downshift or shift into neutral
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 230
Likes: 69
From: Illinois
Sounds to me like no one here has ever rode a bike with a jockey shift. Those of us who have have a bunch of stories to tell.
In the early nineties I had a new(ish) Softail Springer. While waiting at a stop light the clutch cable snapped. Again similar to a foot slipping off the clutch.
In the early nineties I had a new(ish) Softail Springer. While waiting at a stop light the clutch cable snapped. Again similar to a foot slipping off the clutch.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,819
Likes: 38,668
From: Post Falls, ID
You are not in control if you coast or stop in neutral. Always stay in first gear when stopped in case you need an emergency getaway. Where do you put your gas cap when fueling?
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
Really bad idea. The only time my bike ever goes into neutral is when I start it, or I have to reach into a pocket for whatever reason with my left hand and that is very rare.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
Brake pads are cheap... engines are expensive 
I come from the rev match downshifting school of thought and use the brakes to stop the bike. I do the same with my Turbo 6 speed manual automobile, too...
As to the OP, my bikes are only in neutral when first started and when I turn the ignition back off, I'm unwilling to sacrifice control. There's times you need the brakes for accident avoidance, there are other times you need the throttle to save your butt
I come from the rev match downshifting school of thought and use the brakes to stop the bike. I do the same with my Turbo 6 speed manual automobile, too...As to the OP, my bikes are only in neutral when first started and when I turn the ignition back off, I'm unwilling to sacrifice control. There's times you need the brakes for accident avoidance, there are other times you need the throttle to save your butt
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 941
Likes: 9
From: Denver, CO
OP, if you want to coast, pull the clutch in!
But keep downshifting to match gear to speed (you don't have to let the clutch out and ruin your coasting) in case you need to get out quick.
Coasting in neutral is just asking for trouble...too much time to get it back in gear if you have to make any quick maneuver.
But keep downshifting to match gear to speed (you don't have to let the clutch out and ruin your coasting) in case you need to get out quick.
Coasting in neutral is just asking for trouble...too much time to get it back in gear if you have to make any quick maneuver.