Navigating Steep Downhill Twisties
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Navigating Steep Downhill Twisties
I am on my first long road trip since getting into motorcycling. I rode from San Francisco to Jackson Wyoming. I only started riding a few months ago. I ride a 2015 Ultra Limited. I am riding two up with fully loaded cargo containers. So yeah, the bike is quite heavy.
All has gone well, but I am not sure what the best way to approach the downhill side of a mountain pass is.
I found that the steep downhill caused quite a bit of gravitational acceleration. Many of the curves had speed limits of 15, 25, or 35 mph. I put the bike in 2nd and 3rd gear to make use of engine braking. While this did help the speed, it seemed to stress the engine quite a bit. The cooling fan was on for a prolonged period. Riding the brakes the whole way down did not seem like a good strategy either.
Is it bad for the engine to rely on it for prolonged braking? What is the best way to approach this kind of situation? Thanks.
All has gone well, but I am not sure what the best way to approach the downhill side of a mountain pass is.
I found that the steep downhill caused quite a bit of gravitational acceleration. Many of the curves had speed limits of 15, 25, or 35 mph. I put the bike in 2nd and 3rd gear to make use of engine braking. While this did help the speed, it seemed to stress the engine quite a bit. The cooling fan was on for a prolonged period. Riding the brakes the whole way down did not seem like a good strategy either.
Is it bad for the engine to rely on it for prolonged braking? What is the best way to approach this kind of situation? Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 1,325
From: DeLand, Florida
I have always used the engine as a brake. When riding the twisty road very seldom get out of 3rd gear either going up or down. The rpm stays around 3 grand and the sound is wonderful. Why worry, the engine is made to do this.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 237
Likes: 2
From: Snellville, GA.
Your doing no harm . Engine braking is perfectly normal and fine to do. And as 30 year veteran trucker I will assure you if you feel the need for brakes use a steady application till you reach bottom. They will heat up and fade away much faster if you are constantly on and off of them.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Ponchatoula, LA
I concur, going through the Ratan Pass (CO into NM) I learned engine braking is your friend.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 83
From: SW Virginia
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.
Last edited by Kayakguy; Jun 17, 2015 at 10:21 AM.
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Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
JMO but I think you are taking on a bit much given the fact 1, that you have only been riding a few months, 2, you are on a heavy touring bike and 3, you are responsible for a passenger. Like I said, JMO. I hope you make it through safely. As far as tactic, after you have been riding none of this ever even comes into thought as it becomes second nature. The only time I ever have any concern is when I come upon gravel, which is always in a curve if it is going to be anywhere. BTW, most of my riding is on twisty mountain roads.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Milton, PA
Your doing no harm . Engine braking is perfectly normal and fine to do. And as 30 year veteran trucker I will assure you if you feel the need for brakes use a steady application till you reach bottom. They will heat up and fade away much faster if you are constantly on and off of them.
It may be a good idea to use constant braking on an air braked vehicle to prevent losing air pressure on a long down hill run (it is still a good idea to give the brakes a chance to cool be releasing them periodically) On a hydraulic braked vehicle it is best to pulse the brakes so they don't overheat.