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 ?

 

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

 

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.

 

I have always been an engine braker (pardon teh pun ) and have never had an issue as a result of it. My current bike has 62500 miles on it.

Drew

 

Down shifting really helps, but I don't just release the clutch; rev up to the expected rpm & release to reduce clutch wear. Also no jerking.

 

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

 

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.

 

Engine breaking here. 40 years no problems as a result of it. 31K on current bike.

 

I also use engine braking all the time.

 

engine brake, save them pads for when you really need them...