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Down shifting VS braking...
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
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Down shifting VS braking...
I was riding with an old timer this weekend. I always downshift to slow myself down, then apply the brake towards the end of my stop. He told me I was killing my clutch and tranny. I'm sure there's some truth to this statement, but I don't know how much life I taking from the clutch and trans. Does anyone have any data on this?
Additionally, Just out of curiosity, what does everyone else do...
Thanks!
Ryan
Additionally, Just out of curiosity, what does everyone else do...
Thanks!
Ryan
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Down shifting VS braking...
I usually brake to nearly a stop, then tap it down 2 gears w/o letting clutch back out, slow further, then tap it down to 1st.
I was once told downshifting cost about 40 miles of riding. Can't verify that, but I had 2 clutches in my Shovel in 200+k miles, and the original clutch wasn't worn out, I just wanted a barnett wet-or-dry. Current bike is on it's 2nd clutch at 100+k miles. Original was wasted at 40k miles by original owner. New one at 60k miles shows little or no wear.
I was once told downshifting cost about 40 miles of riding. Can't verify that, but I had 2 clutches in my Shovel in 200+k miles, and the original clutch wasn't worn out, I just wanted a barnett wet-or-dry. Current bike is on it's 2nd clutch at 100+k miles. Original was wasted at 40k miles by original owner. New one at 60k miles shows little or no wear.
Grand HDF Member
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From: Midland, TX
RE: Down shifting VS braking...
I do both. I believe it is important to tap the brakes when you begin to slow so those behind you will see your brake light. To me, it's a matter of safety. Remember, when you only down shift, you give no visible sign that you are slowing down.
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RE: Down shifting VS braking...
ORIGINAL: oldgeezer
I do both. I believe it is important to tap the brakes when you begin to slow so those behind you will see your brake light. To me, it's a matter of safety. Remember, when you only down shift, you give no visible sign that you are slowing down.
I do both. I believe it is important to tap the brakes when you begin to slow so those behind you will see your brake light. To me, it's a matter of safety. Remember, when you only down shift, you give no visible sign that you are slowing down.
Ryan
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From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Down shifting VS braking...
I do both also. Clutch plates are cheap, and one of the easiest repairs out there, so I don't consider the wear. As far as the tranny, I don't know if a down shift would affect them much. They are built strong, and are made for cracking off the line, so how would a downshift shorten their life. And if I blow the tranny, there's an excuse to throw in a Baker 6.
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From:
RE: Down shifting VS braking...
ORIGINAL: oldgeezer
I do both. I believe it is important to tap the brakes when you begin to slow so those behind you will see your brake light. To me, it's a matter of safety. Remember, when you only down shift, you give no visible sign that you are slowing down.
I do both. I believe it is important to tap the brakes when you begin to slow so those behind you will see your brake light. To me, it's a matter of safety. Remember, when you only down shift, you give no visible sign that you are slowing down.
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From:
RE: Down shifting VS braking...
I do both, old habit from an old sportster that you couldn't downshift more than one or two gears if you kept the clutch in, some weird thing probibly. I like to be in gear with the clutch out for a quick getaway!