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shifting question?
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ecsp1985
New User
| Posts: 4
| Joined: 10/05
Posted: 12/25/05
01:25 PM
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When downshifting before a corner is it better to shift through the gears one by one? Or is it better to blip the throttle and shift to the gear that you need? Some times when I downshift before a corner it feels like I don’t get enough engine braking, and the front end feels light. I ride a ninja 250, and I am wondering if this is caused by the weak front shook. Would the way I downshift affect the feel on the front end? Thanks for your help?
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Posted: 12/27/05
11:51 AM
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Downshifting several gears in one shot won't hurt the bike, or you, if done properly. But this is a skill best learned over time and practice. For general street use, down shift one gear at a time. Save the heroics for the race track.
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Trevitt
Administrator
| Posts: 295
| Joined: 11/99
Posted: 12/27/05
02:40 PM
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Here is a riding tip about downshifting:
Braking and Downshifting
Most people blip the throttle, downshifting one gear at a time.
How much front and how much rear brake are you using?
AT
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Posted: 12/27/05
07:41 PM
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Quote:
When downshifting before a corner is it better to shift through the gears one by one?
Like others have said, one at a time is better. When you get more skilled, you can do a couple at a time if you like.
Quote:
Or is it better to blip the throttle and shift to the gear that you need?
Yep, blip the throtle when down shifting. You want to match engine speed to road speed for what ever gear you are shifting to. Too much throtle, and the bike will lurch or surge forward. That might explain the light front end... Not enough throtle, and the rear tire will try to spin the motor faster, and the nose of the bike will dive. And if rpms drop to say idle, you could skid the rear tire.... Ideally, you want it to be a smooth transition. Expecially on a softly sprung bike like your 250.
Quote:
Some times when I downshift before a corner it feels like I don’t get enough engine braking, and the front end feels light.
Not enough engine braking? Can you give and example of a gear/rpm you are shifting from? If you downshift much below 4k rpm or so on the 250, you aren't going to get much engine braking. And are you releasing the clutch fully when you downshift into the next gear? I can't think of a reason why the front would feel light durring downshifting. Usually a light front end is the result of too much throtle, like when accelerating or pulling a wheelie. 
Quote:
I ride a ninja 250, and I am wondering if this is caused by the weak front shook. Would the way I downshift affect the feel on the front end? Thanks for your help?
What year? Nice ride by the way. I rode one of those for years... Fond memories of it anyway. Yes, the way you downshift has an effect on the 250. Like you've noticed, it is softly sprung at both ends. Has a nice ride to it around town or on the highway, but if you are not smooth it is easy to get it to pitch around. Not real confidence inspiring....
Hope I was helpfull....
Chris
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ecsp1985
New User
| Posts: 4
| Joined: 10/05
Posted: 12/27/05
08:14 PM
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Thanks for your help, and sorry for my late response. Work kept me away from my comp. I think my downshifting is the problem. When i downshift i use all four fingers on the clutch and brake levers. It makes blipping the throttle difficult but its what I was tuaght in my msf course so thats why I was using it. Im going to try using two fingers and see if that makes it easier to downshift. I really dont think that the front end is all that light. Ive only been riding for 3 months so i think im just scared that the front is light and wants to fall. Its probably just a confidence issue. Also to answer your question i try to use both brakes evenly usually. Thanks for the help.
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RePete
New User
| Posts: 46
| Joined: 12/05
Posted: 12/28/05
09:31 PM
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Congratulations. Excellent choice of bike. That little Ninja can teach you a lot. Some old fart described a shifting drill in a post entitled games in the technique forum. You would need to make some modifications to suit your 250, but you may find it a worthwhile way to wear out the toe of your boot.
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