) and have never had an issue as a result of it. My current bike has 62500 miles on it.
Breaking with the engine ?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 266
Likes: 14
From: Illinois
Breaking with the engine ?
I was wondering. I've heard when coming up to a stop, you should coast to a stop using your brakes, then down shift to first. Rather than stopping by shifting down gears and letting a lower gear slow you down. For instance, From 5th gear, shifting to 4th and releasing the clutch to slow, then 3rd and so on. I have been told this can wear on the engine ? Whats the word on the forum ? Or is this wear on the transmission ?
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 3
From: Laurel, Maryland
Me too
I've always used the transmission to help slow down. In a car or on the motorcycle. I never downshift into 1st gear though. I was always told that 1st gear was just for getting started NOT for slowing down.
Am I wrong?
GSF
Am I wrong?
GSF
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
Brake pads are cheaper than clutch plates. But, you should always be in a speed appropriate gear and the gear box engaged, for safety purposes. Personally, I do not down shift until the RPM's drop down to the bottom of the "will not lug" range. Not a big fan of engine braking.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,907
Likes: 3
dude, i use the motor and breaks to come to a stop all the time for over 49k miles this year alone. not only does it increase your stopping ability, it is a good practice, because when it hits the fan, and the moron turn lefts in front of you and muscle memory kicks in, you will want all the bike to stop. as for going into first, ive been ding it for years to help me come to a stop. never had an issue. i dont do it at freeway speeds, only when coming to a complete stop, or when the Ah Sh*t moments hit.... stop just my 2 cents
Last edited by HOG_0308; Aug 2, 2011 at 06:39 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
Same here......I always engine brake on cars, trucks and bikes. The only way your gonna wear out clutches is to slip them constantly. Your not gonna slip the clutch by downshifting. Ive rode this way (pulling a trailer too) since 1992 (when I got my first HD) and have never ever had to replace a clutch.
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