Navigating Steep Downhill Twisties
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 195
From: Boise, ID
Engine braking is important. Also just like a big truck, if you want to scrub speed with your brakes drop 5 or more miles lower than your target speed and let off the brakes. this gives them some time to cool.
For instance if I am aiming for 40mph I will let it go to 45 and then actively brake to 35 and allow the engine to slow acceleration back to 45. Then repeat.
Don't get stressed if there is a vehicle behind you, just do your thing and worry about you. If there is a pull over let them pass so you can focus. Go slow, stay in your lane especially around blind right corners stay away from the center line a bit as a passing a vehicle may be riding over the line.
An Ultra Limited is a big bike to be learning on so just stay relaxed and take your time. Before long it will all be second nature.
For instance if I am aiming for 40mph I will let it go to 45 and then actively brake to 35 and allow the engine to slow acceleration back to 45. Then repeat.
Don't get stressed if there is a vehicle behind you, just do your thing and worry about you. If there is a pull over let them pass so you can focus. Go slow, stay in your lane especially around blind right corners stay away from the center line a bit as a passing a vehicle may be riding over the line.
An Ultra Limited is a big bike to be learning on so just stay relaxed and take your time. Before long it will all be second nature.
pretty much nailed it.Ride your ride and don't worry about the guy behind you. I was taught to be on the brakes half as much as you are off them. So for every 5 seconds of braking you should be off of them for 10. General rule also is 1 gear lower than it took to climb that same hill. If you would climb that hill in 3rd, then you will probably need 2nd gear.
With some more miles under your belt you will laugh at how you used to have to think about it!
You should also be proud by the way, lots of people never take their bikes out of town!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Not to fuel the fire but Mt Washington in the White Mtns, NH, will scare the hell out of you. It's highly advised unless you're a highly decorated obstacle course veteran do not attempt...I only made it to the first turn around. I don't think it was even half way...lmfao
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 759
Likes: 5
From: Illinois
I took the "C.L.A.S.S." class from Reggie Pridmore many years ago on my stock BMW R100RS at a local racetrack, but it also segued into road riding, hills, and curves on the street, and he really espouses staying in an rpm band that allows you to either ACCELERATE, or DECELERATE at will, incrementally, while going downhill. In other words, you will be in the torque band where you don't need all that much braking going downhill, and instead use the engine to control speed.
And Keith Code was a great racer, but he got completely new brakes for every race-
Don't worry about operating your HD in the 3,000 - 5,000 rpm range, the new engines are made to rev! That's the factory recommendation, and also the service manager's advice at both HD dealer shops where I have my work done.
And Keith Code was a great racer, but he got completely new brakes for every race-
Don't worry about operating your HD in the 3,000 - 5,000 rpm range, the new engines are made to rev! That's the factory recommendation, and also the service manager's advice at both HD dealer shops where I have my work done.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,394
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
You are right and then the real thrill about half way down that mountain twisty begins, Colorado and an old school chopper with drum bakes. You learn to use the engine and gearing rather quickly. Damn thing never did stop well again after that even with new brake shoes. These newer ones will warp a rotor in a heartbeat if you ride the brakes too much.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Went to college in the Catskills. Ride your brakes on a '66 Mustang, and you will learn the same lesson. Some good advice on this thread, better than anything else I found on the internet.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 274
From: Milton, Delaware
Not to fuel the fire but Mt Washington in the White Mtns, NH, will scare the hell out of you. It's highly advised unless you're a highly decorated obstacle course veteran do not attempt...I only made it to the first turn around. I don't think it was even half way...lmfao
You better use engine braking coming down this one. I don't think brakes would last all the way to the bottom without it.
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