Rather than downshifting gears after I have stopped on a motorcycle, isn't it better to downshift as my speed decreases and use the engine to brake? Thus, by the time I have stopped, I am at 1st gear.
2006-10-23 11:37:41 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
sounds good, just dont jerk it, its hard on the chain and tire :(
2006-10-23 11:43:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds ok, just don't use ONLY the engine for your braking. For any bike brakes are incredibly good at braking, an engine not so much -- look up forums about inline-4s to get an idea.
Also I'd rather stop quickly than run through an intersection knowing I can't stop in the space provided. I can be much smoother and quicker on the brakes (I initiate my stops pretty close to the intersection) than I can trying to work the clutch and downshifting while coming into a light, so that's the reason I pull in the clutch and use just the brakes to stop, downshifting as I go.
2006-10-24 04:04:25 · answer #2 · answered by Sonny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its great when you have time to match road speed to engine/gear combinations. You should be downshifting and braking at the same time (lessons in co-ordination :) )
Much better idea is to learn to use brakes as hard as possible for emergency use so you dont run into the jerk who pulled in front of you
treat everyone on the road as a psychopath (especially the people you ride with)and you'll probably stay safe
2006-10-25 04:06:46 · answer #3 · answered by 1crazypj 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is. just don't be too aggressive with it. don't down shift too soon as to over-rev the engine. This also saves on the brakes and will not harm your drive train in any way as long as it's done correctly. Be careful though...if you downshift into to low of a gear too soon it could cause the back tire to skid and maybe make you lose control...one gear at at time...just like up shifting.
2006-10-23 11:46:46 · answer #4 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should always match your engine speed to road speed by downshifting as you slow. It saves wear on the brakes as you slow, helps you slow faster and puts you in the right gear in case you have a need to accelerate again.
ALL riders should do so. Most motorcycles have wet clutches so they don't wear as fast as car clutches.
2006-10-24 04:14:40 · answer #5 · answered by lepninja 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After you stopped you need a kickstand or to put down your feet. You can use the engine braking to slow down. This practice is used in racing when cornering. Four-stroke dirt bikes make it easier to ride because it is easier to corner when you can "chop the throttle" lean it into the corner then get back on the gas.
I don't recommend making a habit of it for everyday use. Motorcycles have awesome brakes and pads are cheap and easy to replace. The great thing about today's bikes is that they stop two-thirds faster than they accelerate. Unless you are riding a bike with drum brakes I wouldn't hesitate to grab a handful of gas and a handful of brake.
Remember, on a street bike, it is best to use a little of the front and back brake.
On a dirt bike, the front brake is used on down hills and setting the suspension for a jump or g-out. The back brake is used to steer the bike as much as the bars. In tight woods riding the brakes are used to steer the bike more than the handle bars.
2006-10-23 13:52:13 · answer #6 · answered by Todd 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it will help you stop faster. Some early motorcycles had a transmission that when you went in fith gear the next up shift would put it in first this would be when you were stop at a light and would not have to go through all the gears to get back to first.
2006-10-23 11:54:23 · answer #7 · answered by Riverfurm 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's good to have the ability. Incase you need to use it.
My experience has shown that when you are in traffic it is better for others to see your taillights long before you stop. Engine braking may seem cool to some people, but it's cooler to not be rear ended by another vehicle who's driver has been given no signal of your intention to stop directly in front of them.
Good Luck! Be Safe! Stay Alive!
2006-10-23 19:57:58 · answer #8 · answered by motogirl 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That's what I do all the time. From about 45-50, slowing for a light, I'm usually in 2nd before I even hit my brakes.
2006-10-24 02:37:05 · answer #9 · answered by strech 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is better to use the engine compression to decrease speed and then you would be in the correct gear to take off again also.
2006-10-23 13:12:01 · answer #10 · answered by StatIdiot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is good to practice stopping by down shifting it will help slow you down better than jamming on the brake, which could result in an accident.
2006-10-23 12:56:52 · answer #11 · answered by Richard P 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋