5 Tips For Downshifting On A Motorcycle

By: Daniel Parrish

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Do you need 5 tips for downshifting on a motorcycle? Here, we're going to give you some tips that will help keep you safe and tell you the easiest and smoothest ways to downshift on a motorcycle. Please be sure to follow our tips carefully as they will prevent injuries and accidents.

Use the matched rev downshift method. This is perhaps the easiest way to downshift on a motorcycle. The matched rev downshift method is the best way to downshift on a motorcycle because it doesn't do too much to the motorcycle and it's also a very smooth way to downshift. Basically, what you're doing is breaking slightly to decrease speed. Then, pull the clutch back and select your next gear. Then, rev your engine slightly before letting go of the clutch.
Practice. When practicing any method of downshifting, make sure you practice. Once you start to get used to downshifting, you'll be doing it on the go without even thinking. Remember, practice makes perfect.
Practice safely. Make sure that you're in an empty lot or an empty road to practice. If you're new to downshifting and you're practicing in a crowded area, you could do something wrong and potentially cause accidents. Practice in a safe area with no one nearby. However, this doesn't mean that you should go out in the middle of nowhere because, if you do, then you might get into an accident with no one to help you. Again, just find an empty lot or road to practice on. Also, don't practice any motorcycle techniques while turning. You may cause the motorcycle to jerk while shifting and throw yourself out of balance. This, in turn, will probably cause accidents. It's best to practice while in a strait with a reasonable amount of open space. Try not to practice in tight areas.
If you're a beginner at biking, then don't try anything too risky. When learning to brake, brake with two fingers to have more control. Once you are more experienced, try tackling downshifting. However, don't try anything too risky.
Experiment. Find out when it's a good time to downshift. Find out when you're going too fast for a smooth downshift. Mainly, play around with your bike to see what works for you.