I never noticed!!! I always stick my front foot up between the front tire and the fender for all my braking, it's hell on my "tenner shoes" but it still works.

 

If you want to drive it like an 18 wheeler,see if somebody makes a jake brake for it.

 

After installing cams and a 2n1, "compression braking" increased and works very well when descending when riding in the hills, mountains and, if necessary, prior to entering turns. This surprised me, in a good way. Very useful.

 

I would think your other bike had a high compression ratio. That made a difference on my old bike.

 

Actually, the compression ratio is higher on the Harley than on the Honda VTX. So, that can't be it.

Jim G

 

Things that affect engine braking for the same engine size.

1) compression ratio (lower compression less braking)
2) gear ratios (taller gears men less braking)
3) idle speed (higher idle speed less braking)
4) bike weight (heavier bike, more momentum less braking)

 

Now this is why it is so interesting:

- Compression ratio on my Stage 4 103 Breakout is higher (the difference is so great that it was actually RECOMMENDED that the VTX be run on 89 octane fuel)

- gearing IS taller on my Breakout

- Idle speed is virtually identical (1000 on Breakout versus 950 on VTX)

- The Breakout is lighter in weight by over 75 lb (100 lb if both bikes were stock, but the VTX had been lightened by about 25 lb)

So, the Breakout has:

- 1 factor that reduces engine braking (taller gearing)
- 1 factor that is neutral (idle speed)
- 2 factors that would predict MORE engine braking (higher compression, lighter weight)

And, here is a final zinger: The flywheel assembly on the VTX is the heaviest one that Honda has ever put in a motorcycle.

Intriguing, isn't it?

Jim G

 

That flywheel weight may be your answer-the rear tire has to
'push" that flywheel against it's own inertia,and the Harley wheel is much lighter.Easier to push.

 

No! A heavier flywheel is more resistant to changing its rpm, so should be more resistant to the engine braking, and yet the Honda VTX decelerated VERY quickly compared to the Breakout, when the throttle was closed.

On the other hand, my rear wheel is undoubtedly heavier than the one on the Honda. I have the HD chrome Turbine wheel set, and that Turbine wheel even LOOKS heavy! The heavier rear wheel would make the Breakout more resistant to changing engine rpm with the throttle closed.

Jim G

 

Your comparing a Honda engine to an HD engine.
This thread is not really valid due to that factor alone.