Engine Braking, Blip or no Blip

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Oct 18, 2011 | 06:42 PM

#21

BLKBAGGER

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 3,450

Likes: 4

From: El Cajon Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwbikerid

Anybody that's ever driven a truck knows this naturally.

Since 81. I always match the RPM.

Oct 18, 2011 | 06:54 PM

#22

TUCCI

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 10,216

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From: Glendale AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by iclick

To answer the original question, I do "blip" to equalize RPMs when braking, but I use engine braking only very moderately by keeping the strain on the drivetrain as low as possible. For me the majority of the braking duties should go to the brakes.

There was a technical article on this subject in a car magazine a decade or two ago and the point made was that engine braking not only wears the rear tire(s), but everything in the drivetrain--engine, transmission, primary chain, clutch, belt, etc. Using the brakes is the most economical option because brake pads are cheaper than drivetrain components.

Keep in mind that that any braking, using engine or brakes, will wear either the front or rear tire. I try to anticipate braking and coast to a stop as much as possible using the highest gear I can.

I'm glad to hear you say that cuz that's what I've always believed and was wondering when I missed the memo LOL. The only time I engine brake is when I want to see if I'm running lean, just in case I need to let me explain that. I came from a Metric cruiser with carb's and I knew I was jetted properly when I could engine brake with little to no popping during deceleration through all the gears (I preferred no popping). Since I'm running a stock setup I occasionally check to see how I'm running. They say stock bikes run way too lean, but the way I've learned from carb bikes the proof is in the deceleration (yes, yes and the condition of the plugs yadi yadi yadi). :icon_mrgreen

Oct 18, 2011 | 06:57 PM

#23

FLUltrarider

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,432

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From: Central Florida, USA

I always give blip to match revs when down shifting.

Oct 18, 2011 | 06:57 PM

#24

sgnden

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 1,100

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From: Colorado Front Range

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwbikerid

Anybody that's ever driven a truck knows this naturally.

There ya have it. Most definitely a natural thing.

Oct 18, 2011 | 07:02 PM

#25

Sath

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 350

Likes: 0

From: TN

I grew up riding 2 stroke engines so engine braking was not a habbit I developed. Actually I think my buddy went down in wet conditions because of it. He says doesn't know what happened, the bike did a 180 before he knew it. I really don't see a benefit with engine braking with big cc engines, imo it can get you in trouble quick. As for me I still blip the throttle beacuse I don't want uncontrolable breaking.

Oct 18, 2011 | 07:02 PM

#26

TheSinistral

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 434

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From: DFW

blip.

Oct 19, 2011 | 04:11 AM

#27

mike5511

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 3,873

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From: NW Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by iclick

I agree with iclick. I also drive a truck. Therefore I do know how to down shift. That said, if you take a test drive (pre-employment thing for you non truck drivers) with the bigger trucking companies, they don't want you down shifting to slow the truck. Brakes pads/shoes are indeed cheaper than transmissions etc.

Last edited by mike5511; Oct 19, 2011 at 04:13 AM.

Oct 19, 2011 | 06:16 AM

#28

jpooch00

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 4,867

Likes: 267

From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiggy

That's because newer "cast" Harley cranks are the closest thing to junk the MoCo has ever offered. Same reason that impact tools are no longer recommended on compensator replacement, ( even though that was SOP through 2006 in the repair manuals. Back then Harleys had forged cranks.)
Can you imagine a car dealer telling you not to downshfit your Ford Focus because you might twist the crank? C'mon!

And yes I blip when downshifting and have nearly 100,000 miles on this drivetrain ( with the original clutch plates too!)

Wow! I didn't know that the newer cranks are cast.

Next they'll start making the cases out of pot metal - if they haven't already, that is.