ashaq54

hi..
since i am a new rider, please help me out. please let me know what do you experts think on that..

i am riding my Yamaha YZF R15 for the last 2 months or so. could you please tell me if it's ok to downshift several gears at a time while slowing down or, i should downshift one gear at a time...?say...i am going at 60kmph@4th and need to take a turn 100 yards ahead..do i need to downshift individually one gear at a time and letting the clutch go everytime
(Like: 4th>gas>downshift>3rd>gas>downshift>2nd>gas>downsh ift>1st)?

Or, can I downshift from 4th to 1st pulling in the clutch, pressing the gear down 3 times and then releasing the clutch (like: Pulling Clutch In>Downshifting 3rd>2nd>1st>Release clutch>gas)? which one is the proper way to shift and is there any negative impact on engine/transmission if i take the second approach (shifting down several gears at a time)?

i know it sounds a bit awkward but, since i am new rider, a lil' bit of suggestion from you will be a great help for me.

looking forward to your feedback.
thanks.

Aryan

Query Approved.

__________________
...in search of that perfect world - My Travel Blog :)

Mik

@Aryan: Your inputs are needed on this !! You are the smoothest rider here getting 55 from a p200 on hill rides

I personally follow the first approach, gradually going down the gears depending on the angle of the turn unless its something i missed spotting (speed breaker, bad road)

spiderweb

While ripping on highways, I follow 2nd way (in a different manner though) for down-shifting & clutchless for up-shifting.

While commuting, I follow exactly opposite...


@Aryan: you get 55 kmpl from a p200 on hill rides?
how come dude

__________________

rachitkohli

AFAIK, Downshifting For slowing down you need to definitely pull clutch, drop a gear & release it.. This will help you break the speeds..!

__________________

..»».. I will rather ride my Bike thinking about God, then sitting in a Temple thinking about my Bike.. »»..

Mumbai - Leh - Mumbai June '09 :On xBHP: Ride With me to Leh

Blog : Mumbai - Leh - Mumbai : 21 Days, 6500kms. Journey to Heaven..June'09

GreatIndianRide - West India on a 110cc for over a month

2nd, Mumbai-Leh-Mumbai : July'11 (blog coming soon)

niks_devil666

downshift - clutch - downshift - clutch

__________________
The Moto Cafe - India's first bike theme cafe @ Chandni Chowk

The Moto Cafe video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XztkK4ej2U

My Youtube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/niksdevil666

dcs

I liked the query!

And yes, anyone is free to kill me if I sound novice!Am no pro either.

Downshifting a gear at a time or couple of them depends hugely on the requirement and the feed from the vehicle.

too much downshift, more than required will lead to wheel lock, too less downshift will lead to knocking sound.

It would be better to downshift one gear each time, so as to get best Fuel efficiency, plus least strain on engine, my belief is, un necessary downshifting might have some adverse effect on lots of engine parts, including the crank and con rod. Many downshifts on the other hand gets a wonderful acceleration ( but at the cost of Fuel efficiency). Also, might get undesired wheel locks, loss of traction.


all cheers

dcs

himanshumm

With my lillte knowledge , it's a better idea to go for depressing (release) clutch evertime when you downshift the gears (the first case of yours) and what many of us follow because:-
1) Will do no harm to engine in first case, while contineous downshifting may get wear of sprocket tooths due to lack of gear ratio (if practising this for long).
2) Reduces chances of wear of gear levers as when you keep on downshifting gears in a speed say 60kmph you may feel the sound as something get stucks & sounds (knocking) as Khat-Khat-Khat with every gear changes
3) This will help you better command over bike in high speed.As It will brake the speed, do not open the throttle when downshifting gears & depressing clutch.
4) Chances of skidding is no or say minimal whereas while downshiting the gears applying brakes may cause a serious skid & chances are really High while cornerning

__________________
The Art of Safe Riding http://www.ridesafewith.me/

************************************
Bikers, Checkout below for complete option from 100 CC-250 CC bike segment available in India.

Buyers Guide- Initiative by Bike Advise

or Checkout

http://**********.s3.amazonaws.com/buyersguide.pdf

venomafiax

awesome query.... i ride a FZs and this is my first bike... i down shift according to the second method as mentioned above... like from 4th @ 70 i slow down with the accelerator and then while its yet on 4th but only at 30 i downshift ___> 3 > 2 and then release clutch on 2nd... .... is this bad please let me know thanks!!!

Makky

Downshifting my way...

If I need to lower my speed(Reason ranging from a turn to a cow saying hello to me), I pull-in the clutch, apply brake/brakes, downshift(Braking and downshifting happen almost simultaneously) to a particular gear which matches the speed and rpm at that point, off from brakes and clutch and there goes the throttle. I frankly don't know whether it's the right way to ride or not but, I am sure that the engine remains free from any strain and wearing. This is what I have been doing from almost a decade. I never go for complete engine braking. That mode is good and useful only for the track!