Downshifting

Downshifting means selecting a lower gear, usually when slowing for a corner or to get more acceleration for overtaking. On most motorcycles you press the gear lever down for each lower gear.

A lower gear makes the engine spin faster at the same road speed. Releasing the clutch abruptly causes a jolt of engine braking that can make the rear wheel hop or lock, especially on slippery surfaces. Blipping the throttle while the clutch is pulled in matches the engine speed and smooths the change. Many modern bikes have a slipper clutch or an auto-blipper quickshifter that helps with this.

Downshift one gear at a time, don't over-rev the engine with a gear that is too low, and do most of your braking with the brakes, not the engine.