I was riding with an old timer this weekend. I always downshift to slow myself down, then apply the brake towards the end of my stop. He told me I was killing my clutch and tranny. I'm sure there's some truth to this statement, but I don't know how much life I taking from the clutch and trans. Does anyone have any data on this?

Additionally, Just out of curiosity, what does everyone else do...

Thanks!

Ryan

 

i do both, i figure its normal wear.

 

Ditto what he said, unless it's an emergency stop, then it's everything I've got to give.

 

I pull in the clutch, give it a couple quick shots of right rist, shift down then let out the clutch. I like the way it sounds. Doing it the "wrong" way is what parts are for.

 

I usually brake to nearly a stop, then tap it down 2 gears w/o letting clutch back out, slow further, then tap it down to 1st.

I was once told downshifting cost about 40 miles of riding. Can't verify that, but I had 2 clutches in my Shovel in 200+k miles, and the original clutch wasn't worn out, I just wanted a barnett wet-or-dry. Current bike is on it's 2nd clutch at 100+k miles. Original was wasted at 40k miles by original owner. New one at 60k miles shows little or no wear.

 

I do both. I believe it is important to tap the brakes when you begin to slow so those behind you will see your brake light. To me, it's a matter of safety. Remember, when you only down shift, you give no visible sign that you are slowing down.

 

If there is someone behind me, I always use the brake very early in the process. I like to have lots of room for the cagers to see me...

Ryan

 

I do both also. Clutch plates are cheap, and one of the easiest repairs out there, so I don't consider the wear. As far as the tranny, I don't know if a down shift would affect them much. They are built strong, and are made for cracking off the line, so how would a downshift shorten their life. And if I blow the tranny, there's an excuse to throw in a Baker 6.

 

Thanks for the reminder. One of my many bad habits is to start downshifting and "save" the brake pads and rotors.

 

I do both, old habit from an old sportster that you couldn't downshift more than one or two gears if you kept the clutch in, some weird thing probibly. I like to be in gear with the clutch out for a quick getaway!