first question:
-while in town and stopping from 35 MPH
do you hold in the clutch and shift down until you're in first and just hold it in until you're stopped, or shift down one at a time, letting the clutch out each time until you get to your stopping point?
second, i rode to work today, and my hair looks like hell....is there any good way to prevent that? haha
happy riding everybody
2007-03-13 01:55:10 · 12 answers · asked by Cindy Markford 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Welcome to the reason you either grow it real long or cut it real short...You can try a bandanna under the helmet, this does help some.
THe term is downshifting and is used to brake the bike instead of just using the brake.
Either way is fine but even in my Pickup. I have yet to replace the front pads and I have 60K on it. I downshift. Just be sure not to downshift too far or you'll do a somersault over the bars.. Real cool for onlookers to laugh ant and talk about, but real painful for you.....
2007-03-13 02:01:26 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ah, helmet hair. I've never tried the bandanna thing, so I don't know about that. I have longer hair cut in layers with bangs, so I have to be careful that the helmet goes on smoothly, or I'd end up with hair going in every direction.
I've found that if I use a bit of product (Rough Paste in my case) that helps it keep its shape, or at least I can fluff it back up when the helmet comes off. Hair spray just makes things worse. But I assume you're a guy so that wouldn't be an issue for you!
Or just wet your hands and run it through your hair once you get where you're going.
And getting a good, simple cut helps too. I don't style my hair too elaborately - I don't want to look like a completely different person before and after the helmet!
2007-03-13 09:17:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For your first question, it is much safer to let the clutch out for each gear that you downshift to. If your hand were to slip off the clutch while traveling at 30-35 and you were in first gear, you could loose control, but definitely over rev the engine.
For the second question, there are many possibilities...cut off your hair, wear a helmet, wear a do-rag or for that matter a baseball cap with the brim to the back to keep it from flying off while riding.
2007-03-13 09:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by auditor4u2007 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When downshifting, I always hold the clutch in until I come to a stop. The only time I let off is if say a red light changes to green and I can accelerate again.
As far as helmet hair, I don't know of any prevention, it is just good to carry some mousse or gel and a brush with you to re-fix after you get there.
2007-03-13 15:57:51 · answer #4 · answered by skh1972 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For braking I usually shift down one gear at a time and let the engine do the braking until I'm almost ready to stop. Then I use the brakes while squeezing the clutch (I'm already in 1st at that time).
Most of the time (and especially if there is a vehicle behind me) I will squeeze the brake too just so the light flashes to warn that I'm slowing.
And I never sit at a stop in neutral. I have this feeling that it's nice to be able to zip away if something develops traffic-wise that's not to my liking.
What I'm discussing here is normal stops. Emergency stops are different...as much of both brakes as the bike can handle in that case.
2007-03-13 12:34:17 · answer #5 · answered by Wyoming Rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for your first question.. depends on what you feel like doing. I usually hold the clutch in and shift down to 1st or whatever gear I want to be in. If you would rather downshift each gear it's up to you... but you'll use up more clutch. Motorcycle clutches last pretty long though.
As for the helmet... try wearing a bandana underneath
2007-03-13 09:11:45 · answer #6 · answered by NY1Krr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Clutch –
I would get into the habit of letting the engine assist in braking and pull in the clutch just prior to stopping. This is the preferred method taught by instructors and a better habit to get into. As long as you stop before the obstruction in front of you I guess you succeeded but try to learn good habits rather than bad.
Hair –
There are worse things than helmet hair…like no hair LOL
I went for the buzz cut myself, just for this reason.
2007-03-13 09:09:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a "do-rag" or helmet liner for the helmet hair. Or just get a shorter haircut for the riding season.
Downshift as you slow down. I just hold the clutch in when I'm at a stop light, others will put it in neutral for the wait.
2007-03-13 09:48:15 · answer #8 · answered by baron_von_party 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when you downshift to a stop u can just hold in the clutch and downshit to first you dont have to let the clutch back out...its like being in nutral so your fine...and helmet hair, thats just almost impossible to prevent unless u gel your hair becuase then it wont go anywhere...have fun riding
2007-03-13 08:59:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Downshifting is fine as long as it is not done too fast/early. You don't want to be running 55mph and drop you bike down to 2nd gear, nor do you want to drop to 1st gear at 35mph. HD recommends the following downshifting guide: from 5th to 4th at 40 mph, 4th to 3rd at 30 mph, 3rd to 2nd at 20 mph, and from 2nd to 1st below 10 mph. By downshifting too fast/early it is possible to snap a belt or even lose control of the bike and over time, downshifting too fast/early can cause transmission problems. However, it is a good way to slow down.
I really can't help you too much with your hair problem other than cutting it short or off.
2007-03-15 01:40:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋