Do you downshift gears to slow down or just brakes?
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 489
From: Phoenix Arizona
Do you downshift gears to slow down or just brakes?
Howdy,
I have tried to do a forum search to see if there already is a thread. I can't get good results when using the search options. Maybe its just me.
Recently on a 4 day ride, a discussion came up about slowing down.
One method was to downshift and let the engine start to slow down the speed.
the other method, he said, He pulls in the clutch, does NOT downshift into lower gears and let the clutch out, but rather just relies on his brakes. His comment was brakes are cheaper than gears to replace.
Well... I know what I do. I'm curious what do YOU do and why?
What are your thoughts and ACTUAL EVIDENCE of if downshifting into lower gears is hard on the transmission. ( and I suppose to add is it hard on the engine?)
I have tried to do a forum search to see if there already is a thread. I can't get good results when using the search options. Maybe its just me.
Recently on a 4 day ride, a discussion came up about slowing down.
One method was to downshift and let the engine start to slow down the speed.
the other method, he said, He pulls in the clutch, does NOT downshift into lower gears and let the clutch out, but rather just relies on his brakes. His comment was brakes are cheaper than gears to replace.
Well... I know what I do. I'm curious what do YOU do and why?
What are your thoughts and ACTUAL EVIDENCE of if downshifting into lower gears is hard on the transmission. ( and I suppose to add is it hard on the engine?)
Popular Reply
Apr 30, 2026, 03:59 AM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 3,073
From: Brighton, MI
Down shift and brake as I am decelerating (using both to slow the bike). I want my gear to be relative to the speed so I can get out of trouble if needed.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,145
Likes: 51,486
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
This will be like a tire choice debate, lot of urban myths gone up in recent years brought on by the group who don't know to shift up or down saying engine braking is bad for the compensator's, the transmission & bearings on the twin cams & M8's. 
Cut my two teeth in the days of cable drum brakes that were more of a suggestion that functional then on to chopper with no front brakes, look at the machines you understand those of from that era use that transmission for a large part of stopping & braking. Ride my 17 road king same way I do the old shovel, gearbox was meant to be used.
Cut my two teeth in the days of cable drum brakes that were more of a suggestion that functional then on to chopper with no front brakes, look at the machines you understand those of from that era use that transmission for a large part of stopping & braking. Ride my 17 road king same way I do the old shovel, gearbox was meant to be used.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,659
Likes: 8,469
From: Inland NW
I am always in the right gear, so I downshift. Ready to make my escape if I need to. Learned that lesson long, long ago.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,533
Likes: 3,921
From: Florida
Downshifting can be part of control and a huge help when you’re cornering or “pushing” through lots of twists. However, I use it when it’s needed, not when it’s enjoyed. Just casual riding in most of flat Florida, I use my brakes… brake pads are under $50…. Transmissions repairs are in the $300-$1500 range. Brake repairs are usually under an hour.. Transmission repairs can be half a day…
Like it or not there is additional ware on motor, tranny and clutch with lots of downshifting. (I run solid motor sprockets) So I do it appropriately when riding circumstance call for it.. but also sparingly just when needed.
Like it or not there is additional ware on motor, tranny and clutch with lots of downshifting. (I run solid motor sprockets) So I do it appropriately when riding circumstance call for it.. but also sparingly just when needed.
Last edited by Rains2much; Apr 30, 2026 at 06:14 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,600
Likes: 7,983
From: Long Island, New York
Car/truck/motorcycle you down shift to assist in slowing down and keep the revs in the right place. Mechanical drum brakes you use more, new bike with ABS, use it a little less. All depends on what and where you are riding. Putting the bike in neutral and using only brakes is an odd way to do it.
I am going to say this really is age dependent and what you learned to ride/drive with. Like Twisted said, many vehicles had limited braking capabilities and down shifting was mandatory, of course not like an f-in animal. Now just habit for us. Ask a truck driver, they down shift. But younger truckers drive automatics, things change. Good luck.
I am going to say this really is age dependent and what you learned to ride/drive with. Like Twisted said, many vehicles had limited braking capabilities and down shifting was mandatory, of course not like an f-in animal. Now just habit for us. Ask a truck driver, they down shift. But younger truckers drive automatics, things change. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,220
Likes: 12,813
From: South Carolina
I blip the throttle as I pull the clutch lever and drop a gear, transmission doesn`t make any noise shifting.
The other method is pull in the clutch lever, engine to idle, drop down through the gears, bang, bang, bang.
Or wait to downshift when almost stopped, either way if you need to accelerate you are in the wrong gear.
We have all seen posts where the op is having trouble getting the transmission into 1st gear at a stoplight (which is normal if you come to a stop in high gear
).
I think the factory came out with the slip assist clutch because of the shock to the transmission by downshifting the noisy way.
Which one do you think is harder on the gears, who knows?
But I know which method makes the most noise.
The other method is pull in the clutch lever, engine to idle, drop down through the gears, bang, bang, bang.
Or wait to downshift when almost stopped, either way if you need to accelerate you are in the wrong gear.
We have all seen posts where the op is having trouble getting the transmission into 1st gear at a stoplight (which is normal if you come to a stop in high gear
).I think the factory came out with the slip assist clutch because of the shock to the transmission by downshifting the noisy way.
Which one do you think is harder on the gears, who knows?
But I know which method makes the most noise.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 30, 2026 at 06:43 AM.
