[Guideon72]

Is it good/bad/depends to be shifting (up) while IN a turn? I find myself doing it periodically when I went into the turn on the high range of my current gear and I want to pull out of the turn strong. So far it hasn't been an issue for my bike but I'm curious if this is something that could cause me problems in the future if I make it a habit or do it at higher than normal speeds?

:bluemc:
-G

 

[Guideon72]

That's sort of what I was looking for, thanks! It's not anything I do 'consciously', but one of those "I just noticed I was doing that" sort of things. Most often happens when coming up on a light, corner, etc where I'm gearing down because of traffic ahead of me and then traffic moving through better than I expected...that being the reason for being in a lower gear than needed for the turn. When I'm actually out on the "open" road I haven't had an issue with being in the right gear for turn....at least not yet. :tt:

Just trying to avoid developing habits that result in "shiny side down"

:bluemc:
-G

 

[bumblebee]

this looks like a question that would be best answered by Twisty or Jack...let's see if they can agree on it... :lol:

 

[tjar66]

I have always heard that it is a no no. Sometimes its unavoidable and I just use caution and try to be a smooth on the throttle as possible.

 

[DLIT]

I think it depends on what type of turn it is. If it's a mellow turn then I'll shift. If it's tight I'll downshift before I enter the turn so I have plenty for when I exit. I don't know if this is right but that's what I've been doing.

 

[No Worries]

I assume you are talking very tight turns. I like down-shifting before I get into the turn. Because I want to concentrate on the road surface, if anyone is in my lane, if I can really gun it, or if I have to brake hard. On tight uphill or downhill curves around here, you have to countersteer before the turn, turn the handlebar while in the slowest part, and not fall over or cross the double yellow. You don't want to be in the wrong gear. Plus, I like the feel and sound of putting the engine, transmission, wheels and curve in harmony.

 

[Mudpuppy]

Two thoughts to consider.

1st as your are changing gears and let up on the trottle it will change the weight bias back to the front. Putting more weight on the front tire with a smaller contact patch. May protentially contribute to a front end slide or tuck. Depends on where in the turn, how much of a lean angle and at what speed.

2nd when you get back on the gas in the next gear, depending on which gear it is the extra torque could contribute to a slide action on the rear tire. This rear slide may catch you by surprise and make you chop the trottle and could end in a highside. Again, depends on where, amount of lean, speed, and how much trottle you grab.

One thing to try could be going into the corner with the higher gear. If you are at the upper end of the lower gear before you exit you should still be in the power band of the higher gear at the beginning. This stuff is best practicede and sorted out on the track. The implications with oncoming traffic is bad if things go qrong. :2cents:

Well said.. I agree.. BAD things.. Shifting and braking in a turn is not a good idear, especially at higher speeds, etc. You might get away with it at a lower speed but it is a bad habit to develop especially when you become a more proficient rider and start taking turns faster, etc. and everything changes.. Then you end up dumping it and wondering WTF just happened as you are now a more skilled rider, or at least you think you are.. Practice good habits always because what you do consisently is what you will revert to in a panic situation where there is no time to think or react and can save your ass - I can attest to that time and time again..

 

[Gas Man]

Shifting up wouldn't be nearly as bad as down shifting!!! DUH!

 

[Mudpuppy]

Shifting up wouldn't be nearly as bad as down shifting!!! DUH!

No but I have heard a million times that you find your gear before the turn and then take the turn with ZERO distraction, etc. so you can focus on where you need to go, etc. and for what F4I was talking about..

 

[jeeps84]

No but I have heard a million times that you find your gear before the turn and then take the turn with ZERO distraction, etc. so you can focus on where you need to go, etc. and for what F4I was talking about..

:withstupi It is bad.
Don't get in the habit.
Like said earlier, it mostly depends on speed and lean angle for the danger factor.
Up shifts are cool if you stay smooth.
Down shift are a no no.
If you find your self in a turn to slow, oh well.
Just remember it next time and go faster if you like.
The road isn't a race track so why worry about exit speed. :2cents:

 

[Guideon72]

See...This is why I think :twfrox:

It helps to have specific reasons why something is or isn't such a good idea to help me remember not to do them rather than just thinking "hmm, this might be bad but I'm not sure why"...

Thanks for all the input folks!

- No, I don't DOWNSHIFT in a turn
- This is mainly for square, intersection style right turns
- The only reason I worry about speed coming OUT of the turn in these situations is that her in WA there is almost ALWAYS some self-important prick in an SUV trying to make the light behind me and I try very hard to keep myself out of their way

But, as said, bad habits become BAD reflexes. I'll work on getting rid of this one!

:bluemc:
-G

 

[Gas Man]

"self-important" prick or a-hole... I thought I was the only one to use those words... G you are a alright guy! :thumbs:

 

[SpeedWerks.com]

One thing to try could be going into the corner with the higher gear. If you are at the upper end of the lower gear before you exit you should still be in the power band of the higher gear at the beginning. This stuff is best practicede and sorted out on the track.

This is what we call "short shifting" and comes in very useful on the track. Definitely a good practice depending on the track, your speed, your bike, and the sequence of turns you are trying to negotiate.