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Coasting vs deccelerating

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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 05:33 PM
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Question Coasting vs deccelerating

Hi all,
This is more of a newbie question both in terms of Harley (it's my first Harley) and riding (I've been riding for about 1year).
When coming to a stop I tend to coast with the clutch in until I start applying brake - more than decelerating then start applying brake.
This may sound silly but I wonder if that causes any harm to the motor.

Thanks

'22 Road King FLHR
 
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Sep 11, 2022, 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by GOGOBECK
Engine braking = Engine breaking

Its okay to decelerate with the drive gear engaged, but I wouldn’t use the engine/transmission to slow down… thats what brakes are for!
New to this aren't you, it shows with that comment.

Believe the myth if it works for you but please refrain from from spreading the bullshit.
 
Old Sep 10, 2022 | 05:40 PM
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Neggy ZRXOA 5248's Avatar
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don't pull the clutch in, just downshift using engine braking and don't pull the clutch in until you are about to stall it as you come to a stop

If you are not downshifting, and keeping the engine in power, if you have to move in a hurry you'll be dead in the water.

and I'll leave it to others to explain why it is a bad idea mechanically to coast with the clutch pulled in as a riding technique.

 
Old Sep 10, 2022 | 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Neggy ZRXOA 5248
don't pull the clutch in, just downshift using engine braking and don't pull the clutch in until you are about to stall it as you come to a stop

If you are not downshifting, and keeping the engine in power, if you have to move in a hurry you'll be dead in the water.

and I'll leave it to others to explain why it is a bad idea mechanically to coast with the clutch pulled in as a riding technique.

You want the guy to downshift without pulling the clutch in?

The rest is reasonable..
 
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 06:14 PM
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It will cause no harm to the motor, but if you don't downshift you may get the trans stuck then have do dick around with it to get it to downshift.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 06:23 PM
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Downshifting keeps you in the correct gear if you have to continue instead of stopping.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 06:29 PM
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I'm in the let the engine wind down in gear just until you're ready to stop, down shift at speeds as to not to cause the rear wheel to chirp, downshifting to fast will quicken the wear on the back tire.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 06:38 PM
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I'm in the downshift crowd as well. At least you'll be in the correct gear in case of an emergency. And I'm in 1st gear with the clutch pulled in at stops not directly behind a car.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by wskee_107
Hi all,
This is more of a newbie question both in terms of Harley (it's my first Harley) and riding (I've been riding for about 1year).
When coming to a stop I tend to coast with the clutch in until I start applying brake - more than decelerating then start applying brake.
This may sound silly but I wonder if that causes any harm to the motor.

Thanks

'22 Road King FLHR
Won't hurt anything but wear out brake pads and rotors faster. You should get into the habit of using the gearbox more downshifting and engine braking. Better overall riding habit and more control over the bike in general.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 07:02 PM
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These bikes are easier to control with power to the back wheel, even while slowing, then they are when coasting. Plus as others have said, you’ll be in the proper gear and only have to twist the throttle to go.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 07:08 PM
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I down shift as I go
If I know the light, or know I am going to have to stop - I will shift into neutral & coast to a stop when close
But I tend to slow down & try to time it so the light goes green as I get there
Also a good balancing test to slowly give it gas/slow to balance the bike without putting your feet down
 
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