Proper way to stop at stop signs/red lights?

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Lynart

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Is it better to just clutch in, downshift to 1 and slow down, or shift down as you slow down and come to a stop?

Obviously this isn't for slowing down and not stopping.
 
Lynart said:
Is it better to just clutch in, downshift to 1 and slow down, or shift down as you slow down and come to a stop?

Obviously this isn't for slowing down and not stopping.
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I really dont think it matters so long as you are in first when you stop.
 
You should always down-shift as you are slowing down, so gear is appropriate for the speed even though you are clutch-in.
First: if there's some kind of emergency and you need to get moving/out of the way quick, you just release the clutch and go.
Second: transmission doesn't like shifting into too-low of a gear while moving (you can always hear it whine if you drop into 2nd/1st at speed)... and there's simply no need for it.
 
Lynart said:
Is it better to just clutch in, downshift to 1 and slow down, or shift down as you slow down and come to a stop?
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I was taught, both in a manual transmission car and on a bike, to downshift as you go, mainly so that you're in the 'correct' gear for your speed if you have to maneuver suddenly.
 
I just reread this. I thought the OP was referring to engaging each gear before stopping. Sorry long day

I normally clutch in and then gear down based on the speed I'm going, arriving at first as I stop. The other posters are correct, you dont want to be going 60 km in first with the clutch in and have to make an emergency get away.
 
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i do both. Depends on how fast i need to stop. But regardles clutch in or out in proper gear to move.
 
The best way to stop is by using your brakes and then putting your feet down when the bike is no longer moving.

It's not science, man.
 
Am I getting this right? You guys all pull the clutch in and click down through the gears, but never actually engage each gear?
 
mmmnaked said:
The best way to stop is by using your brakes and then putting your feet down when the bike is no longer moving.

It's not science, man.
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Inproper way of doing things leads to damage, this includes exercise, racing, driving, and many other things. I do not want to damage my bike from doing something that is not recommended (like wheelies).
 
Lynart said:
Inproper way of doing things leads to damage, this includes exercise, racing, driving, and many other things. I do not want to damage my bike from doing something that is not recommended (like wheelies).
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Unless you stop by slamming your bike into the back of a truck, you're not gonna damage anything and there is no "proper" way to do it. The proper way is whatever the situation warrants.

Just ride.
 
172Driver said:
Am I getting this right? You guys all pull the clutch in and click down through the gears, but never actually engage each gear?
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I engage the gears if I have a long stopping distance. But, with regards to my first post, I don't think it matters too much whether you do or not.
 
During a normal stop, I'll downshift all the way to first, rev-matching and engaging each gear.
Helps to slow the bike along with the brakes (very useful for older bikes with drum brakes).
If you match the revs correctly, there is no increased wear on the clutch.
Also insures you are in the correct gear should you need to maneuver as was already said.

During a panic stop though, I just pull in the clutch and hit the brakes.

I've been practicing downshifting while staying on the front brake, and trying to make it smooth.
Should help at the track, rather then downshifting first and then braking.
 
172Driver said:
Am I getting this right? You guys all pull the clutch in and click down through the gears, but never actually engage each gear?
Click to expand...

Depends on how fast I need to slow down. If I have enough time, I'll engage most or all gears on the way down. If I'm stopping faster, I'll click down through the gears without bothering to engage the clutch. (In the car it's a bit easier 'cos you can skip gears :)
 
adv_round said:
You should always down-shift as you are slowing down, so gear is appropriate for the speed even though you are clutch-in.
First: if there's some kind of emergency and you need to get moving/out of the way quick, you just release the clutch and go.
Second: transmission doesn't like shifting into too-low of a gear while moving (you can always hear it whine if you drop into 2nd/1st at speed)... and there's simply no need for it.
Click to expand...

So far Im gonna listen to this guy because

A. He gave reasons and put some amount of logic into it.
B. I have the whine he is talking about.


mmmnaked said:
Unless you stop by slamming your bike into the back of a truck, you're not gonna damage anything and there is no "proper" way to do it. The proper way is whatever the situation warrants.

Just ride.
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And this, is not how you write a thesis.
 
You could do the random like mmmnaked and eventually lock you back brake or use a logical method.

If you're in a hurry to brake worry about squeezing both levers first and then shifting gears if you make the stop.
As you get better you will know which gear to be in as you slow. You can also smoothly slip the clutch as you get better.
 
If you find yourself randomly and unwittingly locking either of your brakes, you're a crappy rider. I suggest immediately removing yourself from the internet and getting some actual seat time on your motorcycle. You're not gonna learn to ride a bike on the internet. Best of luck.
 
Go for a ride or something, stop messing with the new people. It was a logical and relevant question.
 
My answer is logical and relevant too. If he gets into a sticky situation and has to think about what people on GTAM told him to do instead of just trusting his instinct, he's screwed.

The reality is that there is no "improper" way to come to a stop at a red light for a new rider. Row through the gears individually, or click through them directly to 1st, or just pull in the clutch and brake. It all works and none of the options are gonna "damage" his bike. Newbs tend to overanalyze simple things and they burden themselves with trying to learn how to ride by asking questions on an internet forum instead of just getting out there and getting comfortable on their bikes.

Some situations will require him to get on his brakes hard and fast, and if he's under the impression that he has to row through the gears because someone on GTAM told him its the "proper thing to do" he may not fare well.
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