ToesNose wrote on 04/24/13 at 04:20:16:I primarily use the brakes and shift to the proper gears while doing so (not down shifting to help slow the bike just being in the proper gear for when I'm ready to go)
Replacing the front brake pad is easy, I don't like to put stress on the engine and gears when it's not needed. I used to downshift and loved the feel of it when I was younger, now I'm just prudent
I follow the same process -- using the brakes to slow the bike, rather than the clutch and transmission. When I drove vehicles with sticks (Mazda RX7's, Miata, B2300, and B4000), I did the same thing. I was told at the time that brakes are cheaper than transmissions to fix or replace. And that's oh-so-very true.
Downshifting any vehicle (car, truck, or bike) to slow it is probably primarily done more for fun than efficiency -- I know, I've done it a few times in each of them.
But it's got to be murder on the entire drive-train (clutch, tranny, engine), even at moderate speeds.
To slow the bike for a curve or turn, I brake while also methodically tapping down to the proper gear to match my speed. When coming to a stop, I follow the same "slowing" process, tapping down to first either when I'm crawling at the pace of a walk or when the bike is stopped. But I'm beginning to believe that it's probably best to put the bike in 1st only when it's completely stopped.
Finally, when stopped at a light, I will keep the bike in 1st if I know the light will be changing to green rather quickly; otherwise, I'll put it in neutral to give my hands and arms a rest. When I see the lights for the cross traffic turn yellow, then I tap the bike into 1st and get ready to roll.
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