Speaking of slowing down in a semi, I like when some a**wipe is right up my a** when I am driving in my Peterbilt. I just let off throttle and don't touch the brakes with the Jake brake on, they usally back off after that. As far as the bike, a little of both with a flash of the brake light here and there. Getting hit in the a** on abike is no fun unless you like Demorol and Morphine.

 

Front and rear brakes in unison. Never trans. apply front progressively harder until the front suspension is compressed and then lighter on the rear brakes. Absolutely the best way to slow a cycle down.

I bet very few will agree, but that method has served me very well for 53 years of riding. The old saw of every biker has dropped a bike or will drop it just hasn't happened to me.

I am losing some agility but I adjust speed to compensate.[sm=biker.gif]

But not launching. Still love to get-r-going!

 

I use gears(In case I need emergency power) with the footbrake on for lights for cagers.

 

The original poster is not talking about an emergency stop...I think we would all agree with your equation if that was the situation..

 

If you have to ask , you don't belong on a motorcycle...period !

 

Always use both. [sm=biker.gif]

hb

 

If the lights are changing , only use the throttle to beat them suckers, that will save brakes and clutch and you might even get a ride to the hospital at high speed in a white truck. (only joking. its late and my mind is wandering)

 

Thats the answer ...right there. [sm=trust_me.gif]
[sm=groupwave.gif]

 

- the OP asked about "Slowing Down : Brakes or Shifting".

- brakes are for braking.

- the gearbox is for matching engine speed to road speed.

- and brakes are one hell of alot better at slowing down than
any clutch/gearbox can ever hope to be.

- cheers.

.

 

My post was for stopping at a light/sign/corner or what ever. If I need to do emergency stopping it is the same method only harder. If you practice a procedure it will be automatic in an emergecy situation. Combined with strong observation over the years I have been able to avoid left turners and even an Illinois state trooper who pulled out of a stop intersection onto a highway without ever looking to his left! He pulled me over! I didn't say a word. He just looked at my license and left. If he would have tried anything I was going to take his ticket book and give him a ticket. I was an off duty deputy sheriff at the time.