Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 999 / 749 > 749 gear change

[kwikbitch]

Originally Posted by coko

So if I change down and release the cluch to fast the rear wheel could lock up . Why does that happen?

I just tried to post a reply to you but new board wont let me post

[swannymere]

As a fellow novice when it comes to riding this is what i understand the answer to your question to be,i'm sure i'll be corrected if i've said anything dangerous
When you change down gear you need to give the throttle a quick twist (blip) so that the engine revs are higher when you re-engage the clutch (slowly and smoothly),this will help the rear wheel and engine to be in 'sync' and prevent locking up.
It will only usually 'lock-up' if you 'dump' the clutch when changing down a gear as the rear wheel and engine revs will try and harmonise themselves through the rear tyre and the road surface.You will become a much smoother and therefore quicker rider if you learn to try and 'blip' and feed the clutch on a downchange.
You can buy a device called a 'slipper clutch' which will smooth out the gearchange for you with alot less risk of 'locking up',people usually recommend them for track use only but alot of Duke riders use them because of the torque produced by a v-twin engine.Plus they cost about £550+.

[kwikbitch]

Welcome to the board. You lucky thing.
I wish I’d have got my 749 before my SS. They are so much more easier to ride especially at low revs.
I think what you may be talking about is the engine braking.
When you change down the rear wheel WILL slow to the speed of the engine/whatever the revs are.
It won’t lock (in my theory a locked wheel is when it stops). It will however, skid.
To stop this you just need to let the clutch out slowly or you can rev the bike before you change down.

The difference between a Duke and a “Normal” bike is that the duke has more torque. So this doesn’t happen as much on a normal bike because the engine revs increase as you change down (like on a car).
Have you ever ridden a two stroke? If you do this on my Mito the revs just go through the roof because there is no engine braking.

Mind you I’m just a girlie so what do I know

I’m sure some big strong biker will be along any minute to put me right

Lisa

aww swanny you beat me to it! You posting ok now?

[swannymere]

Oh yes,why were you having problems?Did i get the explanation right?Do i get a tick AND a gold star?

[kwikbitch]

Originally Posted by swannymere

Oh yes,why were you having problems?Did i get the explanation right?Do i get a tick AND a gold star?

I won't even use my red pen...
The board was timimg out on me and wouldn't let me post. Dunno if it's ok now. I need to get my new avatar up but couldn't be bothered with the board it was "doin me 'ed in"!

Coko I think you'll be fine. I think the ride takes a bit of getting used to. You just need to get out and ride it. 749er is right. You'll be wanting something bigger in a years time

[Wave]

having just bought a 749 going from an inline 4, id say changing gear early is fine, but the 749 tends to chung chung and rattle below 3,000rpm, so keep it above that.

[duc daz]

ive had inline fours all my biking life and jumping on to a Vtwin is like back to basics again...when riding a inline four you can knock down 2 or three gears then a blip then release clutch,,,,with a V twin its only 1 gear at a time then a blip release clutch ,,unless you have a slipper clutch and that is a must on the track .if your just riding on the road you dont need one ...i rode to silverstone the weekend with pedro and v2pete and they both have slipper clutches and i kept up with them ,,,