Down shifting to help brake

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Apr 26, 2017 | 05:52 AM

#11

YeOldeStonecat

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 12,230

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From: Along the shoreline in SW FL

Yup...just like with cars, I downshift a bit while also gently braking...the combination helps slow one down. I gently downshift...sometime skipping a gear.

Yeah some people say it causes additional stress to the engine, clutch, and drive train. I'm sure if you do it incorrectly..that's true. And I'm sure even when doing it gently...it does cause a "little bit" extra wear.

Big deal.

Apr 26, 2017 | 06:19 AM

#12

Jgig

Intermediate

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 25

Likes: 1

From: Milwaukee

I always match engine speed with bike speed during downshift (blip). Much smoother ride, if not coming to a stop. Also, passengers will greatly appreciate less jerking.

Apr 26, 2017 | 06:57 AM

#13

sfcmo357

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 1,739

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From: Fayetteville, NC

From my sport bike racing days.......I've always downshifted to brake. Yes, I use the brakes, but downshifting is my main technique. I don't slam the bike down a gear when going too fast ---but I appropriately downshift to match my speed....but by the time I do that, coming to a stop, I only have to use my brake for the last few feet.

Apr 26, 2017 | 08:14 AM

#14

Brewmany

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 4,214

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From: Prior Lake, MN

Like others, I downshift as I slow down to match the gear with my speed, and so I'm ready to go when the way is clear. I don't use engine braking, and I'm careful to not downshift too agressively. I've heard that downshifting too low too soon can cause handling problems.

Apr 26, 2017 | 08:19 AM

#15

OKMICK

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Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 81,309

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From: Oklahoma City

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brewmany

Like others, I downshift as I slow down to match the gear with my speed, and so I'm ready to go when the way is clear. I don't use engine braking...

What exactly do you think downshifting is if it isn't 'engine braking'.

Apr 26, 2017 | 08:20 AM

#16

Jackie Paper

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Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,626

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From: Honah Lee

You, of course, need to down shift as you approach a red light and such so you will be ready if it turns green and such but brake pads and rotors are much more economic than all that silly clutching, shifting and unclutching's. And also all that wear and tear on the transmission and engine.
If you keep a bike for the long haul, just down shift and use the brake. If you just keep it a few years and drive it like on a rally track, use the transmission. If you do the latter, not sure why you would bother to do any maintenance, however.

Apr 26, 2017 | 08:35 AM

#17

RHPAW

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Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 21,737

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From: Driftless Area

Lotta guys used to claim that it caused scissoring on the flywheels for bikes made after 2002.

They would tack-weld their crank/flywheel assembly to prevent it.

Apr 26, 2017 | 08:40 AM

#18

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

DS'ing will and does slow you down a little, but mostly as lots of others have said, I do it as I slow down to be in the correct gear in case I need to accelerate without having to LUG the engine if I had to pick up speed..

And yes downshifting at "HIGH'' RPM's ""a lot"", can/could/will cause undue stress on engine parts...