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for Patti - shifting



 Dear Patti;
	
        If pre-loading makes all the difference for you, it's an
indication you're rolling off the throttle too far when upshifting.
Why?...because when you pre-load, the shift takes place as soon as
you start to roll-off the throttle and pull in the clutch (sometimes
even before the clutch lever gets past it's free-play) and before the
revs have had time to drop very far. When you don't pre-load, the
revs have dropped further at the time you try to make the shift take
place. That's why pre-loading is such a good habit to form.

        The point of the exercise is to try to roll the throttle off
TO THE POSITION that will provide the desired RPM at that speed in
the new gear. Most riders use too much throttle movement when
shifting, both up and down. If you go to a track day, like the CLASS
School or some such, ride behind one of the instructors for a couple
laps. When the fear subsides enough to open your eyes, watch his
right hand when shifting; the movements are barely perceptible.

        On a straight road at a steady speed at 3-4000 RPM in top
gear, do a quick downshift fanning the clutch but WITHOUT MOVING the
throttle. After your speed stabilizes do another, STILL without
moving the throttle; then another, and again another. You will end up
at a slower speed than you started and a higher RPM, but it will give
you a sense of how little it takes to make a smooth shift. 

                          Most important,... have fun;

        
              - - - o%\o   (the motorcyclist formerly known as
Dogood)

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