So its been a month since I started riding my motorcycle and I'm excited that I'm making progess on my riding skill.

I do have a couple of questions tho, maybe you pros here can give me some helpful advices

Having had a lot of race track experiences w/ my typeR, I can't help but want to master my shifting skills. I started off clutching w/ 4 fingers but I realized its a lot easier to catch the release point if I clutch w/ 2 fingers, since I tend to pull less inward on the clutch w/ 2 fingers compare to 4 fingers. Well, while trying to get used to this new technique, I grinded my transmission a lot. Will this cause sever damages to the transmission/gearbox? If so, how can I tell my transmission is bad or needs services?

Also, how do I go about mastering braking on a motorcycle? I have a small hand and I found it really hard to pull on the brake while rev-match downshifting. Say you're traveling in 6 gear at 70mph and is coming to a 90 degree turn, how do you go about braking in this situtation? Downshift a gear at a time or 2 or even more? What would you guys suggest I do in mastering the braking and downshifting skill on the motorcycle?

PS> Before ppl started flaming, I do not intend to race on the street, but I do want to be able to ride my bike on the track w/o embrassing myself. =p I believe I would also be alot safer if I can master my shifting and braking skills.

Thanks in advance

 

Up Shifting - Pull in the clutch, shift hard, slowly release the clutch. Make sure your shift is complete before releasing the clutch.

Down Shifting - Same as above, but let the shift lever out slowly (or rev match). For all shifting, be sure to let the clutch out after each shift. Banging three down and letting out the clutch will lead to early tranny failure. If you're braking, save the downshifting and rev-matching for the last third of your braking time.

Braking - You can adjust the lever. It's possible that the angle of the lever makes it hard for you to grab it properly.

Rev Matching - Get a good grasp of braking before attempting this. The hardest part is maintaining equal pressure on the lever while blipping the throttle.

90 degree turn - Brake. Do all your downshifting. Press on the grip in the direction of the turn. Roll on the throttle.

As for embarassing yourself on the track, don't worry about it. You're there to learn. Not to save face.

 

You should always leave at least two of your fingers wrapped around the grips at all times... On both hands. many feel this is harder to feel the brakes and clutch engagement, but you WILL develope the feel after much practice, and this is a VERY necessary skill... I ride around 100% of the time with Brake hand=thumb/ring/pinky around the throttle and the index and middle resting on the brake lever and on the clutch side I use the thumb/pinky/ring on the grip and the index/middle on the clutch. this GREATLY improves control and reaction time. but it does take time to get used to. and many others have there own variation on this grip. getting used to the rev-matching/(actually blipping) takes time... it is a feel, and it can not really be taught, you need time in the saddle. specailly when combined with heavy brakeing... you really need to stay loose, and think(don't think... feel) about both movements as seperate axis being doen at the same time. one being the twist, and the other being linear. practice this by going straight, at speed, then grab a bit of front brake and blipping the throttle, do this until you can control both movements serperately. these motions are important when trying to get jiggy ... after you can control these try it with the tranny syncronization... yes you can go down several gears at once, your tranny will hate you for it, but sometimes it is necessary. but master the downshift/brake tech one gear at a time before trying to get fancy. I always have to shake my head when I see another rider tooling around without a proper grip or trying to brake with all four fingers...accident waiting to happen.

One other thing is I use the clutch as little as possible... I never am sitting at a stop light with the clutch engaged, I hit nuetral right before putting my tippy tioe on the right foot down.. this saves alot on clutch wear, and keeps the CORRECT foot in place in case you need to engage the tranny for a quick getaway. when shifting you really need to 'time" the movement between the tranny engagement throttle blip, and clutch engagement... it is a bit like a ballet... think of it as one movement.. not three indipendent movements. when changing gears my clutch is engaged for micro seconds... not seconds, very quick adn then on to the next gear.

it is very easy to see someone that really knows how to ride by just looking at these simple techniques... just look at a police officer


Modified by MSchu at 3:38 PM 7/6/2005


Modified by MSchu at 3:40 PM 7/6/2005