Which gear to use when riding a motorcycle downhill?
2 Answers
When riding a motorcycle downhill, it depends on personal experience. For steeper slopes, generally use 1st or 2nd gear, while for gentler slopes, any gear is acceptable as long as you properly engage the clutch and control the brakes to slow down appropriately. Depending on the motorcycle's power and the number of passengers, you can use 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear when going uphill. For downhill riding, 3rd gear or higher is usually sufficient. Operating a motorcycle downhill: When coasting in gear without pulling the clutch, adjust the speed appropriately with the brakes. If the speed decreases slightly, you can choose to accelerate or continue slowing down based on road conditions. If continuing to slow down, always close the throttle and downshift sequentially, avoiding abrupt gear changes. Braking coordination: During long downhill rides, always utilize the engine's braking force in combination with the brakes to allow the motorcycle to coast smoothly. Avoid using the clutch as a gearshift, as this makes the entire operation both dangerous and less smooth.
When going downhill on a motorcycle, I always stick to lower gears, usually 1st or 2nd. Engine braking helps the bike slow down steadily, preventing brake pads from overheating and causing brake failure. If you coast downhill in a high gear or neutral, the speed will keep increasing, forcing you to rely solely on the brakes, which can overload the braking system and potentially lead to complete failure. Once, while descending a winding mountain road, I downshifted to 1st gear in advance. The engine whined but kept the bike under stable control. Don’t worry about the loud noise damaging the engine—keeping it at medium to high RPMs is actually better for the lubrication system. After descending, remember to check the brakes and tires. Stay focused and maintain control when tackling steep slopes.
