How to Match Rev Downshift a Motorcycle
How to Match Rev Downshift a Motorcycle
Downshifting a motorcycle can be accomplished in several ways. First, you can simply pop it down a gear without using the clutch by putting a little pressure on the shifter and closing the throttle. This method is not particularly recommended as it is hard on the bike. Second, you can pull the clutch in, select the next gear, then let the clutch out slowly to smooth the transition. Perhaps the best method, though, is the matched rev downshift method described below.
Things You Should Know
  • Use your index and middle fingers to brake while keeping your ring and pinky fingers on the throttle.
  • Pull in the clutch and select the next gear.
  • Still holding the clutch in, use the palm of your hand and/or your ring and pinky fingers to rev the engine slightly.
  • Let the clutch back out to engage the next gear.

You will have to be used to using the front brake with only one or two fingers in order to downshift this way. It is best to use your index and middle fingers to brake while keeping your ring and pinky fingers on the throttle.

After you begin braking, pull in the clutch and select the next gear like you would normally.

Here is the tricky part. Still holding the clutch in, use the palm of your hand and/or your ring and pinky fingers to rev the engine slightly.

Remember to keep braking smoothly with your index and middle fingers.

When the engine is revved up slightly, let the clutch back out to engage the next gear. The goal here is to match the revolutions of the engine to what they need to be to travel the same speed in the lower gear. This smooths the transition between gears and eliminates the need to slip the clutch quite as much.

If the bike jerks forward when you let the clutch out the engine was turning too fast. Don't rev it as much next time.

If the bike rapidly slows, the engine wasn't turning fast enough so you need to rev it more before releasing the clutch.

Repeat each time you shift down a gear. This technique is especially useful in the lower gears, which generally have a wider gap between gear ratios.

Finished.

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