Yes! Smooth downshifts

[marioc]

So I feel like I have taken a major step with my riding.
Previously my downshifting had been very clunky and slow,not allowing me to set up for the corner properly.
I had thought perhaps this was standard issue with a Suzuki
The problem was I was just jamming the lever down way way too hard where in actual fact all it takes is a feather touch.
I was amazed at the difference,my shifts are now non clunky and smooth,which makes for me a massive difference when setting up for a corner.
So for anyone out there who might be having a similar issue,ease up on that gear lever you might be suprised.

[sugilite:Me]

All the funs in the learning, well done, keep at it

[scracha]

All the funs in the learning, well done, keep at it

I defy anyone to manage a smooth downshift with a 748 slipper clutch.

[delusionz]

Not the case on my bike.

You have to make a definite click otherwise you wind up in neutral or half way between gears which catches on soon after and makes a thud -- you shouldn't be able to click past the next gear with a single click.

Although every bike is different and there isn't really a "one size fits all" method. You should ride the bike how it wants to be ridden, it'll always let you know when you're doing something wrong.


PS. Love your Soarer and Hummer

[Elise]

Not the case on my bike.

You have to make a definite click otherwise you wind up in neutral or half way between gears which catches on soon after and makes a thud -- you shouldn't be able to click past the next gear with a single click.

is that a kawasaki thing? my bike is that same,have lost count at how many times ive put it in second and its slipped back into neutral again

[johan]

Good to hear! Remeber that when you shift gear, you are basically trying to synconize slow spinning gears in the gearbox with fast spinning gears. The clutch makes this transition smoother. A great way to help the gears to syncronize is to 'blip' the throttle. Just rev the engine a wee bit while clutched and before you shift down, and things will go even smoother. This will soon become a second nature as you practise it.
You can also blip the throttle to prevent the rear to lock up due to engine breaking.
Study race footage on the web trying to see the timing of the gear lever foot, throttle hand and the clutch hand, as the riders come into the corners. Impressive!
Good luck!

See how they twist the throttle (great race to watch btw):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRuZa...eature=related

A more casual example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb7dxrTAyb0

[delusionz]

is that a kawasaki thing? my bike is that same,have lost count at how many times ive put it in second and its slipped back into neutral again

Our motors and gearboxes are identical so this would apply to you. As for it being a Kawasaki thing I'm not too sure on that one, The only other Kawasaki I've ridden is an old ZXR which felt loose and had no positive neutral finder (If it did it was worn out and barely working) So I'd be clicking thru 1-2 about 3 or 4 times at the lights trying to find neutral only to just settle for holding the clutch in, but I didn't manage to miss gears while moving (probably being used to giving it a hard click).

[marioc]

hehe cheers not my Hummer but it was very cool all the same

[discotex]

is that a kawasaki thing? my bike is that same,have lost count at how many times ive put it in second and its slipped back into neutral again

My ZXR250 was chronic for popping back to N after a 1->2 change at high revs. To be fair to the bike I'm pretty sure I was rushing the change so it didn't get to mesh properly.

Was told to try keeping the pressure on the gear lever until you've let go of the clutch. I.e. clutch in -> gear lever up -> clutch out while holding lever up -> release pressure and let the gear lever go back to centre position.

Worked a charm. Never had a problem after that. Turns out I can actually change gears faster that way anyway.

[sugilite:Me]

I defy anyone to manage a smooth downshift with a 748 slipper clutch.

Cool, thanks for the offer of the ride on your bike!!! I'll take you up on your challenge the next time I'm in your neck of the woods! Scratcha, Scatcha where are youuuuuu?

[skidMark]

I defy anyone to manage a smooth downshift with a 748 slipper clutch.

Why would the slipper clutch be a problem?

Learn to ride newb.

[DMNTD:Me]

I defy anyone to manage a smooth downshift with a 748 slipper clutch.

Yep....giz a go!
You still want to take my SD-R around the Loop?

[bart]

I could never find third on my old kwaka (ZXR750). Fist full of neutral at 10000 rpm used to be quite embarrassing when overtaking.

[skidMark]

Yep....giz a go!
You still want to take my SD-R around the Loop?

If he says no and you really need somebody to take it you know....

[scracha]

Yep....giz a go!
You still want to take my SD-R around the Loop?

Yeah..but I couldn't raise ya on the phone this morning....bah.

The Duc definately doesn't like my normal Jap "blip throttle, downshift (sometimes a few at a time in racing) and let clutch out slowly" technique. Much happier just doing downshift and basically dumping out the clutch. Feels very alien to me after years of Jap metal.

Maybe SkidMark could teach me...I mean...it has USD forks so it'll be cool enough for him to give me the learn?