Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: downshifting harley, harley davidson sportster, msf class

Question
when coming to a 55 to a 45 do i need to downshift or do i just let off the throttle and then speed back up? Also when coming from 5th gear to a stop or a turn when downshifting do i give gas to the throttle when letting off the clutch? I am a new rider i have a Harley Davidson sportster and all the mfs classes are booked till the summer so i would like to get some riding time in, hopefully you can help me

Answer
Whether to downshift or not from 55 to 45 depends on the bike. Your goal with gear selection is to match engine speed to road speed. You want to keep the rpms in a range where you have plenty of torque.

When downshifting, yes, you should open the throttle slightly whenever for normal downshifts.

I recommend you pick up the book "How to Ride a Motorcycle." If you can't get into an MSF class anytime soon, it will definitely help get you started safely.

Good luck!

Pat