How to Pass an Advanced Bike Test - Gears

[@mikeroberts]

Good to hear the topic of quick shifters mentioned. It's very common to see them used incorrectly within System by using them as a brake. The old issue of slowing using the gears. One point I would make about using the clutch as you described right at the start of the video is that it isn't a car. There is no need to fully pull the lever back to the bars. You only need enough movement to separate the clutch plates. So often it is more of a twitch with your left hand, rather than a deliberate pull back to the bar and gentle release.

[@MarkKelly-rc6pg]

This instructional series is excellent. I intend to undertake the IAMS course this Spring and your videos are an invaluable resource. Keep up the good work & thank you.

[@mikeroberts]

18:40 Despite the boxer's wealth of torque they will, and do, stall if you let the revs drop. The BMW "death rattle" was evident here. When they do stall, it is an instant lock up, and off. Sadly I've seen it, and heard of it, happening numerous times.

[@AW8UK]

2 points 1. I sometimes only operate clutch to bite point - (sometimes quicker &/or smoother). I don't use a quick shifter). I don't recall anything in "roadcraft" (or "full control") re this & see it as a personal choice. The system encourages selecting gear for hazard towards the end of braking, (overlap), or after braking, (phase separated), by sequential or block changes Some regard this at some variance with Roadcraft which says..."aim to be in correct gear for every road speed & TRAFFIC SITUATION " As a thinking & flexible rider I welcome others thoughts, (if any) , re 1 & 2 above. Thanks for taking the time to make & share content.

[@mikeroberts]

"As a thinking & flexible rider I welcome others thoughts, (if any) , re 1 & 2 above." On point 1 see my main comment above/below (depends where KZbin shows it!). 2. The System and that statement are in step. They are both saying be in the correct gear when you arrive at the hazard.

[@AW8UK]

@@mikeroberts Mike, I have seen your clutch & now gear comments..Understood albeit extract I quoted from Roadcraft is NOT hazard specific. Probably best we don't deliberate semantics HERE. Mindful of the audience (& potential audience)..Thanks...Ride safe 👍🏍

[@WoodNotts]

Hi John. Thanks for another good video, it’s always good to hear how different Observers explain their take on the System and it’s application. Keep up the good work👍👍

[@loukennedy9058]

Brilliant video & explanation , thank you 👍

[@richardbower8707]

Brilliant video, as always :). Especially the discussion of quick shifters. Could you make an equivalent car video … I’m not convinced that they work the same, at least in my 911. It seems happy with me trying to rev match and just corrects it. Maybe all manufacturers are different? I also really like the way you talk through the elements of system. It would be good to show an example of taking a down-hill junction… it always catches me out just how slow you need to be going in order to get off the brake phase and onto the gear phase (esp. if the exit is uphill, so you need to drop a gear or two), all before putting on the steering lock…

[@jimaitken9736]

Thanks for the video, useful as always! It may well be a daft question but why is brake/gear overlap more acceptable on a bike than in a car?

[@colingreen2320]

Good question Jim but don’t hold your breath waiting for an answer from this KZbinr…

[@mikeroberts]

Because traditionally in a car you can't rev match while braking (and you have to take a hand off the wheel). Heel/toe does achieve it, but not all pedal arrangements (or feet) allow it. On a motorcycle you have all the controls to hand (and feet) without having to compromise any of them, or steering. In either case any overlap should be at the very end of the Speed phase, not spread out through it.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@@mikeroberts "Mike local" to the rescue 😂

[@Christian-ve1wi]

@@RoadcraftNottingham 🤣🤣

[@jimaitken9736]

@@mikeroberts Thanks! I thought it might be something along those lines

[@paulbrady1103]

How do you advise changing down on approach to a known or probable stop, say a red traffic light on a 60mph road? Brake, clutch in and pop down the box? Drop down gears one by one?.....brake gear cross over?...

[@RegLocal]

Brake, then tap down through the gears just before you stop.

[@paulbrady1103]

@@RegLocal with the clutch still in?

[@thestrictlynoparking]

Super instruction thank you. On another realated point, I have a pair or short flexible boots that are great to finesse the gear changes. My tall SDI boots offer more protection but as yet are still much stiffer and so not great to "feel" the gear change so well. Any thoughts?

[@RegLocal]

Wear them as much as you can to bed them in. Go for a walk in them! And just ride with them on regularly - you’ll soon get used to the feel of your new boots.

[@thestrictlynoparking]

@@RegLocal thanks - will stick at it!

[@simonmcgreal1791]

Interesting to hear you say you can’t tell me what gear I should be in because you don’t know my bike, on a recent lesson that’s exactly what my tutor tried to tell me 🤦‍♂️