Stopping
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Stopping
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?
Club Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 4
From: Ponchatoula Louisiana
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.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
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.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
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?
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee area
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.
And, like dfredb said, drivers behind you need the visual of the brakelight.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
