How to down shift smoothly

I have just learned how to ride, but I caught on really quick... I am already on the road and I can upshift pretty fast; however, down shifting is a little diffrent in the fact that everytime I down shift the bike slows down dramatically... it's annoying..How do you suppose to make a smooth transition when down shifting, by the way my bike is a 2008 GSX-R 600...????  

are u talking about downshifting coming to a stop or for turns or slower traffic? if your downshifting for turns or traffic open the throttle a little (same motion as upshifting) and that will make for a smoother transition, if your coming to a stop and want to use engine braking to help slow the bike you may be downshifting to early try waiting until rpm's are lower. either way you don't want to downshift to soon as the difference in engine speed and road speed can cause the rear tire to skip or chatter and could wreak you especially going through a turn.

Ride safe and enjoy the ride!!  

A motorcycle slows down way faster than a car when you stop applying throttle.  Add engine breaking in there on the motorcycle, and of course you're going to slow way down.  To have a smooth downshift, you absolutely need to apply throttle as you're releasing the clutch.  It's no different than an upshift.  If you upshift and apply no throttle you're going to slow way down as well.  Just go to a parking lot and practice for a little bit.  You'll probably get the hang of it rather quickly.

P.S.  This is a skill that you need to work on and need to master.  If you ever have to downshift (or upshift for that matter) in a curve and you can't do it smoothly, you're going to meet the asphault because the balance of you're bike will be thrown off and you'll lose traction.  Remember from the MSF course (assuming and hoping you took it since you started on an '08 Gixxer), match engine speed to road speed.  

Today, I was out on my bike and applied throttle as I was downshifting and it worked, I had a somehwhat smooth transition... I think with time I will be able to downshift naturally... I was reading that it's about matchiing rpm's i.e. it your bike is in 3 gear at 4000 rpm's if drop down to third it will go to 5000 rpm's with out throttle...it's about matching...it's hard to explain but I get it...feel free to explain it in your own words, his may serve to educate??? it's coming along...somebody mentioned starting on a gixxer, I love the bike, what would be the difference if I had went with another model...  

Glad you're starting to pick up the downshifting.  It will come with practice.  I mentioned the Gixxer because you're starting on a very powerful super sport motorcycle.  They are not the easiest of bikes to learn on.  They require much more caution and much more practice!  

If you haven't taken the MSF course, I still suggest you do so.  You will learn a great deal.  And don't let your ego get the best of you.  Super sports aren't very forgiving and it's easier to make a mistake than on something will a less hair trigger throttle.  Keep in mind that you're a new rider, you have A LOT to learn.  Don't lose respect for your motorcycle and ride your own ride.  Know your comfort zone and skill level, and DO NOT venture outside of it.  

Thanks, I keep noticing that as time goes on I am get more bold...I try to keep reminding myself that I don't have the skills that I think I have.

Thanks for the safety tips?  

I don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing, so sorry if I came off like that.  I just want you to realize that the super sports demand respect and the second you forget that, it bites you.  I still have to make sure my head is screwed on straight every time I go out on the road.

Just keep practicing your skills, get your head in check and most importantly, have fun and be safe!    

Hi!  I've read a few of your replies, and you seem like a pretty experienced rider, with good advice!  I'm going to work on my downshifting with some of the tips you recommended related to this thread.  It may seem a little off topic, but can you tell me what you think of a Ninja 650R as a starter bike?

Thanks!!