One More Way To Become “One” With Your Motorcycle
Engine braking is a great technique to use in addition to, or instead of, brake application, depending on the circumstance. For twisty roads, where you don’t need full-force braking, not only does downshifting – combined with a quick throttle blip to bring the revs up a bit, and smooth release of the clutch lever – slow your bike pre-corner, it prepares you for acceleration as you near the exit of the corner. For normal stopping and slowing, downshifting keeps you in the right gear in case you need to make a quick move (such as a swerve) or in case traffic picks up or the light changes to green before you come to a complete stop.
One disadvantage is the lack of corresponding brake light activation. However, that’s only an issue if there are vehicles behind you whose drivers will benefit from seeing the light. As an alert rider, you will have been glancing in your rear-view mirrors frequently and will know what, if anything, is behind you.
When there’s traffic behind you, even if in adjacent lanes (or even if there’s no traffic, to help you develop the habit), combine your engine braking with a couple of taps on the brake pedal. Be sure to adjust your rear brake light actuator so the light is triggered during the early part of pedal application, before the brake is fully applied. Brake lights and turn signals are primary ways riders and drivers can “talk” to each other on the road.
Part of the fun of motorcycling is achieving precise coordination of throttle, shifting, and braking in any situation – in other words, becoming “one” with your motorcycle.
Reprinted courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Foundation, msf-usa.org
Engine braking is a great technique to use in addition to, or instead of, brake application, depending on the circumstance. For twisty roads, where you don’t need full-force braking, not only does downshifting – combined with a quick throttle blip to bring the revs up a bit, and smooth release of the clutch lever – slow your bike pre-corner, it prepares you for acceleration as you near the exit of the corner. For normal stopping and slowing, downshifting keeps you in the right gear in case you need to make a quick move (such as a swerve) or in case traffic picks up or the light changes to green before you come to a complete stop.
One disadvantage is the lack of corresponding brake light activation. However, that’s only an issue if there are vehicles behind you whose drivers will benefit from seeing the light. As an alert rider, you will have been glancing in your rear-view mirrors frequently and will know what, if anything, is behind you.
When there’s traffic behind you, even if in adjacent lanes (or even if there’s no traffic, to help you develop the habit), combine your engine braking with a couple of taps on the brake pedal. Be sure to adjust your rear brake light actuator so the light is triggered during the early part of pedal application, before the brake is fully applied. Brake lights and turn signals are primary ways riders and drivers can “talk” to each other on the road.
Part of the fun of motorcycling is achieving precise coordination of throttle, shifting, and braking in any situation – in other words, becoming “one” with your motorcycle.
Reprinted courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Foundation, msf-usa.org
