GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Hi-T on March 31, 2004, 01:51:56 PM

Title: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: Hi-T on March 31, 2004, 01:51:56 PM
So I've been trying to improve on key skills- Shifting, braking and turning.  So I'm looking for some reinforcement of what I have learned and I gotta couple Q's-  Who knows- maybe we'll all learn something.

Faster Upshifting: Normal riding-  Preload the shifter by applying pessure with your toe.  Back the throttle off 1/4 to unload the engine and start pulling in on the clutch.  Suddenly you feel a quick, smooth shift with only 1/2 the required clutch- The bike engages faster and therefore smoother since the engine RPMs don;t wind down as much.

During Heavy throttle riding the same can be done but with out the clutch being pulled- preload the shifter, back the throttle off slightly from wide open throttle and bang- shifted.  I READ THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY EASIER ON THE CLUTCH-  is this TRUE????  

Looking through Turns:  I have a new understanding as to why we look though turns- It slows down our perceived speed, gives us better indication of where to start the turn and come out of the turn, etc.  But how far ahead do we actually need to look?  

Take for example a canyon road:  If I can look a head two more curves- should I?  How do I refocus myself if, half way through a corner I come across a pot hole or debris-  I assume that I no longer should look through the turn but focus more on the hazard....  Am  I right/wrong?

Stopping/Braking...  What a cool subject- I'm reading of techniques where you are using both brakes and throttle at the same time to keep the suspension more stable, trail braking, as well as proper braking techniques-  I can feel a definate decrease in my time by simply adjusting my posture on the bike.  What are the benifits- especially on a gs- of upgrading the brake pads and brake lines?  If I can already get the rear wheel to come up, I assume that brakes work... what's going to be the key difference in upgrading?

Sorry for the long post- but thanks for the input.

Dathan
Title: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: gsJack on March 31, 2004, 02:21:30 PM
If ya make the turn or stop successfully, it's called braking.  If ya mess up, it's called breaking.   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Re: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: manofthefield on March 31, 2004, 04:49:56 PM
Quote from: Hi-TDuring Heavy throttle riding the same can be done but with out the clutch being pulled- preload the shifter, back the throttle off slightly from wide open throttle and bang- shifted.  I READ THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY EASIER ON THE CLUTCH-  is this TRUE????  

Yeah, this is great for fast shifts, all you have to do is match the revs for the  next gear.  This is great for the clutch as you don't even use it, but may be a little hard on the gearbox if you don't do it right.  I wonder what the racers have to say, I don't think they use the clutch :dunno:
Title: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: JLKasper on March 31, 2004, 04:53:24 PM
Quote from: gsJackIf ya make the turn or stop successfully, it's called
braking.  If ya mess up, it's called breaking.   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Truer words were never spoke, Jack.  My knee is still sore from Sunday night! :cheers:
Title: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on March 31, 2004, 06:08:08 PM
you might get all sorts of flak for that, but... as long as you dont grind the gears.... ;)  :nana:
Title: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: Gisser on March 31, 2004, 06:46:11 PM
Just use the clutch; the faster the motor is spinning the easier it is to miss a shift and the easier it is to damage the gears.

QuoteLooking through Turns: I have a new understanding as to why we look though turns- It slows down our perceived speed, gives us better indication of where to start the turn and come out of the turn, etc. But how far ahead do we actually need to look?

Look far enough ahead to steer where you look, and near enough ahead to inspect the road surface for potential hazards.  :o

QuoteTake for example a canyon road: If I can look a head two more curves- should I?

One corner at a time. :P

QuoteWhat are the benifits- especially on a gs- of upgrading the brake pads and brake lines?

Feel and modulation.  Gotta make the most of the single front disc.
Title: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: spotswood_suzuki on March 31, 2004, 06:56:32 PM
Don't focus on the hazard.....thats called target fixation and you will go right to the hazard instead of around it. :o  Look where you want to go and the bike will follow! :thumb:

Wayne
Title: Shifting, Turning, breaking
Post by: spotswood_suzuki on March 31, 2004, 06:57:09 PM
Don't focus on the hazard.....thats called target fixation and you will go right to the hazard instead of around it. :o  Look where you want to go and the bike will follow! :thumb:

Wayne