QuestionDepending on who I ask, everyone seems to have different opinion on how to downshift. The MSF course didn't really show me how to do it other then we would stop on 2nd gear using both breaks and remember to shift back to first before restarting.
So to make the scenerio easier, let say I am going to a dead stop. I am not expect to pick up speed any time soon, here are the 2 ways I downshift:
1. if I get lazy, I would just hold in the clutch and let go the gas. As I am holding the clutch, I would just go down 1 gear at a time until I reach first. In the mean time, I also apply the breaks lightly until I coast to a stop.
2. if I want to practice timing the clutch, I would hold in the clutch and let go the gas. At the same time I would down shift by 1. After I have shifted, I would ease the clutch out and apply a bit of gas, but not too much. I would repeat that until I get to first gear.
I am told that the first way is too hard on the clutch. I am also told that the best method is to hold the clutch and let go the gas. After that, down shift by one and ease out the clutch, but don't give as any more gas. Once that is done, hold in the clutch again, down shift by 1. Keep doing that until reaching first gear.
So as you can see I am a bit confused over the subject. What is the best way of downshift w/o hurting the clutch?
AnswerThis is mostly a style/preference issue. Either way is acceptable, though technically, it's best for the bike to keep the clutch squeezed as you downshift to a stop.
There are also those who argue that when you engine brake, technically, the engine and the brakes are working against each other.
Reality is that it doesn't really matter. Unless you're a total ham-fist, I don't think you can really hurt your bike by engine braking.
The following is an excerpt from my new book, "How to Ride a Motorcycle: A Rider's Guide to Strategy, Safety, and Skill Development." You might find it to be perfect reading material at this point in your riding evolution.
"By keeping the clutch squeezed as you come to a stop, this allows the brakes to do most of the work of stopping. In real life, this is good, because the brake light will alert others to your intentions better than engine braking. There are lots of people out there who think braking with the clutch (engine braking) is cool, but the reality is, unless you’re a factory-sponsored racer, brake pads are simpler to replace than clutch pads. Use engine braking for special occasions, not for everyday work."
Good luck and have fun!
Pat
