Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Engine Braking, clutch plates, rear brakes

Question
Hi Pat;
   I've just started riding my first motorcycle (V-Star 650) and find it easier to not use Engine Braking, rather just pull in the clutch and use the front and rear brakes to stop. I'm wondering 2 things.
i) Is it okay to coast to a stop using just the brakes instead of engine braking?
ii) What is the correct technique for using engine braking? They didn't seem to focus on it too much in my safety course.

Thank you,

David

Answer
It is totally okay to coast to a stop using just the brakes instead of engine braking.

Most experts would agree, for two reasons: 1) engine braking doesn't illuminate the tail light, and 2) brake pads are easier to replace than clutch plates and engine components. In theory, if you're using the engine to brake instead of your brakes, you're wearing the clutch and the parts of the engine instead of your brake pads. A third reason, though not all experts agree, is that using engine braking along with braking-braking has the engine and the brakes working against each other, causing additional wear. I believe this, though many experienced and knowledgeable riders do not. We have some great arguments about it.

I am a chronic engine braker. I admit it. My dad taught me (when learning to drive a stick when I was 16) to always have the engine in gear and the transmission engaged. It's not as important when coming to a stop, but it is important when cornering, so I kind of picked up the habit of keeping the bike under power even when slowing (combining engine braking and braking-braking). I feel that having the bike in the correct gear for the speed offers me slightly better set of choices if trouble should arise, such as an inattentive tailgater or when the light goes green.

I don't know if there is a "correct" technique for engine braking. Always use your brakes in addition to engine braking to light up the taillamp and alert those behind you to your intentions, obviously. Downshift through the gears in a way that always has you in the powerband and in gear, clutch engaged, should some problem arise. That way you can stop, slow, or go with minimal transition time.

Engine braking is also useful in very curvy mountainous areas--heading down a long slope at low speed where you have to brake often, brakes can get heated up and overheated. It's rare, and usually the problem is contaminated brake fluid or an overloaded bike, but it's still a consideration. Engine braking in this instance will help you control your speed and give the brakes a rest. Be careful not to overheat the bike, if it's air-cooled.

Ride Safe,

Pat