I'm interested to know peoples thoughts on down shifting. Do you use down shifting to brake? Why and why not? Does is cause undue stress on the engine?

 

I downshift, not so much to help braking, but to be in the appropriate gear and rpm range if I need to go from slowing to accelerating. Been doing it that way for many years and miles, never seemed to hurt the bike. Just don't slam it into first at 70 MPH.

 

I've been doing it this way for the same reason for years and have not had any problems.

My procedure is:
1. Disengage clutch
2. Rev engine to expected RPM in lower gear and downshift
3. Engage clutch

 

Brake pads are cheaper to replace than an engine. We're not talking about a diesel here with a J brake... downshift to be in the right gear/rpm range, not to reduce your speed.

 

Yup , always downshift to help slow down. It's not hurting anything

 

Nope, never to help slow down. That's what the brake pedal is for.

 

Downshifting could (maybe?) cause premature clutch failure but it shouldn't hurt the engine as long as you're keeping it off the redline. And yes, I downshift to keep it in the proper rpm range. Been doing it that way since 1976 and it hasn't caused any mechanical failures yet. I drive manual tranny cars and trucks the same way. Come to think of it, my auto tranny cars do the same thing. The factory designed them to downshift themselves automatically.

 

I always downshift when coming up to a light/slowing down. That way Im in the right gear to get going again

 

I always downshift and also keep it in first gear at a light until I have at least one car behind me just in case I have to get out of the way to avoid a rear end accident, then I may shift into neutral if it's a long light.

 

This is what I do as well