Down shift or brake?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 697
Likes: 42
From: Magnolia, DE
This technique is exactly what I do.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 13
From: Fredericksburg,VA
The right way to do it is using both brakes and downshifting as you come to a stop to be in 1st gear when you stop with left hand on clutch, right hand on the throttle and right foot on rear brake, left foot on pavement holding up the bike.
It drives me nuts when I see a guy slowing down to a stop with both feet on the ground and then sitting there both feet on the ground and arms crossed thinking he is just too cool for school waiting to get rear ended by some soccer Mom in her Escalade while she is yelling at her crumb snatchers to stop fighting three rows back.
Watch ride like a pro, or even watch any motorcycle cop and see how they are trained to ride, you will never see one of them with both feet on the ground looking like a complete novice.
It drives me nuts when I see a guy slowing down to a stop with both feet on the ground and then sitting there both feet on the ground and arms crossed thinking he is just too cool for school waiting to get rear ended by some soccer Mom in her Escalade while she is yelling at her crumb snatchers to stop fighting three rows back.
Watch ride like a pro, or even watch any motorcycle cop and see how they are trained to ride, you will never see one of them with both feet on the ground looking like a complete novice.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Tomball TX
seriously, I can't believe all the discussion over brake pads, clutch's, rings etc....
I have downshifted bikes and cars my whole life and it's never been a problem. I have yet to replace a clutch in anything or caused any engine damage by downshifting. Talk about beating a dead horse. Downshift or don't downshift, whatever you're comfortable with but not downshifting to save wear and tear on the clutch or rings...please.
I have downshifted bikes and cars my whole life and it's never been a problem. I have yet to replace a clutch in anything or caused any engine damage by downshifting. Talk about beating a dead horse. Downshift or don't downshift, whatever you're comfortable with but not downshifting to save wear and tear on the clutch or rings...please.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: b.c.
The right way to do it is using both brakes and downshifting as you come to a stop to be in 1st gear when you stop with left hand on clutch, right hand on the throttle and right foot on rear brake, left foot on pavement holding up the bike.
It drives me nuts when I see a guy slowing down to a stop with both feet on the ground and then sitting there both feet on the ground and arms crossed thinking he is just too cool for school waiting to get rear ended by some soccer Mom in her Escalade while she is yelling at her crumb snatchers to stop fighting three rows back.
Watch ride like a pro, or even watch any motorcycle cop and see how they are trained to ride, you will never see one of them with both feet on the ground looking like a complete novice.
It drives me nuts when I see a guy slowing down to a stop with both feet on the ground and then sitting there both feet on the ground and arms crossed thinking he is just too cool for school waiting to get rear ended by some soccer Mom in her Escalade while she is yelling at her crumb snatchers to stop fighting three rows back.
Watch ride like a pro, or even watch any motorcycle cop and see how they are trained to ride, you will never see one of them with both feet on the ground looking like a complete novice.
also, once stopped, I routinely put both feet down when riding 2-up. My bike, fully loaded with me and my wife on board is pushing 1300 lbs....holding that up with only my left leg is tiring to say the least. nothing wrong with having both feet down, just keep the front brake on.
....and BTW, if that Escalade hits you, you are in big trouble no matter what brakes you might have applied. best advice is to watch the rear view and be ready to move.
for the record, after 40 years and 36 bikes, I'm far from a novice.
Carry on.
Dave
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Joe Kucinski
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
If your question is one or the other, downshift or brake? Replacing the clutch disc or brake pads, take your choice
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From:
Use my front more , easier to clean front whitewall than back,lol
Last edited by mori55; Jun 6, 2013 at 06:49 PM.
