Yes, when coming to a complete stop on a motorcycle, it is generally recommended to downshift through the gears. Downshifting allows you to match the appropriate gear with the speed of the motorcycle, making it easier to accelerate smoothly when you start moving again.
Here's a general guideline for downshifting when coming to a stop on a motorcycle:
- As you begin to slow down, start by gently applying the brakes to reduce speed gradually.
- While still in motion, pull in the clutch lever to disengage the engine from the transmission.
- Start downshifting through the gears one at a time, matching the speed of the motorcycle with the appropriate gear. Typically, you would downshift from the highest gear to neutral, then shift down sequentially through the gears (e.g., 5th to 4th, 4th to 3rd, and so on) as you slow down. However, the exact shifting pattern can vary depending on the motorcycle's design.
- Aim to be in first gear when you come to a complete stop. This ensures that you can easily accelerate without needing to shift down while starting from a standstill.
- Once you're in first gear and fully stopped, you can keep the clutch engaged (lever released) and remain in gear, ready to accelerate when needed.
Downshifting while slowing down helps maintain better control over the motorcycle, keeps the engine in its optimal RPM range for better responsiveness, and allows for a smoother transition back to acceleration when you're ready to move again. It also helps prevent stalling the engine by being in the appropriate gear for the speed at which you're operating the motorcycle.