How To Shift

[STUBBORN]

Hi,
Stubborn (down heah), I found a wicked good video on how to shift the Honda Trail 125 (or Honda CT125).
Standing up the bike on the bike lift allows you to practice up and down shifting with the throttle and
the toe and heel controls using the semi auto clutch.

 

[DJ427]

An easy steady pressure works best, no need to kick it

 

[STUBBORN]

Thanks for the insight.

 

[mdr]

For changing down you have to blip the throttle. This video kind of explains it. It's with a Super Cub but the same principle applies.

1. Come off the throttle
2. Downshift with your foot
3. Blip the throttle slightly
4. Before the revs drop release your foot

When going into first you need to blip a bit more.

 

[MisterB]

Maybe I'm doing it wrong. I just downshift when my speed is appropriate. It seems like the rider in the above video is riding like a high-revving sport bike where they never have the tach below 5k.
Brake pads are way easier to replace than engine components so I don't look to the 125 for assistance in normal riding.
Not a flame, just don't want new riders to see this and think they need to ride like a YouTuber.
Trying to balance high revs and new input in the form of "blipping" sucks the fun out of it. (for me)

 

[mdr]

Perhaps not doing it wrong, but there are different ways to do things. You don't have to slow down and then change down all the time. There will be times where the technique is beneficial to some riders. Especially where someone needs to drop a gear (perhaps because of a change in surface grade) but they want to carry the same - or similar - speed.

It's simply rev matching - something that has been around for a long time. Slipper clutches came in to limit the problem of locking the rear etc. It's not just a track thing. Just a blip - not a wrist full of throttle. Rev matching vs revving the nuts off the engine.

I'm not flaming either but I'm not sure what "ride like a YouTuber." means? I don't see YouTube as good nor bad. It's a mixed bag depending on one's attitude. For example there is Max Wrist or MCrider. And DirtBike Lunatic or Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino. Loads more; and loads in-between. Channels can swing from idiots (or showing idiotic behaviour) to insightful.

Rev matching is healthier for engines so blipping is a good thing because... it reduces engine stress; reduces stress on the drivetrain; reduces the chance of locking the rear wheel; it's smoother for the rider (you don't lurch forwards); reduces engine braking (when you don't want it).

Maybe the video isn't the best example but I picked it because it's using a Honda Super Cub on the street and more relatable than a track day video on rev matching but showing the same thing.

 

[MisterB]

Was hoping to convey "ride like this youtuber". I'll be more specific in the future.
He says throughout the video that this is about engine braking but we know the rear tire contributes a small fraction to overall stopping power. A lot of effort for minimal reward.
You're right though, the technique is useful for specific conditions and worth knowing.
Riding around on flat surfaces and using this to rev match so you can engine brake is something I'll leave to HadesOmegaMoto.

edit: figured out the confusion, this guy races so he brings that frame of mind to his videos. His response to a reply regarding the usefulness of this:
"I'm a motorcycle racer so I need to be able to slow the bike down as fast as possible then get it back up to speed. If you rely on your brakes to slow you down your brakes will fade and you will have no more braking power. To slow down faster you need to utilize engine braking. Why do you think vehicles use engine braking going down steep hills so they don't overheat their brakes. What I am showing you is an advanced braking technique so it's probably too advanced for you."

 

[mdr]

To clarify... I'm saying to downshift smoothly you can blip the throttle. As to...

A lot of effort for minimal reward.

...I disagree. What effort is a blip of the throttle? It's nothing and highly rewarding (IMO).

As in my original post...

1. Come off the throttle
2. Downshift with your foot
3. Blip the throttle slightly
4. Before the revs drop release your foot

I posted the video link and said...

This video kind of explains it

To be clear: I'm not endorsing anything else in the video.

 

[dmonkey]

You roll off the throttle to shift up, same level of effort to blip it to shift down. Best to try to rev match on any bike without a CVT, DCT, or quick shifter setup.