Breaking with the engine ?
I downshift to aid in braking for planned stops and slowdowns. Sensible shift points in relation to speed and traction conditions.
For oh **** stopping and slowdowns it's the brakes.
Same with the cage.
I never downshift into first gear for braking.
For oh **** stopping and slowdowns it's the brakes.
Same with the cage.
I never downshift into first gear for braking.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,918
Likes: 3,715
From: Hill Country, TX
I always use the engine to slow down, and to also set myself up to be in the proper gear for a turn...especially one of those looping 270 degree freeway exits. Just crack the throttle to match RPMS, and kick her down a gear. You're not going to lock up the damn rear wheel, or hurt your precious little clutch.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 20
From: Southeast GA
The following is an excerpt from the Touring models owners manual:
Downshift (Deceleration)
Do not downshift at speeds higher than those listed. Shifting to lower gears when speed is too high can cause the rear wheel to lose traction and lead to loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00045b)
Gear shift pattern is first gear down; next five gears up. Refer to Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: Six Speed for shifting speeds.
Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: Six Speed
GEAR CHANGE
MPH
Sixth to fifth
50
Fifth to fourth
40
Fourth to third
30
Third to second
20
Second to first
10
NOTE:
The shifting points shown in the tables are recommendations. Vehicle owners may determine that their own individual shifting patterns may differ than those stated and are additionally appropriate for individual riding styles.
See Shifting Sequence: Downshift. When engine speed decreases, as in climbing a hill or running at a reduced speed, shift to the next lower gear while partially closing the throttle so the engine accelerates as soon as the clutch lever is released.
NOTES:
Disengage the clutch completely before each gear change.
Partially close the throttle so the engine will not drag when clutch is again engaged (clutch lever released).
Shift to neutral before stopping engine. Shifting mechanism can be damaged by shifting gears while engine is stopped. (00183a)
The gear shifter mechanism permits shifting the transmission to neutral from either first or second gear.
Downshift (Deceleration)
Do not downshift at speeds higher than those listed. Shifting to lower gears when speed is too high can cause the rear wheel to lose traction and lead to loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00045b)
Gear shift pattern is first gear down; next five gears up. Refer to Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: Six Speed for shifting speeds.
Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: Six Speed
GEAR CHANGE
MPH
Sixth to fifth
50
Fifth to fourth
40
Fourth to third
30
Third to second
20
Second to first
10
NOTE:
The shifting points shown in the tables are recommendations. Vehicle owners may determine that their own individual shifting patterns may differ than those stated and are additionally appropriate for individual riding styles.
See Shifting Sequence: Downshift. When engine speed decreases, as in climbing a hill or running at a reduced speed, shift to the next lower gear while partially closing the throttle so the engine accelerates as soon as the clutch lever is released.
NOTES:
Disengage the clutch completely before each gear change.
Partially close the throttle so the engine will not drag when clutch is again engaged (clutch lever released).
Shift to neutral before stopping engine. Shifting mechanism can be damaged by shifting gears while engine is stopped. (00183a)
The gear shifter mechanism permits shifting the transmission to neutral from either first or second gear.
All idiots should use brakes rather than downshifting. Downshifting into first gear at 70 MPH and releasing the clutch can cause a loss of traction. Failure to adopt this policy can cause death or serious injury.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
I engine brake and downshift appropriately while braking. This ensures I'm in the right gear if I have to move out of the way of something bigger quickly, if required.
Those HD downshift patterns are pretty lame...
Those HD downshift patterns are pretty lame...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
When I took my MSF course in 2004, the instructor made fun of her husband downshifting, engine braking. So even though I always downshift on my cars I didn't do it on my bike. I lost track what gear I was in so I downshifted into 1st on a left turn,instead of into what I thought was 2nd. Spun the rear wheel loose, and had a real hairy ride, which turned out OK. Since then I downshift.
Depending on how fast I want to stop, I might skip a gear or 2, or just use brakes. If you know how to drive a car stick, use that as a guide. I have never had to replace a clutch or engine in any of my cars, even with over 200K miles.
Oh yeah it sounds really cool when you engine brake.
Depending on how fast I want to stop, I might skip a gear or 2, or just use brakes. If you know how to drive a car stick, use that as a guide. I have never had to replace a clutch or engine in any of my cars, even with over 200K miles.
Oh yeah it sounds really cool when you engine brake.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas Area
I downshift. If I don't and come to a complete stop, I have hell finding 1st gear. It's much easier to downshift and already be in the correct gear for the speed I'm traveling.
Ride safe!
Ride safe!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
Just don't lock your rear wheel up hard when downshifting, can cause the flywheels to get misaligned.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 931
Likes: 11
From: Orlando, FL
I engine brake - but not so much in the rain anymore. I haven't found any problem with my clutch or tranny, but I did find that engine braking that is too aggressive - in the rain - can cause damage to the engine guard, front fairing, left-side saddlebag, and other miscellaneous parts.
Be careful out there.
Be careful out there.