When I was at the Dragon here recently and running through the mountains all afternoon, I noticed I was of course using my brakes a lot and didn't want to overwork them. I know that downshifting gear-to-gear is not recommended because of damage to the dogs and paws (I think that is what someone here called it).  

I wasn't downshifting at high speeds and popping the clutch, rather (for example) running about 45ish in 4th and upon approaching a moderate downhill turn I would just roll off the throttle, leaving it in 4th gear, and let the engine slow the bike up a little.  When I was ready to speed up, I would then get back into the throttle as needed or downshift to third if I had slowed up considerably (not releasing the clutch to further slow down) and go on about my business.

So, is rolling off the throttle relatively safe for slowing on a downhill, or is it just as bad as downshifting and popping the clutch?

I am asking as I plan to do some more mountain roads hopefully soon and I don't know if I need to focus on using my brakes 99.9% of the time for all stopping/slowing needs or if my riding style is kinda what you experts do as well?

Thanks!

Dave wrote on 07/01/15 at 13:29:32:


But that's the whole objective, right? To sound cool?

Seriously though, it sounds like I have the right perspective and am doing the right thing and not the wrong things.

Just wanted to make sure I didn't come rolling down the mountain and create a pop,bang,pop,bang,pop, KABOOM and have S40 engine parts laying all in the road.  

chzeckmate wrote on 07/01/15 at 13:47:02:


chzeckmate, I think we're good if you and I stick together. Despite what my parents told me growing up, I am going with the argument that two wrongs DO make a right.  

stewmills wrote on 07/01/15 at 13:50:06:


Two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left!

Think about it!  

In the twisties, I rely on throttle control and only use the brakes as an unplanned reaction - if I'm on the brakes, that means I need to stop - I should never need to stop in the twisties!

It's important to have the engine in the sweet spot in a turn - roll on to compress the shocks, roll off to reduce speed.

Downshifting in a manner that causes "brake dive" is wrong - if I flip to a lower gear, and release the clutch, I should not feel any brake dive. Brake dive from downshifting - bad.

When I ride in the rain, I use the engine as an old school ABS - the thumper's  compression from the engine helps reduce the likely-hood of locking up the back wheel. Same as the twisties - keep it in the sweet spot, roll off to slow, roll on to go.

jcstokes wrote on 07/01/15 at 20:37:33:


I may be completely wrong but your numbers seem very high to me. Even 10 mph in first seems a little high. My transmission would complain.

I dunno. Using one of the examples, 4th to 3rd at 60 mph seems like you'd skid the rear tire.

Kris01 wrote on 07/02/15 at 20:03:48:

Same rule as for not grenading the engine, EASE off the clutch, don't pop it
I had mine in the high 50 mph range today accelerating and it simply wasn't a problem, though I wouldn't downshift to 3rd until say 45 of so