QuestionLike cars, when u get to the fifth gear, and you want to slow down to a stop, u can shift to neutral instead on downshifting. I want to know if I am able to shift to neutral with a motorcycle if I am in fifth gear if I want to slow down to a stop?
AnswerHi Jesus
Yes, like cars, there is a method of shifting from a higher gear back down to first or neutral; unlike cars, you can't just flick the bike gear change lever out of gear into neutral.
The method is call "block gear changing".
(1) On the approach to the place where you wish to slow down or stop, you use your brakes to slow the bike down. Brakes are for slowing vehicles, not gears! It's cheaper to replace brake pads than gear boxes.
(2) As you slow down and are close to stopping, but before there is any possibility of stalling the engine, pull in the clutch lever and positively push the gear change lever through all the gears - one at a time, but without releasing the clutch in between gears.
(3) If you are re-engaging in a gear that is considerably lower than you were in, be prepared to "blip the throttle" to match engine speed to the road speed of the rear wheel, thus avoiding any forward lurching when letting out the clutch again. This requires practice, but is very rewarding to a smooth ride once you get it right.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need further explanation. Consider doing the riding quiz in my website on this and other advanced riding topics.
Regards
Alec
www.alecgore.com
