Riding Style Question

Why is there no option for braking and changing down simultaneously? When I'm braking in a planned rather than an E-stop situation I would be dropping gears as the speed dictates with the clutch let out between individual gears. Meeting the requirement to be in the correct gear for road speed at all times which the Highway Code required when I passed my tests. Obviously I'd modulate the brakes (yes the rear brake does work on a bike) as more engine braking was available.
I may be tempted 'block shift' if seriously track riding but don't see the point on the road.

Originally Posted by merlin427

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I may be tempted 'block shift' if seriously track riding but don't see the point on the road.

Well I presume it could increase the life of your clutch/clutch cable? and would help avoid hand fatigue? If I've not ridden for a while I change up without the clutch too to stop my hand getting sore.

What helped me learn the 'blip' technique was this bit of advice:

1. Apply brake (smooth, getting firmer) using 1st and 2nd fingers only (and maybe 3rd).
2. Pull clutch.
3. Drop 1 gear. At the same time, having 2 (or 1) fingers off the brake allows you to 'roll' your palm on the throttle whilst keeping a firm grip on the brake lever. (This is the 'blip').
4. Just as the revs start to drop back down smoothly release the clutch.
5. As soon as the clutch is back out, repeat! (At no point do you ease up on the brake).

Becomes 2nd nature in next to no time. I guess proper technique would involve the rear brake at some point, I tend only to use mine for slow speed maneuvering.

[QUOTE=merlin427;2122106]Why is there no option for braking and changing down simultaneously? [QUOTE]

.....cos it was a gear changing question. There was an understanding that you knew I would mean you would continue to brake if it warrants it.

I was trying to keep the poll short and to the point as per instructions

[punyXpress]

Why blip the throttle at all?
Keep it SLIGHTLY open & you can change down as the road speed falls to meet the revs you have on for the next lower gear.

[punyXpress]

[QUOTE=Amanda;2122209][QUOTE=merlin427;2122106]Why is there no option for braking and changing down simultaneously?

.....cos it was a gear changing question. There was an understanding that you knew I would mean you would continue to brake if it warrants it.

I was trying to keep the poll short and to the point as per instructions

You're right of course, Amanda but blokes NEVER read instructions!

[ophic]

Originally Posted by punyXpress

Why blip the throttle at all?
Keep it SLIGHTLY open & you can change down as the road speed falls to meet the revs you have on for the next lower gear.

cos if you're on the brakes, slowing down, you don't want the throttle open.

[yorkie_chris]

That can have an advantage if you want to kill the engine braking, but anyone who knew that would not ask this question

Originally Posted by ArtyLady

Well I presume it could increase the life of your clutch/clutch cable? and would help avoid hand fatigue? If I've not ridden for a while I change up without the clutch too to stop my hand getting sore.

But ir you're that cost concious why not slow right down look/think ahead and never use the brakes ('cos they cost money, minimise tyre wear AND the clutch cable) and of course only accelerate slowly to minimise engine wear and fuel use.

Why only after a lay off? I only ever use the clutch when changing up if I'm going slowly and changing from first to second.

Originally Posted by ArtyLady

Well I presume it could increase the life of your clutch/clutch cable? and would help avoid hand fatigue? If I've not ridden for a while I change up without the clutch too to stop my hand getting sore.

It would be better to at least use half clutch pull to avoid banging the gearbox around.

Cheers