I was on a group ride the other day and someone mentioned something about me downshifting when I stop. Just curious to see who downshifts to a stop and who pulls the clutch and rides the brakes to a stop?

 

I down shift through 2nd just in case I need to take off again.

Shawn

 

I also down shift for the same reasons.
I admit I am a little easier on the belt than I used to be on a chain!

 

Depends on the situation. The only problem with downshifting in a traffic situation is that car(or bike) drivers don't have a visual cue that you are slowing unless you "wink" at them with the brake light. I down shift coming off the interstate very gradually to keep it smooth. In traffic, safety determines how much I use just the engine to slow down. I read somewhere to always keep it in gear at the light, intersection, etc. in case you have to get out of there fast. Makes sense to me.

 

Depends on the situation, but I usually downshift to a stop. Because if you stop and the vehicle behind you doesn't you have the possibility to get up and go out of the way. Same reason I NEVER get into neutral at a stop sign/light.

 

I usually downshift...but I also give a light tap of the brake just so the guy behind me gets the cue.

 

I only ride the brakes without downshifting if I have to make a real quick stop then I don't have time to DS,just concentrating on stopping safely,otherwise I love the sound of the engine too much to just let it idle , and you always have to keep in mind emergency take offs ,say if some one is about to rear end you or sumpm , which you cannot do in 4 th or 5th at 10 miles an hour can you?

 

Downshift only for the sake of being in the right gear for your speed. With the execption of using a lower gear when going down a hill, brakes - not the engine/gearbox - are for slowing down, unless you've got a jake brake on your bike.

And, like dfredb said, drivers behind you need the visual of the brakelight.

 

I downshift to be in the right gear as I brake.

 

You said it best!