, then you'll be able to down shift a gear in higher RPMs as if you are in a race. Try blipping the throttle just before you clutch/downshift but not necessary. I down shift and let those RPMs roar. Usually newbies first have trouble synchronizing the clutch and gas just like in a car.

 

[csoto23]

Do you want to know when to downshift for a stop or just slowing down. Just remember to keep the rpm in the power range in case you have to get moving in a hurry again.

 

[zx6rguy]

slowing down

 

[arturo3rd]

when i took the msf course they said when downshiftin to slow down roll the throttle forward, squeeze the clutch, down shift, slowly eazzzzzeeeeeee out the clutch, and give some gas to keep up the rpms to your desired speed. my advice dont get on the bike and drive aroung your block, cuz youll get pulled over and ticketed like i did, $600 worth. the msf course is fun, especially the last day. thats when you....well youll see.

Vin:"I live my life a 1/4 mile at a time"
Arturo:Hahahahhaha...Why?

 

[zx6rguy]

I don't ride it on the street at all. I have a friend that takes me to a very big empty parking lot where I can do whatever I want not having to worry about other cars. There is no way I can afford to pay any tickets right now.