Quote:
Originally posted by ianc
The fact is however, that one should not need to 'learn' to shift a gearbox.
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Actually, I have to take exception to this. It's been my experience that most people don't know how to properly shift a manual transmission. I've ridden with quite a few people and almost all of them have poor technique. Some of them do nothing correctly.
There is a way to guide the lever gently from gear to gear that eliminates the "problem" of the lack of spring centering between the 1/2 and 3/4 planes. I've also never nicked reverse on a 5/4 downshift, nor do I ever get 2nd by mistake. I also don't have problems downshifting into first at slow speeds, or stop signs.
I've also noticed that a transmission with Porsche synchromesh doesn't shift any slower than a car of similar vintage. I have new cars too and frankly they don't like being rushed into the next gear either.
If you ever get to drive on a track with a really fast driver, you might be suprised at how easy they are on the car.
JR