Understanding Gear Skipping in Motorcycles: Myths and Facts

As a seasoned motorcyclist who has ridden various models with different transmissions, I've often heard the debate about whether gear skipping is harmful to the motorcycle. This article aims to provide clarity on the topic, especially concerning the common misconception that skipping gears can damage your motorcycle.

Sequential Gearbox: A Primer

Motorcycles generally come with sequential gearboxes, not automatic ones. Unlike cars, where you can shift to a higher or lower gear mid-gear without engaging the clutch, motorcycles follow a strict sequence of gear steps. This is why the term 'block changing' is often used to describe the process of downshifting or upshifting through multiple gears without lifting the clutch.

Myth: Skipping Gears Can Damage Your Motorcycle

The notion that skipping gears, especially when downshifting, can damage a motorcycle is a common misconception. Motorcycles are designed to handle a variety of driving conditions, and their transmissions are built to withstand different levels of stress.

When you downshift, the throttle is used to manage the power, and you typically decelerate using the brakes. The clutch is only necessary to change gears, so while you might decelerate to a certain speed, the gear changing process involves a sequence rather than a skip.

Practical Examples of Gear Skipping

Here are some practical examples of how you can change gears more efficiently:

Reduction in Speed

When approaching a slow corner or coming to a complete stop, you can reduce your speed by a couple of gears using the clutch. For instance, you might go from 6th gear to 4th or 3rd without lifting your foot, and then finish changing gears on the clutch. This is a common technique that many experienced riders use without causing any damage to the motorcycle.

Engine Braking and Selective Gear Skipping

Engine braking is a technique where you use the engine's resistance to slow down, which can be used in conjunction with selective changes in gears. By decelerating to a lower speed in a higher gear (e.g., from 6th to a lower gear), you can use the engine braking effect more efficiently and choose to skip gears if you feel the need.

Example Scenario:

Imagine you're on a highway approaching a corner at 100 km/h in 6th gear. You start to brake while in 6th, and as you slow down, coasts into 4th, then 3rd, and finally 2nd or 1st entirely. This method is not only practical but can also save wear and tear on the brakes, ensuring a smoother braking experience.

When Not to Skip Gears

It's important to note that there are certain scenarios where you should not skip gears:

High Speed

Shifting down into a lower gear at high speed (e.g., 160 km/h in first gear) can cause excessive engine braking and may lead to accelerated wear on the transmission or other components. Similarly, starting from a stop in a higher gear (e.g., fourth) would be unwise and potentially unsafe.

Speed and Gear Mismatch

Always ensure that the gear you approach in is suitable for the speed you're traveling at. Shifting into a gear that doesn't match your current speed can lead to inefficient engine braking and may cause damage to the drivetrain over time.

Conclusion

Skipping gears is not inherently harmful to your motorcycle, but it's important to use it judiciously and in the appropriate situations. Engine braking and gear skipping can be effective techniques, but they should be used carefully to avoid causing unnecessary stress on your motorcycle's transmission and other components.