Mastering the art of cornering on a motorcycle requires precision and finesse. One crucial aspect of cornering technique that often gets overlooked is the proper use of gears. Making the right gear change can mean the difference between a smooth turn and a potentially dangerous situation.
In this article, we will explore the dos and don’ts of gear changes while cornering. By understanding the principles behind gear selection and timing, riders can improve their cornering skills and enhance their overall riding experience.
From downshifting before entering a corner to avoiding sudden gear changes mid-turn, we will cover everything you need to know to optimize your cornering performance. So, buckle up and get ready to fine-tune your gear change technique for smooth and safe cornering!
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the dos and don’ts of gear changes during cornering, it’s important to understand the basics of how your motorcycle operates. The gearbox is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, allowing you to control your speed and acceleration. Each gear provides a different ratio of engine speed to wheel speed, with lower gears offering higher torque and higher gears providing higher top speeds.
Clutch Control
One key component of gear changes is the clutch, which allows you to disengage the engine from the wheels temporarily. By pulling in the clutch lever, you can smoothly shift gears without causing unnecessary strain on the transmission. Understanding how to use the clutch effectively is crucial for mastering gear changes during cornering.
Throttle Management
Another important factor in gear changes is throttle control. Proper throttle management ensures smooth acceleration and deceleration, helping you maintain control of your motorcycle through corners. Remember to modulate the throttle smoothly to prevent sudden jerks or loss of traction.
Choosing the Right Gear
Do:
1. Shift down before entering a corner to maintain control and stability.
2. Use your bike’s gear indicator to determine the appropriate gear for the speed and RPMs.
3. Anticipate the corner’s radius and adjust your gears accordingly to maintain the right speed.
Don’t:
1. Wait until you’re in the middle of a corner to shift gears, as this can cause loss of traction and control.
2. Shift too aggressively or abruptly, as this can upset the balance of the bike and lead to a dangerous situation.
3. Forget to downshift when coming out of the corner to ensure smooth acceleration and power delivery.
| Gear Selection Tips: |
|---|
| 1. Keep the revs high in lower gears for faster acceleration. |
| 2. Shift up to higher gears for cruising at a steady speed on straight roads. |
| 3. Experiment with different gears in practice sessions to find the optimal gear for different corners. |
Smooth Gear Change Execution
1. Anticipate the corner ahead and begin to slow down smoothly.
2. Use your clutch to disengage the current gear as you approach the corner.
3. Shift down to the appropriate gear for the corner while still maintaining control of the bike.
4. Rev match to ensure a smooth transition between gears and prevent any jerking.
5. Once you have exited the corner, gradually accelerate and shift up through the gears as needed.
6. Practice smooth gear changes in different cornering scenarios to improve your technique.
Avoiding Over-Revving
Over-revving your motorcycle during cornering can lead to loss of traction, loss of control, and potential accidents. Follow these dos and don’ts to avoid over-revving:
Dos:
- Shift to a lower gear before entering a corner to ensure you are in the appropriate gear for the speed.
- Keep an eye on your RPM gauge to prevent over-revving the engine.
- Practice smooth and gradual throttle control to avoid sudden bursts of speed that can cause over-revving.
Don’ts:
- Avoid downshifting aggressively in the middle of a turn, as this can cause over-revving and destabilize your bike.
- Avoid holding the throttle wide open while cornering, as this can lead to over-revving and loss of control.
- Avoid revving the engine too high for an extended period, as this can cause damage to the engine and reduce its lifespan.
Matching Gear to Speed
Do:
Always match your gear to your speed when approaching a corner. This will ensure that you have optimal control and stability throughout the turn.
Don’t:
Avoid shifting gears too quickly or too late when entering a corner. This can lead to loss of traction and control, increasing the risk of accidents. Make sure to anticipate the corner and select the appropriate gear beforehand.
Braking Before Cornering
Do: Start braking in a straight line before entering the turn. Gradually apply the brakes to slow down while keeping the bike stable and under control.
Don’t: Slam on the brakes while leaning into the corner. This can cause the bike to lose traction and lead to a potential low-side crash.
Do: Release the brakes smoothly as you begin to lean into the corner. This will help transfer weight to the front tire and improve grip on the road.
Don’t: Release the brakes abruptly while in the middle of the turn. This can unsettle the bike and make it harder to maintain a smooth line.
Do: Practice proper braking technique before cornering to improve your overall control and confidence when navigating twisty roads.
Downshifting Techniques
When approaching a corner, it is important to downshift smoothly to maintain control of your vehicle and optimize your speed. Here are some dos and don’ts of downshifting techniques:
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Anticipate the corner and downshift early | Downshift abruptly at the last minute |
| Rev match when downshifting to avoid jerky transitions | Forget to release the throttle when downshifting |
| Downshift to a gear that will give you optimal power coming out of the corner | Downshift to too low of a gear, causing the engine to bog down |
| Practice downshifting on straight roads before attempting it in corners | Rely solely on braking to slow down before a corner |
Rev Matching
Rev matching is a technique used during downshifting to match the engine speed with the wheel speed, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition between gears. This can help prevent jerky movements and reduce wear on the transmission components.
To rev match, simply blip the throttle while pressing the clutch to bring the engine speed up before engaging the lower gear. This should be done quickly and smoothly to maintain control of the vehicle and keep the momentum through the corner.
Proper rev matching requires practice and a good understanding of your vehicle’s gear ratios and engine characteristics. With time and experience, you’ll be able to master this technique and improve your overall cornering performance.
Avoiding Gear Change Mistakes
When it comes to cornering, gear changes are crucial for maintaining control and keeping your speed. However, many riders make common mistakes that can affect their performance. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you avoid gear change mistakes:
Do:
- Anticipate the corner ahead and choose the appropriate gear before entering it.
- Smoothly rev match when downshifting to avoid jerky transitions that can destabilize the bike.
- Use the clutch to disengage the transmission when shifting gears to reduce wear and tear on the components.
- Practice proper body positioning to maintain balance and control through the corner.
Don’t:
- Wait until the last moment to shift gears, as this can disrupt your line and cause instability in the corner.
- Force the shift lever if it doesn’t engage smoothly, as this can damage the transmission and lead to costly repairs.
- Forget to check your gear indicator or tachometer to ensure you are in the right gear for the speed and corner angle.
- Neglect proper maintenance of your bike, including regular oil changes and inspections of the transmission system.
Practice and Consistency
Consistent practice is key to mastering the art of cornering. The more you practice, the better you will become at understanding your bike’s capabilities and how to maneuver it effectively through corners.
Repetitive Practice
Repetitive practice will help you develop muscle memory and improve your timing when it comes to gear changes while cornering. Repetition will also help you build confidence in your abilities.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to cornering. Make sure to practice regularly and focus on perfecting your technique to become a more skilled rider.
Getting Professional Guidance
Seeking guidance from experienced riders is crucial for improving your cornering technique. Look for opportunities to ride with skilled motorcyclists who can provide valuable insights and tips.
Enrolling in a professional riding course is another great way to receive expert guidance. These courses offer structured training programs designed to enhance your skills and safety on the road.
Consulting with a motorcycle racing coach can also be beneficial if you want to take your cornering skills to the next level. These coaches can provide personalized instruction and feedback to help you refine your technique.