When riding downhill or shifting into first gear, you may need to:

Before shifting into a lower gear, make sure you are riding slowly enough to shift safely. Downshifting while going too fast may cause the motorcycle to lurch and the rear wheel to skid. When riding downhill or shifting into first gear, you may need to use the brakes to slow to a safe speed before downshifting.

• Use your brakes to slow down before downshifting safely.
• Speed up before downshifting safely.
• Swerve to the left.
• Flash your brakes to ensure that drivers behind you know you are downshifting.