Hello folks.

I've been riding smaller bikes all my life and just recently got an Electra Glide Ultra. On smaller bikes I always downshift and brake with the engine when I can. It became a habit or a riding style if you would. My question is regarding this style of riding when it comes to a heavy bike. Is it bad for the drive train to downshift and use engine braking instead of just my brakes? With bike being heavy and having a lot more kinetic energy I wonder how bad it is for the transmission/clutch/suspension?

Appreciate all the input!

Cheers!

 

Semi trucks do this all the time, and they are way heavy.

 

For 51 yrs and dozens of bikes I've been using the motor to slow down, prior to actual using front/rear brakes. It beats spending money on replacing brake pads and rotors.

 

It's ok till 2000 rpm any lower I feal it puts strain on the rings.

 

We must have started riding around the same time! I agree entirely, the bike is built to match it's weight and performance and I routinely use the throttle, transmission and clutch. They haven't failed me yet!

 

Done correctly it is the preferred way to slow down. It saves your brakes from overheating and allows you to be in the correct gear if you are cornering and plan to accelerate again. Just match the speed to the gear so it’s done smoothly. Also I don’t go below third unless it’s for a very slow corner. If it’s done too aggressively it will lock up the tire for a second.

 

As long as it’s done smoothly, no harm at all.

 

I do it all the time, no ill effects at all.

 

I have read if you seriously engine brake excessively it can cause the primary chain to adjust itself too tight. I dont know if that's truly accurate but in any event I try not to overdo it. Haven't had trouble with anything on my 09 Ultra Classic yet.

 

What does the owners manual say?

I coast and downshift to save fuel, heard brakes are cheaper than the engine parts. I can see "smoothly" being OK far as wear.

But the habit of slowing drastically without brakelights is not Safe IMO.
Which overrides everything.

Sorce