Proper way to down shift?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
You guys are talking about two different things, but using one term and it's confusing me and probably others.
1) Downshifting= Shifting to a lower gear as speed is decreased to maintain proper gear to speed ratios for immediate response to any situation.
2) Compression braking= Utilizing the compression of the motor while slowing to assist in reducing the speed of a vehicle, downshifting to maximize the effect and to avoid stalling the motor.
In short, I always downshift when stopping. I sometimes utilize compression braking in conjunction with my front and rear brake to stop the bike. It depends on how fast I want to slow my speed.
1) Downshifting= Shifting to a lower gear as speed is decreased to maintain proper gear to speed ratios for immediate response to any situation.
2) Compression braking= Utilizing the compression of the motor while slowing to assist in reducing the speed of a vehicle, downshifting to maximize the effect and to avoid stalling the motor.
In short, I always downshift when stopping. I sometimes utilize compression braking in conjunction with my front and rear brake to stop the bike. It depends on how fast I want to slow my speed.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
When I took the MSF Rider's Safety Course the manual mentioned downshifting but ultimately recommended (can't remember if it was the manual or the instructor) just using brakes.
IMO, downshifting a good way to save your brake pads when you just want to slow down and not have to stop immediately, such as when getting onto exit ramps, but even just letting go of the throttle does a good job of slowing you down gradually without downshifting. If you do downshift, the safest way is to go one gear at a time, especially if you forget what gear you currently are in.
IMO, downshifting a good way to save your brake pads when you just want to slow down and not have to stop immediately, such as when getting onto exit ramps, but even just letting go of the throttle does a good job of slowing you down gradually without downshifting. If you do downshift, the safest way is to go one gear at a time, especially if you forget what gear you currently are in.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Upstate, SC
When I'm cruising along at 70 mph or so and need to stop, I pull the clutch in and downshift immediately all the way into first gear and then let the clutch out all at once. The rear tire locks up and I skid to a stop. Very effective way to stop quickly. Now if only I could figure out why I only got 3300 miles out of my first rear tire... hmmm... 
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
I usually downshift to stop. Or compression braking as someone said. As long as you are not downshifting into a lower gear that is causing the engine to go to max rpm I see no reason it will hurt the engine. Most people bring the engine to a higher rpm taking off on a regular basis then I do when I down shift. Holding the clutch for prolonged periods will hurt the clutch. Its slipping some even with the clutch lever pulled all the way back.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Westlake, OH
Down shifting keeps the engine in the proper rpm to be responsive to changing situations.
When I approach an intersection I always downshift before entering so my bike is more responsive for evasive maneuvering, not mention for cornering.
I also use the engine in combination with the brakes for stopping.
When I approach an intersection I always downshift before entering so my bike is more responsive for evasive maneuvering, not mention for cornering.
I also use the engine in combination with the brakes for stopping.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 104
From: Tampa Bay, Florida
My engine is always in the proper gear to speed ratio. I only use my brake when my feet are on the ground, or in an emergency.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112,202
Likes: 1,316
From: On a hill among the hills, PA
Drivin various manual transmissions most of my life and bikes included... i understand the concept of downshifting... then again I guess it depends on how big your OL is!!!! Hehe!!!!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Western New York
Also, I never pull up on the bumper of the guy in front of me when at a light because I don't want to have to back up to get around the car infront of me if the clown coming up on my rear isn't paying attention. Maybe my high school 40 years ago was better then today but they used the phrase, "always leave yourself a way out of harms way" and I have for all these years.
Yes Gary, to me "compression braking" is just another tool to be used for stopping with many advantages.
1. It keeps me tuned into my engine.
2. It helps make your brakes be cooler and ready for hard braking when needed.
3. It keeps me practiced in the art of super hard braking of compression and regular braking at the same time.
4. It's all part of the tune I play on my machine and I just love the sound of a well made downshift and think it sounds funny when someone misses one!
Driving without it to me is like wimp driving :