The ultimate riding experience: How mastering gear shifting can take your riding to the next level
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by Damien Heenan
2 min reading time
Are you ready to unleash the full potential of your bike's performance and dominate the road? Then mastering the art of upshifting and downshifting is a must!
Upshifting is all about increasing the gear ratio, allowing the engine generate more power to the tires. But how do you know when to shift? Most modern bikes have rev limiters that prevent you from over-revving the engine but redlining for each shift is not recommended. To achieve the best fuel economy, shift early and often while operating at small throttle openings. Pay attention to the RPM decrease between shifts, as long as the next upshift doesn't drop the RPM in the next gear below idle, you're good to go. For the ultimate power and fastest times, upshift at your bike's horsepower peak.
Downshifting, on the other hand, is about adjusting your engine's RPM to make more power or slowing down. Instead of using the brakes to slow down, anticipate the gear you'll need for an upcoming curve and downshift as you're breaking. This technique can also be used to increase power on straightaways. But sometimes it pays not to shift at all, like on a long uphill or downhill in the dirt. As the legendary motorcycle journalist Kevin Cameron said, "When the bike quits lunging forward, it's time to shift down."
To master these techniques, it's essential to know your bike's limits and understand the mechanics of the transmission and drivetrain. This knowledge can be acquired through practice, experience, and studying the technical specifications of your bike. So, push your limits, and practice on a closed course or racetrack to experience the full potential of your bike's performance. But remember to always practice safe riding habits and obey traffic laws.
In summary, Upshifting and Downshifting are not just about changing gears, it's about understanding the mechanics of your bike and using the right gear at the right time to maximize performance and control on the road. It's a skill that can be honed through practice, knowledge, and experience, leading to an exhilarating riding experience.
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