Downshifting when coming to a stop

reckless · 03-13-2012, 01:39 AM

What is your guys policy on downshifting when coming to a stop, "engine breaking". I am used to downshifting and using the "engine break" when coming to a stop or slowing down , this comes from my truck driving habits. Is this a advisable when driving a motorcycle? Since the cars behind wont see a break light. This of course is not in situations of a sudden or unexpected stop.

Dodsfall · 03-13-2012, 03:14 AM

Engine braking is fine as long as it's done in a reasonable and safe manner.

You can and should use your brakes enough to light up your brake light when in traffic. Checking for traffic behind and using your brake light to communicate your intentions when slowing is always a smart idea.

SteveM · 03-13-2012, 06:43 AM

I downshift when braking as it helps slow me down a little bit as I apply the brakes. It also keeps me in the appropriate gear just in case.

distantThunder · 03-13-2012, 02:56 PM

my bike is a heavy "torque monster". Both deceleration and acceleration are mostly controlled by the engine. If I throttle down, the bike slows down a lot. So yeah - engine braking is acceptable.

You'll learn to mix it with some real braking. I always like to maintain a very good feel for both brakes. Here's a simple exercise. Every time you come to a stop sign, or an intersection where you must stop, pick an exact point on the road as your target. Aim to bring your front wheel to exactly that spot when you come to a stop. Then try braking with only the front brake, or only the rear brake, or both brakes together. This gives you a lot of practice in getting a feel for the brakes.

But when I'm slowing down in 3'rd gear and 2'nd gear, most of the braking (if not all of it) is coming from the engine.

dT

03-13-2012, 01:39 AM	#1
reckless Motorcyclist Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 12	Downshifting when coming to a stop What is your guys policy on downshifting when coming to a stop, "engine breaking". I am used to downshifting and using the "engine break" when coming to a stop or slowing down , this comes from my truck driving habits. Is this a advisable when driving a motorcycle? Since the cars behind wont see a break light. This of course is not in situations of a sudden or unexpected stop.

03-13-2012, 03:14 AM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,950	Engine braking is fine as long as it's done in a reasonable and safe manner. You can and should use your brakes enough to light up your brake light when in traffic. Checking for traffic behind and using your brake light to communicate your intentions when slowing is always a smart idea. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-13-2012, 06:43 AM	#3
SteveM Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 433	I downshift when braking as it helps slow me down a little bit as I apply the brakes. It also keeps me in the appropriate gear just in case. __________________ 1982 Seca 400, 2006 XL1200C, 2007 BV250

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03-13-2012, 02:56 PM	#4
distantThunder Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,163	my bike is a heavy "torque monster". Both deceleration and acceleration are mostly controlled by the engine. If I throttle down, the bike slows down a lot. So yeah - engine braking is acceptable. You'll learn to mix it with some real braking. I always like to maintain a very good feel for both brakes. Here's a simple exercise. Every time you come to a stop sign, or an intersection where you must stop, pick an exact point on the road as your target. Aim to bring your front wheel to exactly that spot when you come to a stop. Then try braking with only the front brake, or only the rear brake, or both brakes together. This gives you a lot of practice in getting a feel for the brakes. But when I'm slowing down in 3'rd gear and 2'nd gear, most of the braking (if not all of it) is coming from the engine. dT