How To Downshift On A Motorcycle

If you are a new chopper owner, it is imperative to learn how to downshift on a motorcycle. The two-wheeled motor vehicle, also known colloquially as the "motorcycle," was first constructed in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. Nowadays, a motorcycle is much more complex than a wooden bicycle with a petroleum motor.

You must have the following before attempting to downshift on a motorcycle:

• A petroleum-powered, single track motorcycle
• Helmet and other protective gear
• Basic motorcycle experience

1. While breaking, pull in the clutch. Try to get used to using the front brake with a couple of fingers rather than a full hand. This way, you will free up your other fingers to downshift the motorcycle.
2. Let go of the gas. Obviously, if you intend to downshift, you will either torch your engine or rev it too high if you keep accelerating. To downshift on a motorcycle you will need to let go of that accelerator, possibly applying a little bit of brake (but don't slam them down either).
3. Go down one gear at a time until the RPMs normalize. Downshifting to first gear at 80 mph will kill your chopper. Take it easy and apply the brakes if necessary. Let go of the gas and downshift one gear until the RPMs are low enough for another.
4. You can engage in "engine braking" if need be. In this case, you would not wait for the RPMs to normalize before downshifting your motorcycle. Instead, simply pull the clutch and downshift two or more gears at time. Because the RPMs will be going high in your cylinders, the motorcycle will begin "braking" or slowing itself down. Just in case you didn't figure it out, this can go wrong. Make sure to not surprise your chopper with a five-gear-downshift.

It isn't that difficult to downshift a motorcycle. Practice makes perfect. Motorcycles are really an art to drive, shift and steer. Not many people get on a motorbike and simply ride away like a pro. It will take time, but eventually downshifting your motorcycle will be as easy as pie.