Home > categories > Automotive & Motorcycle > Motorcycle Brakes > Motorcycle brake/shifting question?
Question:

Motorcycle brake/shifting question?

I'm riding my motorcycle on 5th gear, then the light turns red all of a sudden and I have no time to change gears.Can I just apply the brakes without downshifting? or will it ruin the bike.

Answer:

Lights do not change “all of a sudden”, they are entirely predictable, but yes you can brake without downshifting but you will need to apply the clutch. I see little benefit in being able to pull away if you think you are going to be hit from behind, unless you can be certain that you won't get t-boned by a driver legally obeying their own green light.
The thing you need to do is downshift into second and let the engine slow you down, you will then be able to accelerate thru the turn in second gear. You should probably get into a motorcycle rider class before you go riding in the city, these are often offered through a larger motorcycle dealership. Remember, you, as the rider, must drive for everyone else on the road, as you have the most to lose in a wreck with another vehicle. Do yourself a favor and stay away from other traffic while learning to ride.
No it will not cause any harm to the bike, as long as you keep it upright on the rubber. When you you get an unexpected red, WHY was it unexpected? Had you been watching it green for several seconds, and it suddenly changed to blue or purple or some odd color? Maybe you need to slow down at intersections? If you get an unexpected color tomorrow just grab the clutch lever and lean on the brakes! You may be able to downshift a couple of gears, but be careful you don't cause the rear tire to lock up and low side your bike at the light. Didn't they tell you how to do that in your Basic Riders Course?
Pull in the clutch and brake. then shift down. You might have to let the clutch out just a little other wise the gears wont shift. So it would be like this Clutch - brake down gear, down gear, clutch (half way) down gear, down gear, clutch (half way) neutral === Motorcycle gears are different from car gears. They WON'T shift unless the internals are spinning. That is why you let the clutch out a little and then press it back to shift more gears. Good Luck...
Pull the clutch in and apply the brakes, worry about shifting after your safely stopped.

Share to: