Down shift or brake?

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Jun 5, 2013 | 02:04 PM

#11

turnerbend

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 551

Likes: 17

From: japan

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammed05fatty

if i have a long distance to get stopped i usually let the bike slow itssfelf doen and down shift as it does with very little brake. ither wise i use brakes and shift the gears as i slow to be able to take off if needed. i dont think either way is bad for the bike..

JMO
the brakes are made to slow you down- use them
the gears are meant to be shifted- so shift lol

A combination of both, used right is whats' being promoted...

Jun 5, 2013 | 02:06 PM

#12

Black Gator

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 349

Likes: 1

From: Central Florida

You downshift to maintain a reasonably useable RPM range. You use brakes to stop.
Many find it immeasurably easier to replace brake pads than piston rings.

Jun 5, 2013 | 02:12 PM

#13

Rumbles

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 270

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From: LaSalle, Ontario

Dropping gears as you slow down is best and keeps you in complete control of the motorcycle and is easier on the transmission and brakes. Always be in the right gear for the speed your going just in case you need to get out of the way in a hurry.

Jun 5, 2013 | 02:19 PM

#14

beary

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

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From: Edmond Oklahoma

Keep your RPMs in a range where you can accelerate without lugging the engine. Use both brakes when you use them except at a complete stop.

Beary

Jun 5, 2013 | 02:22 PM

#15

Expat1

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,221

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From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.

I once read a study saying that general brake wear cost less than the additional fuel burnt while over revving (down shifting). Coming to a stop with this 6 speed gearbox I usually get an RPM increase of 300 revs between gears; I'm not beating it for free.

Jun 5, 2013 | 02:29 PM

#16

beary

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Edmond Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expat1

I once read a study saying that general brake wear cost less than the additional fuel burnt while over revving (down shifting). .

I'm not sure how that works since fuel flow rate is dependent of the right hand, not engine RPM?

Beary

Jun 5, 2013 | 02:39 PM

#17

Expat1

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,221

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From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by beary

I'm not sure how that works since fuel flow rate is dependent of the right hand, not engine RPM?

Beary

Each revolution of the crankshaft draws fuel, I don't think we have an injection dwell feature to starve the engine until it reaches a lower 'targeted' speed ?

Jun 5, 2013 | 02:52 PM

#18

beary

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

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From: Edmond Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expat1

Each revolution of the crankshaft draws fuel, I don't think we have an injection dwell feature to starve the engine until it reaches a lower 'targeted' speed ?

Hmm, OK. Your orginal post makes sense then. Still for me, I like having the additional control using the engine for drag and power to control speed. It's worth the extra cost in fuel.

Beary