Should i shift gears?

Question

I have a 1998 GSXR 750, when im riding. Should i downshift into a turn, and also, should i always downshift when i slow down, even if im going to speed up immediately after

Answer 1

I like curious answer. Makes me want to go curve killin!

Answer 2

Uh you got a tach????

Answer 3

You need to down shift if you want instantaneous response from your motor.  If you are not going to pass someone in a redhot second, then don't down shift.  It will take a measurable amount of time to get the engine into the power band where all the happy little Horses live. You could down shift a couple of gears if you really want that Gixxer to be like greased lightning in passing situations.

Answer 4

try it then you'll know everyone must find their own way of riding

Answer 5

Upshift or downshift, whatever you have to do to be EXITING the corner at the bottom of your bikes powerband, probably around 7-8000rpm (not sure about what RPM, do some research on your specific bikes make/model/year).  You don't always need to downshift when you slow down, but if you want the maximum amount of power at your disposal when you accelerate, it is wise to downshift into a gear that keeps the revs around the bottom of the powerband.  That way when you accelerate out of the corner, you will have the maximum power available, and thus you're exit speed will be faster.  Experienced riders will "blip" the throttle as they downshift and pop the clutch to match the lower gears RPM's with the throttle, thus making the downshifting transition smooth which in turn maximizes engine braking while minimizing traction loss.  Practice makes perfect.  good luck.  Don't kill yourself.

Answer 6

yeah downshift before and shift up after the turn

Answer 7

i never downshift.brakes are cheaper then engines

Answer 8

Learn the bike!  Determine where the power falls of as you slow down, where it pick up as you accelerate.  You  always want to go into a turn with the bike running at a RPM where it will pull out with no hesitation.  Same way when slowing down, have the engine turning where it can accelerate when called on.  When riding, in traffic, or curves,always have the bike in the lowest gear needed to keep the RPM in the power band. You have to determine this, on your bike, with your skill level.  No one can give you exact rpm to use, that is for you to determine, it is part of being a skilled rider.  

Tomcotexas.