Question: Down Shifting for Torque
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
Question: Down Shifting for Torque
What is your proper way to down shift to get the RPMs up when passing or playing?
Do you just clutch, down shift and pop the clutch?
Do you clutch, rev motor, then pop the clutch?
Could you explain your methods? I am just curious. I don't have a method, and would like to know what you think the proper method is that is not damaging to the motor and other components.
Thanks.
Do you just clutch, down shift and pop the clutch?
Do you clutch, rev motor, then pop the clutch?
Could you explain your methods? I am just curious. I don't have a method, and would like to know what you think the proper method is that is not damaging to the motor and other components.
Thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,289
Likes: 22
From: Beautiful Downtown Burbank
Pull in the clutch, crack the throttle and downshift at the same time, ease clutch out. The radical deceleration jolt if you dont match RPMs is the fastest way I know of to twist a crank.
Last edited by kk6pg; May 12, 2010 at 02:06 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
From: The Mohawk Trail
The real truth here is for any given speed the engine has to turn faster in each successively lower gear. In other words at 40 MPH the engine will turn X in 4th gear and xx in 3d gear. By cracking the throttle as you down shift from 4th to 3d you are bringing the engine RPMs up to the level they would need to maintain the same speed you are now doing in 4th. This process takes practice to get right and can apply to any standard shift transmission on any vehicle.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
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From: Ogden, UT
The real truth here is for any given speed the engine has to turn faster in each successively lower gear. In other words at 40 MPH the engine will turn X in 4th gear and xx in 3d gear. By cracking the throttle as you down shift from 4th to 3d you are bringing the engine RPMs up to the level they would need to maintain the same speed you are now doing in 4th. This process takes practice to get right and can apply to any standard shift transmission on any vehicle.
Good explanation, and yes it takes a little practice to time it all right and give it the right amount of throttle. And yes, ease the clutch out when downsifting, not like a granny, but don't let it slam either.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
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From: Passaic County, NJ
Really? You're asking how to pass on a motorcycle? My suggestion: MSF course and learn how to ride.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: Ogden, UT
Be nice Vic... I don't think the course really talks about downshifting much and technique. Hell, Ewa says they didn't even tell her about the big paint strips and how slick they get in the rain.