I should have clarified a little more and said do you downshift into first gear WHILE MOVING...I don't. Oh well, I missed the boat on this safety issue...

 

I remember that from the course as well. Downshift as you brake, so your ready to take off again.

 

I agree with grunt. Downshift all gears, tap brake to flash brakelight, but when shifting down to first, don't let clutch out as it tends to chirp the tire.

And I think engine and trans parts are made to hold up to engine braking, been doing it for years, as have many others. I try to match revs so as not to lurch too much...

 

yes i do ......bad habit for me.........after racing motox for so many years....it becomes second nature.......I got 3300 miles with my first tire..............not good....................LO............

[IMG]local://upfiles/19303/71500F6FFD6946EB9EBC61A9BBDA886E.jpg[/IMG]

 

yea maybe take a break for post whoring and take the msf class

it is well worth it

 

you can downshift a standard transmission with no damage. its not about saving brake pads, it about having as much control over your bike as possible. engine braking is very useful.

as for using the engine and trans to make the bike go and the brakes to stop, youre just riding the bike like it had an automatic transmission and eschewing the benefits of engine braking and staying in gear. no thanks.

 

I downshift while slowing, and click into first at about 10 mph. I don't engage the clutch in first, unless I'm taking off again. From what I was taught many years ago, the actual gears in the tranny (first gear) aren't as physically strong as others (due to size), so first shouldn't be used for slowing.

There's nothing like hearing a Harley winding down, with a blip for each downshift.......

 

Grunt,
Only us that hang out in or around Dallas will get that....

 

 

yes
the only time I'm in neutral is if I'm backing up. Its much easier to stop fast using the brakes and all of the gears.