Coasting vs deccelerating
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
From: Rhode Island
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
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
Popular Reply
Sep 11, 2022, 10:43 AM
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,115
Likes: 51,405
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Believe the myth if it works for you but please refrain from from spreading the bullshit.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
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.
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,900
Likes: 8,007
From: poway
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.
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..
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,622
From: along the shore of Mishigami
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,084
Likes: 1,959
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
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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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,115
Likes: 51,405
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
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
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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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 847
Likes: 700
From: NE
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.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 3,071
From: South of Boston, MA
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
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