I‘m learning to ride a motorcycle on my own, First gear seems fine. But when i shift to second gear and apply a break, the bike engine stops. And when i apply break in first gear, the bike stops aswell.Do i need to leave the accelerator handle when i press the clutch while gear shifting? and if im riding on 2nd or 3rd or 4th gear, and i need to apply a break, should i break first and then shift down? or first shift down? and do i need to hold the clutch while applying the break? When im on 2nd or 3rd gears, Do i still need to leave accelerator handle before shifting up the gear??and Do i need to release the clutch and accelerate simultaneosly and slowly like in first gear?
1. You pull the clutch in ALL the way, and use both brakes. 2. You can come to a stop in 2nd gear with the clutch pulled in. But it is better practice to come to a stop in 1st, with the clutch in. It is always a good idea to be in the correct gear for the speed you are doing. That way, you have the ability to release the clutch and accelerate quickly, should the vehicle behind you not see you stopping. Also, most transmissions are easier to shift while the bike is still rolling. 3. It depends on the bike, but usually you will be shifting into 2nd before you reach the other side of an intersection. 4. One should never coast through a turn. And slowing down is usually best done before the turn. You will learn to shift up, while accelerating through a curve. Downshifting in a curve can be dangerous. If done too abruptly, you will skid the rear tire. These are not stupid questions. While on the course, remember that there are NO stupid questions. Your safety depends on the answers.
Sign up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginning Rider course. First things first. BRAKE, not break. When you are slowing down at some point you need to pull in the clutch. Otherwise the engine will stall. Yes, when you shift from say first to second gear, you need to roll the throttle forward to reduce power before pulling in the clutch lever before shifting into the next gear. Otherwise the engine will rev high if you don't roll off the throttle when pulling in the clutch. Best to sign up for the MSF course.
There are two methods to braking. Racing method: As you apply the brakes you also down shift at the same time. This leaves the bike in the correct gear as you slow down so that you can accelerate quickly if you have to. As you are braking you will release the clutch after each downshift while still braking. Casual method: As you apply the brakes you hold in the clutch. This allows only the brakes to slow the motorcycle down. After the person comes to a complete stop, they will then down shift while holding in the clutch. The racing method also uses the engine to slow the motorcycle down. Even casual riders will use the racing method of stopping. Just don't be doing 100 mph and downshift all the way down to 1st. The rear wheel will lock up and you will over rev the engine. You have to judge your speed in comparison to the gear you are in. To up shift: Back off the throttle, engage the clutch, change to the next gear, release the clutch and apply the throttle. If you do it smoothly (clutch and throttle) you will barely notice that you changed gears.
