Learning to Shift Gears
A few days ago I read a comment from a new BMW owner discussing a problem he was having shifting; sometimes missing second gear. Several comments followed in an attempt to help the guy out, but I found one piece of advice particularly interesting to my situation.
The commentator stated that the BMW tranny shifts better when the motor is allowed to rev at it’s highest rpm’s, then shifted. He stated that there was a unique difference between American riders and their counterparts in Europe when it comes to shifting their motorbikes. Seems the Europeans practice a late shifting technique allowing the rpm’s to increase to their maximum, then quickly pull the clutch lever in approximately 3/4 of an inch only. While the Americans tend to shift more leisurely, and at lower rpm’s, making way for a less smooth, and under powered transition.
Made sense to me! So I have been practicing this more aggressive shifting method and find it very much to my liking. I have been waiting until the last possible moment, then shifting quickly, and with a minimum of clutch movement. I am shocked by the results! The RT is shifting much smoother and the power is greater. Now that I am getting the hang of this European shifting, perhaps I should try my hand with tea and crumpets. Any thoughts?
Tags: BMW
My Yamaha is the same way. You get a much much smoother shift at higher RPMs. Plus, you are shifting into the sweet part of the power curve which makes for strong acceleration. So I wind it up (but not to the maximum) pretty tight before shifting.
PS: I don’t use the clutch accept to downshift or at stops.
I haven’t consciously thought about it for a while but I shift the same way. It is certainly much smoother. I also slightly preload the shifter.
The reason I started it was a statement made a long time ago when I first started the process to become a motor officer. I overhead a comment that a Captain made to a Sergeant.
“I don’t want any pansies here. I need officers capable of controlled aggression. Not like those guys who upshift from first too soon!”
I still think about that all these years later. Strange, isn’t it?
It is amazing the things our minds retain. This lesson in shifting was a good one for me. I shared it with a couple other guys today.
This has nothing to do with shifting but damn that picture header is awesome today!
Ok shifting since I ride scooters this doesn’t apply however I have been having the itch to get a motorcycle. I will go back and take the MSF course again and learn to shift but I really want a Moto Guzzi Norge 1200. So I will bookmark this blog entry for sure!
Magie: That photo was taken w/ my cell phone. I like the m/c peeking around my shoulder. Good luck with your search for a motorcycle.
Great post, great advise. I wonder if this works with a Harley as well.
This reminds me of a post that Lucky from The great motorcycle Pizza tour did.
See the post.
http://pizzacrusade.blogspot.com/2008/03/speed-comes-from-your-left-hand.html