Down shifting to help brake
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 7,150
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Originally Posted by skratch
having abs brakes does not take anything away from the rider. in fact, the only time the abs should even be noticeable is if you have done something wrong. otherwise, you should brake the same as you always have.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 116
From: OKC
Some of y'all are way over-concerned with the fragility of your machinery. Transmissions are designed and meant to be shifted, both ways, at varying RPMs. Clutches are wear items, as are brake pads. Downshifting to slow down and set up for a curve are perfectly acceptable and are a safe practice. Slowing down by lessening the throttle position is a legitimate and safe function. You are not doing yourself or your bike any favors by not operating it withing the design parameters it was constructed to. By utilizing your brakes only (and especially given some of the comments on how some do brake recently) is failing to utilize all the equipment you have at hand to operate safely and effectively. If you are worried about wear, then you should perhaps reconsider having machinery, as wear is a factor in all things mechanical and if you are "saving" your bike for trade in or sale, then it sounds like you can't really afford it to begin with.....
Last edited by jakenok; Apr 26, 2017 at 01:48 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 75
From: CA
My time enrolled in MSF discouraged engine braking. Mostly from a safety standpoint- your brake lights won't illuminate without active braking. We're already difficult enough to see, why increase the risk.
Plus pads are cheap.
Plus pads are cheap.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 116
From: OKC
Don't think lineally in a multi-dimensional environment.
Last edited by jakenok; Apr 26, 2017 at 02:30 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
QP: Ride to the summit of Pike's Peak, and then ride back down. Report back to us about engine braking.
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