Hey Ari, what about giving a little rev and doing the engine braking like I see professional drivers and riders do ? Is that a better way to do engine braking ? Cheers.
@@authenticmax6350 sure. Its a better way to slow down your vehicle without damaging the clutch and the engine form back torque. This case used for racing to prevent back wheel sliping and prevent rpm down and used if you want to slow down vehicle smoothly and minimize back torque. But if you have a slipper clutch feature. You dont need to do rev matching.
hey i wanna know if u are on full throttle of 3rd gear and u wanted to up shift the gear to 4 but u mistakenly shift down to 2nd a loud comes and bike resist ....WILL IT HARM THE BIKE?
I figured there was a chance I'd learn something new... and I did (had not really thought about the potential issue with 2 strokes on long descents... but it makes sense).
Keep in mind that when engine braking, you're only slowing the rear wheel, so be careful in low traction situations to not break the rear loose. It's bad for your engine to crash.
I think this isn't stressed enough for new riders. Also, for bikes without slipper clutches, dumping the clutch can also lead to scary instability for an unaware newbie. I also think it's fair to say that too many riders rely almost exclusively on downshifting to scrub speed. It's just so much better to learn proper front brake modulation and trail braking techniques too. I downshift going into a corner, but generally only so that I am in the preferred gear when exiting the corner, rather than for engine braking purposes. Brake pads are cheap anyway!
@@alozborne True, but where I live (Portland, OR) braking vs engine braking can make a HUGE difference in fuel economy. I'll use my car as an example cause I only recently started riding, but when I was almost exclusively engine braking down the 5-7 degree declines that go for 1/2 a mile (or on US 26 about 3 miles) for that trip I'd get 40-45 mpg, whereas if I had to use the actual brakes for most of it, i'd get the more expected 28-30 mpg. It won't be nearly as dramatic for a bike that weighs 10% of my car, but if you can do it safely it's definitely noticeable in the right conditions. But, I'll admit most people don't live right near multiple mountains and volcanoes where this can be used regularly.
Haha same. I bought a BMW G 310 GS, which has such an amazingly effective engine brake, I hardly have to touch the brakes and I live up in the mountains.
You probably never had some very old, air cooled, 2-stroke bike? The case he described is absolutely true, my engine welded itself in a similar situation XD
Deals with many people who ignorant, but vocal, about 2 stroke engine braking. You see those nutters complain on any vid with a 2-stroke engine braking for more than a couple of seconds, not comprehending it's only a problem with long, uninterrupted periods of engine braking. Like down a mountain as Ari mentioned.
As a truck driver (road train) engine braking is like 50% of what I do. If engine braking was an issue we wouldn't get a million miles out of an engine
@@danmanthe9335 Y'all make fun, but the fact is I've been asked about engine braking a lot recently. One guy even said he was pulling the clutch in and coasting to avoid it - what a way to ride a motorcycle! So while plenty of us already know about this stuff, there are others that don't.
@@AriH211 sorry! I have seen that question around the internet a lot lately too. Unfortunately misinformation is rampant and tough to distinguish from the truth a lot of times. There are a lot of people who honestly just don't know, and that is just fine
In Germany, we learn at driving school that Engine Breaking is essential due to fuel efficiency and reducing the wear of the braking pads and discs. So everyone in Germany driving any type of vehicle learned this lesson. Funny you (need to?) make a video of it and people not knowing. :)
Most cars in the US are automatic and generally don't have sufficient engine brake to be as useful as a manual. Most people have never even driven one. There is no need to teach it in the basic drivers course as basically no one uses a manual car in the driving test. The people who DO drive stick in the US most likely know of engine braking. I mean it's right there...it's obvious that it exists because it happens every time you take your foot/hand off the throttle lol.
@@subliminalist7539 yeah, you’re right. However, for fuel efficiency it makes a huge difference if you use the brake pedal or shift down to use the motor as a brake. But I see the point, in Germany manual transmissions are getting obsolete as well and thanks to the electric cars this will soon be nothing anyone would need to know anymore or even be able to use. We are getting old. ;) The next generation will all automatically recharge energy when braking with their electric cars. Huge leap.
Glad to hear this from someone who knows what they're talking about. When I first started riding a bike my buddy, who'd been riding for about a year before me, demonstrated engine braking on his straight piped CBR300, which sounded like it was begging for a mercy killing. Years later I know full well that engine braking is fine, but I always had that nagging feeling in the back of my mind like I'm taking a year off the engine's lifespan by using it for braking.
ikr, the sound that the bike makes from engine braking terrifies me as well when it was the first time I'm using a manual bike. After a while though, I become addicted when I can execute downshift smoothly + the sound that the engine braking makes.
It was always drilled into me to keep the vehicle stable on all axis, every input slow, measured and precise. I like engine and gearbox breaking because they scrub 90% of the speed in most situations without upsetting the vehicle leaving me to concentrate on my turn in, throttle control and body position.
I'm glad you covered engine braking slowing the rider a lot without notifying the people behind. With my tiny V twin (the little brother of the Honda Hawk GT647) a lot of speed can be reduced with engine braking alone and it's something to be mindful about.
there is so much engine braking on my bike I barely touch the brakes. i've had it 7 years and just put the first set of new pads in it since I bought it used. can't believe some people worry about this.
I remember passing my full bike licence test 30 years ago and going from a Honda 2 stroke 125cc with almost zero engine braking, to a Honda V4 VF400F.. the ride home after picking it up, I could not believe the engine braking.. it was awesome!
I like that his videos are short and to the point. Under 5 minutes is plenty of time to get information passed and understood. So many people have 20 and 30 minute videos that just repeat themselves.
Great Stuff as always! With so much bad information out there and so many idiots pretending to be experts, these guys deserve their subs with concise and factual information.
Good info for the 2-strokes. I knew that on my 4-stroke bikes there was no concern (and I do engine brake A LOT on those bikes) but in my owners manual for my old 2-stroke bike from 1975 it specifically says to not use engine braking when going down long hills. It says pull in the clutch and use brakes exclusively.
MotoActionADV, can you find my comment on this video "Is Engine Braking Bad For Your Motorcycle? | The Shop Manual" and tell me, am I out-to-lunch with my thoughts & comment. I don't want to look stupid in front of Ari, maybe I should run it by your 1st. (serious face)
I usually tap my rear brakes twice to let the car behind me know that I'll be slowing down without a visual indicator. Haven't been rear-ended yet but people still get obnoxiously close.
Perhaps the most important limitation to know about engine braking is the fact only the rear wheel is used to slow down the motorcycle and therefore equivalent to braking using only the rear brake.
I’ve always wondered all these things. Thanks for making a clear answer! Makes me wonder why I thought it might be bad in the first place when I knew all the things you pointed out but still questioned how ok it was for the engine
Another benefit: fuel economy. If you pull in the clutch and the engine idles, it is using fuel. While engine braking none is used. Engine breaking is essential for getting high mpg. With with practice one can learn much better when to let off the gas.
I've gotten into the habit of double tapping my rear brakes and applying rear brake when I engine brake. I might be an exception because I was told most of this when I started learning and I ride 90% of the time at night, and I want to be seen. It's a good habit, and learning how to tickle the brake pedal to trigger the brake light is a useful skill. You can blink at someone too close, alert a fellow rider of an obstacle with your foot, or just make your engine braking clear. It's a good habit/skill to learn. Just practice gently touching it enough to click the light on, but not enough to brake. I told this to a friend and he tried learning this skill and ended up stomping the rear brake and locking up the rear.. so don't be like him.. practice that light touch, tappy tap, do morse code, tap a beat out... just get used to very light taps when you need to.
I use engine braking in like all my vehicles because I only drive manual so me using the brake light actually came from driving a car just thinking about how it looks from behind to be slowing down without a brake light
These little things are the signs of a good seasoned biker who spend his/her time learning and improving. I personally added a second rear light that flashes when I stop (just a strip of LEDs with a relay and a flasher). I still have to signal when I'm engine braking but it sends a clearer sign than just a brighter light.
When I do engine braking, it's accompanied by slightly a knub of either my front or rear brakes, so everyone can see from behind that I am stopping. Most scared the shit out and even Honda dealer (they warned me of warranty void IN FACT). I cared none. It's safe to do so, and/but try to make sign of your braking with a touch of your brake light. On cornering I go with slight rear stomp, and halting at stop light calls both rear and front brakes, and everyone looks at me with concerns of burning my own clutch pack, piston andohGOD do they know shit!
I just adjust my rear brake so the light comes on as soon as I put my foot on it but it takes a bit more positive pressure to engage. That way as soon as you ease off and move your foot forward ready to apply the rear brake the light comes on.
I like to use the front brake to activate the brake light, because when engine braking, you're only using the rear tire and a little front helps keep things balanced.
I saw a test performed by an Austrian motorcycle channel called “1000ps”. They put a Kawasaki Z900 on a dyno and did some pulls on 95, 98 and 102 RON. I think it’s about equal to 91, 93 and 98 in the US. The graphs were pretty much identical and within 0.4 hp of each other. And the highest figure wasn’t even with the 102 RON race gas.
I had no idea people thought it was bad. And that's why I watched 🤷 Now, it's worth noting that there are inertia switches available, which light the brake light when you begin to decelerate, whether or not you're using one (or both) of the brakes. My '80 XS650 will be getting one, as soon as I free up the time to install it.
I knew what engine breaking was, and that it wasn't dangerous. But interesting to see and learn why people would think that, because it had never ever crossed my mind! Another benefit would also be more MPG. The fear must be because you all have automatic cars. I live in Denmark, even to this day automatic is something you only see in electric cars, and as extra in expensive cars. "Driving stick" is the norm, the common thing. And its what you are taught when taking you license. So from cars, engine breaking has always been a thing I utilized, so doing it when riding too just came natural, and not something I ever thought to question.
Yup, nicely explained, thank you. My dad in law (passionate automotive enthusiast) also mentioned years ago, that engine braking is very beneficial for engine's piston rings ( better lubrication all around when not stressed by the forces of combustion) and cylinder walls too. Just make sure that your chain is properly maintained ( forces being applied from both directions forward/backward) and not slack (accelerated chain wear).
THANK YOU for setting the record straight on the 2-strokes. The engine braking myth came from 2-stroke cars coming down the Alps, engine-braking for 15 minutes. It's also a problem with 2-stroke airplanes descending from altitude. But if Kenny Roberts can get away with 13,000rpm triple-downshifts into corners at Silverstone, you'll be fine keeping your YZ in gear on the brakes. Just don't do top-gear pulls on 100:1 Saber mix.
This is great to watch, I use engine braking a good bit and it gives a good habit of not over speeding and therefore needing the brakes too much. Great tip to use activate the brake lights when engine braking. Overall a great video which I really enjoyed. Thanks Guys.
Riding in a car (or seeing a video) with a driver who doesn't engine brake gives me discernible anxiety. Love the content, Ari! You and Zack are about as down to earth, knowledgeable, and entertaining as it gets.
Its why I have always enjoyed manual cars and motorbikes - its nice to be able to control your speed using the engine and transmission. I remember a person arguing with my father when I was a kid telling him that engine braking was bad - and brake pads are cheap! ( I know they are - but engine braking is great )
The guy who instructed my motorcycle course told me that it’s very bad in the clutch friction discs as they can’t take as much strain as a car’s clutch. Glad I’m final,y seeing this video now
Also, maybe not so much now, but when running in a new engine it was a good idea after short hard acceleration to snap the throttle closed, the vacuum created in the cylinders dragged oil up onto the cylinder walls helping running in a tight engine. If I been running at a constant speed for a while I will still do this. (This is why if your rings aren't sealing properly, after a transition from fully closed throttle to open throttle you will get a puff of oil smoke because the vacuum has pulled oil up past the rings and needs to clear). Ps enjoy your posts .
My last several bikes have been Suzuki 650 Burgmans. The 2005, which I rode for 101,000 miles, had incredible engine braking, way more than expected. You let off the throttle and it felt like you were going over the handle bars. I think there were enough concerns about it, that the latest version, my 2016 with 60,000 miles, was a lot smoother on the engine braking.
YASSSS THANK YOU!!!!! I know sooo many people who say engine braking is bad for a motorcycle, and they're so die hard about it. They're dead set on believing it, no matter how many times I tell them or explain to them that it isn't.
Maybe someone's already commented on this but even on a 2-stroke, when engine braking, it's still pulling oil/fuel mixture through the idle circuit and not adding any significant combustion heat so it's not starving for lube at all.
Thank you! I've slowed down via engine braking for almost 10 years now and only recently wondered what kind of additional wear it might be causing to my motorcycle transmission. Glad to hear that it isn't any more than normal friction.
If you’re racing a two-stroke engine flat out for a long time you have to blip the throttle in between gear changes to feed oil/fuel to the crank and piston so it will not seize
TH-cam has somehow tapped into reading my mind. This was the first thing on my recommended list. I just got back from a three day trip not more than an hour ago with my MT09. Had some crazy hills where I was riding. No joke, It crossed my mind while I was riding about five hours ago if I'm engine braking too much. Question answered.
I marvel how I ever survived motorcycling for 50 years without TH-cam... now, I wonder if I am wearing the right aftershave for motorcycling... looking forward to another TH-cam video...
Just came across this. Great TH-cam video. Been riding for over 50 years, and always used engine braking, all the way from 50 cc to 1100 cc four cycle, and for one brief two-year long and embarrassing period a 305 cc two-stroke ("ring-a-ding-ding"}. Glad to view such a great video confirming that I had not be screwing up (grin). Engine braking is a wonderful and important part of motorcycle riding.
What a relief... I live in the mountains and most of the time I am engine braking on long descents. I can now rest easy knowing it doesn’t hurt my bike’s engine, plus it sounds awesome!
I've heard of mods that activate the brake lights when deceleration occurs, something like a mercury switch activated line. Would be a worthwhile upgrade for those who rely on engine braking a lot.
Think that's just a matter of properly learning how to ride a bike. Whenever you slow down, use the rear brake enough to trigger the brake light. Same goes for always checking your mirrors when stopped at a red light for approaching vehicles, and being ready to go anywhere if the car behind you isn't slowing down. Still, it would be useful to have that just in case you forget, but I think that might just make more people lazy when it comes to road safety/awareness if that ever becomes standard equipment.
I know of bikes in the UK that have been fitted with with mercury switches about forty years ago. They work fine but (obviously) don't work when the bike is stationary. I like to keep my rear brake light on on soggy, wet Winter nights when I'm waiting at junctions or traffic lights on a rainy night. Gives me a bit more visibility.
As a new small engine mechanic just rebuilding my first bottom end on my 02 Cr250 and seeing how I'm about to pickup my first fuel injected 4-stroke WR, I have lots of questions and all 3 videos I've watched so far somehow really comfort me. Thank you. it started with the "do you need to warm up your engine video" I think of it all the time when I wake up at 5:40 AM in the morning knowing that I need to get to work by 6:00am and I'm just throwing on my clothes and starting up my old ass 05 V6 Tacoma with 197k miles in 40 degree FL wet cold wondering if I should start driving or wait until I see the temp needle move a little bit. So after watching that I now know that I should just go ahead and start driving and just being gentle.
Love this new format! I had wondered how you would cover some of the subjects you’ve covered in the past but you’ve managed to keep it all fresh and interesting absolute legend :D
one other benefit of engine braking that ari didnt mention is that you improve fuel mileage on fuel injection systems because the FI fuel cuts while doing engine braking
True, the fuel cut off on decel, also causes stronger engine braking. Some people change that in the ecu to not cut off fuel, which makes letting off throttle not such an abrupt slowdown. Also makes it much smoother getting back into the throttle.
As a beginner, sort of, in motorbikes in general (I have 1 year with my bike now), I found several videos telling us that engine breaking is a safer way to brake our bikes. But then, I have friends that have bikes for years now, and I asked about what they thougt about it and they all told me that I could damage the engine to the point of having to get a new bike, so I got mixed feelings. With this video, all my doubts completely vanished and I can safely practice the technique without having to worry about what they think about it. Again, thanks a lot.
Explain... Be cause I dont know how engine breaking( letting off the gas) could save fuel better than pulling in the clutch and using the break🤔 Even though I always gear down or "engine brake" been riding for 50 years..
@@davidjessee7701 This works only on bikes with fuel injection, when you let off the gas and the rpm are above idle, the computer shuts of the fuel until the engine speed reaches idle again just like in a car engine. Works great on long downhills. I have seen systems on carburated bikes that more or less try to do the same thing but they still let some fuel go. I hope my explanation makes sense.
you're talking about "Deceleration Fuel Cutoff/DFCO"? I always noticed that with modern fuel injected vehicles that has fuel economy indicator (the fuel economy goes up to the moon coz the ECU programmed the injectors to shut itself when engine braking).
@@junkawakami3193 yes fuel cut on decel. Saves fuel, stronger decel, but some bikes can be very twitchy/not smooth getting back into the throttle. It is why I turn fuel cut on decel off in the ecu. Smoother decel and accel. But less deceleration off throttle, and uses more fuel.
I didn't want to read all the comments to find out if someone already said this... but, when i learned how to ride motorcycles and also naturally learned to engine brake, regularly. And once or twice this has saved my life. because I was riding along and there was traffic in front of me and they suddenly moved out of the way and there's a broken down truck sitting on the side of the road, but I couldn't see it until the car in front of me moved out of the way! I had less than 10 ft to maneuver stop or do whatever i could to avoid impact! having the habit of engine braking and using the brakes at the same time I was able to break maneuver and get around the truck! it was insane that I was able to do it and not crash, lose control nor slide into impact. When I got to the next stoplight a couple of drivers hollered out to me "wow that was great driving!" And I was thinking to myself it really was great and lucky! instinct and regularly using the brakes and the engine brake.
I know I'm right this whole time. I will show this video to my anti engine braking friends. 😂 I did told them if a bike can handle full throttle from 1st gear, there's no reason the bike can't handle fraction of force produced by engine braking😁
I have been riding since 1966, engine braking is the one tool that not only does not wear out, but it helps cool the engine with oil and coolant flowing without adding heat from the throttle. It helps stabilize the bike in a hard braking situation, and set up for a turn not to mention if you can down shift as you enter the turn you are now in the correct gear to power out of the turn.. One thing be sure to tap the brake so people behind you know you are braking.
I thought you were talking about hitting the kill switch to slow down. I do it a lot. On some high torque bikes, you can lock up the rear tire. But it hasn’t any of my bike, that I know of. Thanks for the video!
Yep, I always ride about 50-10 mph/kmph faster than the general flow of traffic. It means I never hover in anyone's blindspot for too long, and I don't have to worry too much about what goes on behind me. It also keeps your mind active because you're constantly subconsciously looking out instead of feeling too safe just following whatever the car in front is doing. Speed only becomes an issue when you push the margins of excess speed compared to those around you. I feel the least safe when I'm just existing in the traffic flow.
@LastRaven The key is to just go slightly above the speed of the general traffic flow. That way you never stay in someone's blind spot for too long, and your mind stays active because you aren't just following what the car in front of you is doing. In order to not be able to react due to speed, you need to be going way faster than necessary. In any normal situation if you go 5-10mph faster than the cars around you, you still have almost the same reaction time limit as normal. It's a total win-win way of riding.
Tapping the brake when you're engine braking to let drivers behind you know you're scrubbing speed.. Valuable tip... I'm a new rider and wasn't doing that. Thanks.
The Ardmore LED brake light flashes during engine braking .. very comforting to know.. If you down shift too much on the FZ-07 you can skid your rear wheel .. even more on wet pavment.. or a little frost on the road..
I pased my uk bike liscence over thirty years ago. We were taught to only use the brakes for unexpected stops. Everything else should use engine breaking. Smoother to ride. More instant control. Fuel savings.
I wasn't aware this was a question that anyone even asked. I always assumed it took a little life away from my clutch and added life to my brakes but I do LOVE the sound as I'm coming of the interstate and I hear my engine scream.
Same on my rsv4, over 30k km with lots of heavy braking when going fast occasionally and the pads are at half life, racing derived engine braking is amazing
I haven’t ridden a motorcycle for years just got a gxsr 1000 I was surprised how much engine breaking it has definitely took me by surprise when I first rode it.
So Keith Code was wrong, in "Twist Of The Wrist" when he said: "brake pads are cheap, engines are expensive"? I don't think so. I don't ride MT-09s neither but sportbikes. I'll keep reducing engine on the bike's menu and keeping it to a minimum and use my brakes
This reminds me of Twist of the Wrist 2, "Pads are cheap, engines are expensive", but I guess as long as you are not downshifting so aggressively, that you are overreving or locking up, then engine-braking a 4stroke is ok and not complicated. And like Regen-Braking an electric motorcycle, engine-braking extends the life of the normal brakes. And I can imagine all that vacuum in the combustion chamber, sucking oil pass the rings, so cylinder lubrication shouldn't be an issue. I'm more interested in EVs, and only using engines to make Hybrids, but this video was great to watch & learn. Thank you.
@LastRaven Oh, I forgot about Slipper Clutches. Maybe those can tuned, so that you can't damage the engine, with engine-braking. Even when you dump the clutch at 1st gear, after climbing to the top of 5th. I have to lookup if that's ok with a Slipper Clutch.
Regarding the heat, engine braking actually cools the engine through air decompression (that's also how refrigerators work) to the point it can sometimes even cause ice to form on the throttle body if the ambient air is just above freezing. It's not an issue but it is the complete opposite of overheating.
You're dealing with folks that have a hard time understanding that loading the front fork provides more contact on the road. The Joule-Kelvin effect....*mindblow*
![ลองสุ่มไอโฟน 990 โกงมั้ย? [ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.101 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfsWe0j492k/mqdefault.jpg)
Read more about engine braking on Common Tread: rvz.la/3kQJvE3
Hey Ari, what about giving a little rev and doing the engine braking like I see professional drivers and riders do ? Is that a better way to do engine braking ? Cheers.
@@authenticmax6350 sure. Its a better way to slow down your vehicle without damaging the clutch and the engine form back torque. This case used for racing to prevent back wheel sliping and prevent rpm down and used if you want to slow down vehicle smoothly and minimize back torque. But if you have a slipper clutch feature. You dont need to do rev matching.
@@muhammadsyihab2636 Oh okay,,, Thanks brother.
Hey Ari, great explanation. I was thinking, what about a short bore and long stroke engine? The engine use a low rpm, it's safe too? Thx.
hey i wanna know if u are on full throttle of 3rd gear and u wanted to up shift the gear to 4 but u mistakenly shift down to 2nd a loud comes and bike resist ....WILL IT HARM THE BIKE?
Who else already knew the answer and still watched 💆♂️
I didn't even know it was a question. Still watched.
@@el34superlead I questioned it when I read the title
It's me..
I figured there was a chance I'd learn something new... and I did (had not really thought about the potential issue with 2 strokes on long descents... but it makes sense).
Yup.
Keep in mind that when engine braking, you're only slowing the rear wheel, so be careful in low traction situations to not break the rear loose. It's bad for your engine to crash.
What you said sounds stupid in paper but beautiful irl.
I think this isn't stressed enough for new riders. Also, for bikes without slipper clutches, dumping the clutch can also lead to scary instability for an unaware newbie.
I also think it's fair to say that too many riders rely almost exclusively on downshifting to scrub speed. It's just so much better to learn proper front brake modulation and trail braking techniques too.
I downshift going into a corner, but generally only so that I am in the preferred gear when exiting the corner, rather than for engine braking purposes. Brake pads are cheap anyway!
@@alozborne True, but where I live (Portland, OR) braking vs engine braking can make a HUGE difference in fuel economy. I'll use my car as an example cause I only recently started riding, but when I was almost exclusively engine braking down the 5-7 degree declines that go for 1/2 a mile (or on US 26 about 3 miles) for that trip I'd get 40-45 mpg, whereas if I had to use the actual brakes for most of it, i'd get the more expected 28-30 mpg. It won't be nearly as dramatic for a bike that weighs 10% of my car, but if you can do it safely it's definitely noticeable in the right conditions.
But, I'll admit most people don't live right near multiple mountains and volcanoes where this can be used regularly.
@@PomegranateLost That's fair. Honestly, I rarely give fuel economy much of a thought as my CB500X gets about 65 mpg average.
As a learner I engine break while downshifting, I have a slipper clutch which helps
so glad these guys are getting the funding they deserve. missed you both when you left the motorcyclist magazine
mc garage also.
yeah i missed him too. he is the best
We're happy to be back, and fortunate to be working with RevZilla. They're really on the gas!
@@AriH211 Always love your zero bullshit content!
@@AriH211 I hope you guys can do more maintenance videos on the svartpilen 401 shown in other video
Me, engine braking literally every time I slow down for the last 40k miles: **nervous sweating**
Same tho, except for the last 10k miles. Since I got my first bike this year lol
Haha same. I bought a BMW G 310 GS, which has such an amazingly effective engine brake, I hardly have to touch the brakes and I live up in the mountains.
Sammmee
Used to ride an R80RT. Only ever used the brakes for the last 5mph down to a stop. Pads lasted FOREVER.
Diesels in semis literally have systems in them designed to increase engine resistance to use as a brake. 😶
I genuinely didn't know this was even a concern for some people.
Me neither. Engine overheating was my favorite, tho. :-D
You probably never had some very old, air cooled, 2-stroke bike? The case he described is absolutely true, my engine welded itself in a similar situation XD
Deals with many people who ignorant, but vocal, about 2 stroke engine braking. You see those nutters complain on any vid with a 2-stroke engine braking for more than a couple of seconds, not comprehending it's only a problem with long, uninterrupted periods of engine braking. Like down a mountain as Ari mentioned.
@@SportbikerNZ Define long and uninterrupted period, the way you see it. For me it took 1/2 a mile.
@@ZeronXL Miles to indefinitely provided you're running correct pilot jet sizing.
As a truck driver (road train) engine braking is like 50% of what I do. If engine braking was an issue we wouldn't get a million miles out of an engine
Missed thumbnail title : "Is Engine Braking Breaking Engine?"
"Is Engine Braking Breaking Engine or giving your Brakes a Break from Braking?"
Nice@@Chris-yy7qc
On next episode: Is accelerating bad for your engine?
Terrible!
Is being a motorcycle bad for your motorcycle?! NEXT WEEK ON REVZILLA!
@@danmanthe9335 Y'all make fun, but the fact is I've been asked about engine braking a lot recently. One guy even said he was pulling the clutch in and coasting to avoid it - what a way to ride a motorcycle! So while plenty of us already know about this stuff, there are others that don't.
@@AriH211 sorry! I have seen that question around the internet a lot lately too. Unfortunately misinformation is rampant and tough to distinguish from the truth a lot of times. There are a lot of people who honestly just don't know, and that is just fine
Technically yes, it ever so slightly wears it out😂
I have always found engine breaking to be a safety tactic and I like the sounds it makes. Triggering the brake light while doing it also
Rev matching sounds better in my opinion, engine braking to me sounds incomplete.
@@NinjaKing878
Hmmm...It had never occured to me to use engine braking WITHOUT rev matching. Been doing that since I was 7.
You break your engine as a safety tactic?! 😳🧐
Seriously why do u like to BREAK the engine?? that's a dumb thing to do. Don't u use BRAKES?
@@CougarCat21
As little as possible.
I'm glad that in our present generation we all have these experts to explain us about motorcycles !
I love that the thumbnail preview includes the short answer: No
In Germany, we learn at driving school that Engine Breaking is essential due to fuel efficiency and reducing the wear of the braking pads and discs. So everyone in Germany driving any type of vehicle learned this lesson. Funny you (need to?) make a video of it and people not knowing. :)
Most cars in the US are automatic and generally don't have sufficient engine brake to be as useful as a manual. Most people have never even driven one. There is no need to teach it in the basic drivers course as basically no one uses a manual car in the driving test. The people who DO drive stick in the US most likely know of engine braking. I mean it's right there...it's obvious that it exists because it happens every time you take your foot/hand off the throttle lol.
@@subliminalist7539 yeah, you’re right. However, for fuel efficiency it makes a huge difference if you use the brake pedal or shift down to use the motor as a brake. But I see the point, in Germany manual transmissions are getting obsolete as well and thanks to the electric cars this will soon be nothing anyone would need to know anymore or even be able to use. We are getting old. ;) The next generation will all automatically recharge energy when braking with their electric cars. Huge leap.
You don't learn engine breaking in Germany... You must learn engine braking 😁 Brechen vs bremsen
@@AndrasMihalyi lol. Yeah, would be funny if you learn how to puke over your brakes… 😂👍
Glad to hear this from someone who knows what they're talking about. When I first started riding a bike my buddy, who'd been riding for about a year before me, demonstrated engine braking on his straight piped CBR300, which sounded like it was begging for a mercy killing. Years later I know full well that engine braking is fine, but I always had that nagging feeling in the back of my mind like I'm taking a year off the engine's lifespan by using it for braking.
I bet you understand it now, it's not from the video, but from your own experience, right?
Engine braking, when done correctly doesn't hurt the bike.
I think the core issue of your experience was witnessing a straight piped CBR300.. That's an act against all that is holy
ikr, the sound that the bike makes from engine braking terrifies me as well when it was the first time I'm using a manual bike. After a while though, I become addicted when I can execute downshift smoothly + the sound that the engine braking makes.
For those worried about it, just blip the throttle to rev match the downshift.
Smoother transition and less stress on the clutch
I let this job to my slipper clutch 😊
@@loichervier7206 Skills>Kit. Every. Fucking. Time.
@@Vapourwear True. Equipment breaks, but skill will get you through.
Apart from all the stated benefits, I like the sound my motorcycle makes while engine braking.
@NOOBS REVIEWS Watch the south park harley episode, thats who you are
It was always drilled into me to keep the vehicle stable on all axis, every input slow, measured and precise.
I like engine and gearbox breaking because they scrub 90% of the speed in most situations without upsetting the vehicle leaving me to concentrate on my turn in, throttle control and body position.
Well technically engine braking is braking the rear tire.
I'm glad you covered engine braking slowing the rider a lot without notifying the people behind. With my tiny V twin (the little brother of the Honda Hawk GT647) a lot of speed can be reduced with engine braking alone and it's something to be mindful about.
2:52 look at the adorable little piston
Lol that’s a piston of the kind of bike that I have
there is so much engine braking on my bike I barely touch the brakes. i've had it 7 years and just put the first set of new pads in it since I bought it used. can't believe some people worry about this.
Presentation well done I’m 76 and still riding you’ve given the young riders some good information keep it positive
I'm loving these "Saturday mornings with Ari" videos. Keep em coming Revzilla!
It’s crazy what people believe. I’m glad you explain why things are or aren’t okay.
I remember passing my full bike licence test 30 years ago and going from a Honda 2 stroke 125cc with almost zero engine braking, to a Honda V4 VF400F.. the ride home after picking it up, I could not believe the engine braking.. it was awesome!
I like that his videos are short and to the point. Under 5 minutes is plenty of time to get information passed and understood. So many people have 20 and 30 minute videos that just repeat themselves.
Great Stuff as always! With so much bad information out there and so many idiots pretending to be experts, these guys deserve their subs with concise and factual information.
Good info for the 2-strokes. I knew that on my 4-stroke bikes there was no concern (and I do engine brake A LOT on those bikes) but in my owners manual for my old 2-stroke bike from 1975 it specifically says to not use engine braking when going down long hills. It says pull in the clutch and use brakes exclusively.
MotoActionADV, can you find my comment on this video "Is Engine Braking Bad For Your Motorcycle? | The Shop Manual" and tell me, am I out-to-lunch with my thoughts & comment. I don't want to look stupid in front of Ari, maybe I should run it by your 1st. (serious face)
You have a working 2stroke from 1975!? My god ,thats gold worth.
But your bike is a 99.99 % exception. Trust me.
I usually tap my rear brakes twice to let the car behind me know that I'll be slowing down without a visual indicator. Haven't been rear-ended yet but people still get obnoxiously close.
So much issue. Why not use brakes. They are there for a reason
Perhaps the most important limitation to know about engine braking is the fact only the rear wheel is used to slow down the motorcycle and therefore equivalent to braking using only the rear brake.
Most simple. Most understanding.. The best teacher..
Really glad to see you guys back. It was sad to see you leave back then. But it's nice to see ya back.
Stay safe guys!
My go-to whenever i am confused about how my motorcycle works. Thanks always ❤
I’ve always wondered all these things. Thanks for making a clear answer! Makes me wonder why I thought it might be bad in the first place when I knew all the things you pointed out but still questioned how ok it was for the engine
Yep, same here...
Another benefit: fuel economy. If you pull in the clutch and the engine idles, it is using fuel. While engine braking none is used. Engine breaking is essential for getting high mpg. With with practice one can learn much better when to let off the gas.
I've gotten into the habit of double tapping my rear brakes and applying rear brake when I engine brake.
I might be an exception because I was told most of this when I started learning and I ride 90% of the time at night, and I want to be seen.
It's a good habit, and learning how to tickle the brake pedal to trigger the brake light is a useful skill. You can blink at someone too close, alert a fellow rider of an obstacle with your foot, or just make your engine braking clear. It's a good habit/skill to learn. Just practice gently touching it enough to click the light on, but not enough to brake.
I told this to a friend and he tried learning this skill and ended up stomping the rear brake and locking up the rear.. so don't be like him.. practice that light touch, tappy tap, do morse code, tap a beat out... just get used to very light taps when you need to.
I use engine braking in like all my vehicles because I only drive manual so me using the brake light actually came from driving a car just thinking about how it looks from behind to be slowing down without a brake light
These little things are the signs of a good seasoned biker who spend his/her time learning and improving.
I personally added a second rear light that flashes when I stop (just a strip of LEDs with a relay and a flasher). I still have to signal when I'm engine braking but it sends a clearer sign than just a brighter light.
When I do engine braking, it's accompanied by slightly a knub of either my front or rear brakes, so everyone can see from behind that I am stopping.
Most scared the shit out and even Honda dealer (they warned me of warranty void IN FACT). I cared none. It's safe to do so, and/but try to make sign of your braking with a touch of your brake light. On cornering I go with slight rear stomp, and halting at stop light calls both rear and front brakes, and everyone looks at me with concerns of burning my own clutch pack, piston andohGOD do they know shit!
I just adjust my rear brake so the light comes on as soon as I put my foot on it but it takes a bit more positive pressure to engage. That way as soon as you ease off and move your foot forward ready to apply the rear brake the light comes on.
I like to use the front brake to activate the brake light, because when engine braking, you're only using the rear tire and a little front helps keep things balanced.
I saw a test performed by an Austrian motorcycle channel called “1000ps”.
They put a Kawasaki Z900 on a dyno and did some pulls on 95, 98 and 102 RON.
I think it’s about equal to 91, 93 and 98 in the US.
The graphs were pretty much identical and within 0.4 hp of each other.
And the highest figure wasn’t even with the 102 RON race gas.
Best explanation of engine braking I've ever seen. Thanks Ari.
I had no idea people thought it was bad. And that's why I watched 🤷
Now, it's worth noting that there are inertia switches available, which light the brake light when you begin to decelerate, whether or not you're using one (or both) of the brakes. My '80 XS650 will be getting one, as soon as I free up the time to install it.
I knew what engine breaking was, and that it wasn't dangerous.
But interesting to see and learn why people would think that, because it had never ever crossed my mind!
Another benefit would also be more MPG.
The fear must be because you all have automatic cars. I live in Denmark, even to this day automatic is something you only see in electric cars, and as extra in expensive cars. "Driving stick" is the norm, the common thing. And its what you are taught when taking you license. So from cars, engine breaking has always been a thing I utilized, so doing it when riding too just came natural, and not something I ever thought to question.
Yup, nicely explained, thank you. My dad in law (passionate automotive enthusiast) also mentioned years ago, that engine braking is very beneficial for engine's piston rings ( better lubrication all around when not stressed by the forces of combustion) and cylinder walls too. Just make sure that your chain is properly maintained ( forces being applied from both directions forward/backward) and not slack (accelerated chain wear).
I'm here just to say that,
" Riding is an art "
THANK YOU for setting the record straight on the 2-strokes. The engine braking myth came from 2-stroke cars coming down the Alps, engine-braking for 15 minutes. It's also a problem with 2-stroke airplanes descending from altitude. But if Kenny Roberts can get away with 13,000rpm triple-downshifts into corners at Silverstone, you'll be fine keeping your YZ in gear on the brakes. Just don't do top-gear pulls on 100:1 Saber mix.
This is great to watch, I use engine braking a good bit and it gives a good habit of not over speeding and therefore needing the brakes too much. Great tip to use activate the brake lights when engine braking. Overall a great video which I really enjoyed. Thanks Guys.
Riding in a car (or seeing a video) with a driver who doesn't engine brake gives me discernible anxiety.
Love the content, Ari! You and Zack are about as down to earth, knowledgeable, and entertaining as it gets.
Appreciate the comment Joel.
Its why I have always enjoyed manual cars and motorbikes - its nice to be able to control your speed using the engine and transmission. I remember a person arguing with my father when I was a kid telling him that engine braking was bad - and brake pads are cheap! ( I know they are - but engine braking is great )
rotors aren't cheap though!
The guy who instructed my motorcycle course told me that it’s very bad in the clutch friction discs as they can’t take as much strain as a car’s clutch. Glad I’m final,y seeing this video now
Thanks for this one, i had that question in my mind for a long time
Also, maybe not so much now, but when running in a new engine it was a good idea after short hard acceleration to snap the throttle closed, the vacuum created in the cylinders dragged oil up onto the cylinder walls helping running in a tight engine. If I been running at a constant speed for a while I will still do this. (This is why if your rings aren't sealing properly, after a transition from fully closed throttle to open throttle you will get a puff of oil smoke because the vacuum has pulled oil up past the rings and needs to clear).
Ps enjoy your posts .
My last several bikes have been Suzuki 650 Burgmans. The 2005, which I rode for 101,000 miles, had incredible engine braking, way more than expected. You let off the throttle and it felt like you were going over the handle bars. I think there were enough concerns about it, that the latest version, my 2016 with 60,000 miles, was a lot smoother on the engine braking.
I've got 2007 Burgman 650 , same here
YASSSS THANK YOU!!!!! I know sooo many people who say engine braking is bad for a motorcycle, and they're so die hard about it. They're dead set on believing it, no matter how many times I tell them or explain to them that it isn't.
Maybe someone's already commented on this but even on a 2-stroke, when engine braking, it's still pulling oil/fuel mixture through the idle circuit and not adding any significant combustion heat so it's not starving for lube at all.
I didn't want to delve that deep into the specifics, but you're totally right. Idle circuit is still feeding fuel/oil in, even at closed throttle.
I've seen two stroke engine seized on high rev engine braking
@@jr6874 good for you 👏👏👏👏👌👌👍👍👍😱
@@bobvido9875 good for me but not the guy who says engine
Thank you! I've slowed down via engine braking for almost 10 years now and only recently wondered what kind of additional wear it might be causing to my motorcycle transmission. Glad to hear that it isn't any more than normal friction.
If you’re racing a two-stroke engine flat out for a long time you have to blip the throttle in between gear changes to feed oil/fuel to the crank and piston so it will not seize
Going up or down the gears.
@@PanRider939 😂😂😂
Omg I thought I was doing so much harm to my engine by downshifting to slow down. Thank you for the video!
TH-cam has somehow tapped into reading my mind. This was the first thing on my recommended list. I just got back from a three day trip not more than an hour ago with my MT09. Had some crazy hills where I was riding. No joke, It crossed my mind while I was riding about five hours ago if I'm engine braking too much. Question answered.
That cutaway engine is pretty awesome. Happy that you covered the 2 stroke aspect with evidence as well.
I so want that cut away engine for display on the coffee table in my living room 😜🏍👍.
Yeah I was thinking the same haha. Must've made it himself
Let me know, I can get you an engine to put on your coffee table. Granted it'll probably be from a weedwacker...
@@fgcvhhbvjhbj I didn't make it, it's borrowed from Honda North America. Super cool, right?
Remove the wheels/ tank & seat- clamp a piece of plywood on it, and you have a dandy coffee table.
Yeah man it's really cool. "Borrowed" indefinitely I hope haha.
I marvel how I ever survived motorcycling for 50 years without TH-cam... now, I wonder if I am wearing the right aftershave for motorcycling... looking forward to another TH-cam video...
Just came across this. Great TH-cam video. Been riding for over 50 years, and always used engine braking, all the way from 50 cc to 1100 cc four cycle, and for one brief two-year long and embarrassing period a 305 cc two-stroke ("ring-a-ding-ding"}. Glad to view such a great video confirming that I had not be screwing up (grin). Engine braking is a wonderful and important part of motorcycle riding.
Loved their content always, most detailed and yet interesting to watch. Zack and Arri have played a huge role in my way of maintaining my bike.
Good to know that for the last 46yrs of riding I haven’t harmed my engine (s) 😎. Seriously, good description
That Dave the gixxer cameo though😍🔥🏍😍🔥🏍
That bike's headed for Barber.
What a relief... I live in the mountains and most of the time I am engine braking on long descents. I can now rest easy knowing it doesn’t hurt my bike’s engine, plus it sounds awesome!
Yea, to any naysayers about engine braking, just tell them to look at semis, they do it all the time (Jake brake). Almost same thing.
I've heard of mods that activate the brake lights when deceleration occurs, something like a mercury switch activated line. Would be a worthwhile upgrade for those who rely on engine braking a lot.
Think that's just a matter of properly learning how to ride a bike. Whenever you slow down, use the rear brake enough to trigger the brake light. Same goes for always checking your mirrors when stopped at a red light for approaching vehicles, and being ready to go anywhere if the car behind you isn't slowing down.
Still, it would be useful to have that just in case you forget, but I think that might just make more people lazy when it comes to road safety/awareness if that ever becomes standard equipment.
I find it's easier to trigger the brake light switch with the lever for front brakes.
You could do all that, or just use your back brake like you should anyway.
I know of bikes in the UK that have been fitted with with mercury switches about forty years ago. They work fine but (obviously) don't work when the bike is stationary. I like to keep my rear brake light on on soggy, wet Winter nights when I'm waiting at junctions or traffic lights on a rainy night. Gives me a bit more visibility.
As a new small engine mechanic just rebuilding my first bottom end on my 02 Cr250 and seeing how I'm about to pickup my first fuel injected 4-stroke WR, I have lots of questions and all 3 videos I've watched so far somehow really comfort me. Thank you.
it started with the "do you need to warm up your engine video" I think of it all the time when I wake up at 5:40 AM in the morning knowing that I need to get to work by 6:00am and I'm just throwing on my clothes and starting up my old ass 05 V6 Tacoma with 197k miles in 40 degree FL wet cold wondering if I should start driving or wait until I see the temp needle move a little bit. So after watching that I now know that I should just go ahead and start driving and just being gentle.
Love this new format! I had wondered how you would cover some of the subjects you’ve covered in the past but you’ve managed to keep it all fresh and interesting absolute legend :D
Great video, obvious points made very clear for all to see.
one other benefit of engine braking that ari didnt mention is that you improve fuel mileage on fuel injection systems because the FI fuel cuts while doing engine braking
True, the fuel cut off on decel, also causes stronger engine braking. Some people change that in the ecu to not cut off fuel, which makes letting off throttle not such an abrupt slowdown. Also makes it much smoother getting back into the throttle.
As a beginner, sort of, in motorbikes in general (I have 1 year with my bike now), I found several videos telling us that engine breaking is a safer way to brake our bikes. But then, I have friends that have bikes for years now, and I asked about what they thougt about it and they all told me that I could damage the engine to the point of having to get a new bike, so I got mixed feelings. With this video, all my doubts completely vanished and I can safely practice the technique without having to worry about what they think about it. Again, thanks a lot.
You forgot to mention that it also improves fuel economy when combined with some fuel systems.
Explain... Be cause I dont know how engine breaking( letting off the gas) could save fuel better than pulling in the clutch and using the break🤔
Even though I always gear down or "engine brake" been riding for 50 years..
@@davidjessee7701 This works only on bikes with fuel injection, when you let off the gas and the rpm are above idle, the computer shuts of the fuel until the engine speed reaches idle again just like in a car engine. Works great on long downhills. I have seen systems on carburated bikes that more or less try to do the same thing but they still let some fuel go. I hope my explanation makes sense.
you're talking about "Deceleration Fuel Cutoff/DFCO"? I always noticed that with modern fuel injected vehicles that has fuel economy indicator (the fuel economy goes up to the moon coz the ECU programmed the injectors to shut itself when engine braking).
@@junkawakami3193 yes fuel cut on decel. Saves fuel, stronger decel, but some bikes can be very twitchy/not smooth getting back into the throttle.
It is why I turn fuel cut on decel off in the ecu. Smoother decel and accel. But less deceleration off throttle, and uses more fuel.
I didn't want to read all the comments to find out if someone already said this... but, when i learned how to ride motorcycles and also naturally learned to engine brake, regularly. And once or twice this has saved my life. because I was riding along and there was traffic in front of me and they suddenly moved out of the way and there's a broken down truck sitting on the side of the road, but I couldn't see it until the car in front of me moved out of the way! I had less than 10 ft to maneuver stop or do whatever i could to avoid impact!
having the habit of engine braking and using the brakes at the same time I was able to break maneuver and get around the truck! it was insane that I was able to do it and not crash, lose control nor slide into impact.
When I got to the next stoplight a couple of drivers hollered out to me "wow that was great driving!" And I was thinking to myself it really was great and lucky! instinct and regularly using the brakes and the engine brake.
I use engine braking constantly, so good to know. 😓
Good point about the brake light activation.
I know I'm right this whole time. I will show this video to my anti engine braking friends. 😂
I did told them if a bike can handle full throttle from 1st gear, there's no reason the bike can't handle fraction of force produced by engine braking😁
I have been riding since 1966, engine braking is the one tool that not only does not wear out, but it helps cool the engine with oil and coolant flowing without adding heat from the throttle. It helps stabilize the bike in a hard braking situation, and set up for a turn not to mention if you can down shift as you enter the turn you are now in the correct gear to power out of the turn.. One thing be sure to tap the brake so people behind you know you are braking.
Much love for zack and ari, this was explained so well!
I thought you were talking about hitting the kill switch to slow down. I do it a lot. On some high torque bikes, you can lock up the rear tire. But it hasn’t any of my bike, that I know of. Thanks for the video!
the key to not getting rear ended is to go faster than everyone else
sounds like a joke, but seriously, it works
@LastRaven thats where loud pipes comes into play, people can hear my bike from a mile away
Yep, I always ride about 50-10 mph/kmph faster than the general flow of traffic. It means I never hover in anyone's blindspot for too long, and I don't have to worry too much about what goes on behind me. It also keeps your mind active because you're constantly subconsciously looking out instead of feeling too safe just following whatever the car in front is doing.
Speed only becomes an issue when you push the margins of excess speed compared to those around you. I feel the least safe when I'm just existing in the traffic flow.
@LastRaven The key is to just go slightly above the speed of the general traffic flow. That way you never stay in someone's blind spot for too long, and your mind stays active because you aren't just following what the car in front of you is doing. In order to not be able to react due to speed, you need to be going way faster than necessary. In any normal situation if you go 5-10mph faster than the cars around you, you still have almost the same reaction time limit as normal. It's a total win-win way of riding.
All of that is wonderful providing you never need to stop. You always need to stop at least once every time you go out.
Tapping the brake when you're engine braking to let drivers behind you know you're scrubbing speed.. Valuable tip... I'm a new rider and wasn't doing that. Thanks.
That's like asking: Is running your engine bad for your bike? ;)
I've had my bike for ten years and haven't run the engine once-I want this thing to last forever, and I'm not taking any chances.
@@AisuruMirai Take the chance if you have the time, cause if you don't your motor won't last long keeping it stocked in your garage take chances.
Technically, yes. But in the same sense that every day you live is a day closer to death
@@AisuruMirai careful! Corrosion is insidious!
@@mingc7481 It depends on your driving, if you are erratic nor aggressive on the road you know what is going to happen.
The Ardmore LED brake light flashes during engine braking .. very comforting to know.. If you down shift too much on the FZ-07 you can skid your rear wheel .. even more on wet pavment.. or a little frost on the road..
*"Is it bad for your engine?, no"*
My premix 2 stroke after a couple of miles engine breaking: :D someone said boom?
I use engine breaking a lot, both in cars and motorcycles. I have been wondering about this. Thank you.
5:33 goddamn the veins
I was thinking the same thing. Fucking fire hoses...
It's due to genes.
@@ronuronu814 and pumping iron. Gym time and weight training leads to bigger veins
@@overthinking3573 yeah
Thanks. I was worried about engine braking coz of the sound of the engine.
I pased my uk bike liscence over thirty years ago. We were taught to only use the brakes for unexpected stops. Everything else should use engine breaking. Smoother to ride. More instant control. Fuel savings.
I wasn't aware this was a question that anyone even asked. I always assumed it took a little life away from my clutch and added life to my brakes but I do LOVE the sound as I'm coming of the interstate and I hear my engine scream.
havent had to change brake pads for lots of kms on the 1290 🤣
That bike has a ridiculous engine brake! Takes time to learn to close the gas later than other bikes. Absolute beast
Same on my rsv4, over 30k km with lots of heavy braking when going fast occasionally and the pads are at half life, racing derived engine braking is amazing
I haven’t ridden a motorcycle for years just got a gxsr 1000 I was surprised how much engine breaking it has definitely took me by surprise when I first rode it.
5:32 holy heroin veins batman
So Keith Code was wrong, in "Twist Of The Wrist" when he said: "brake pads are cheap, engines are expensive"?
I don't think so. I don't ride MT-09s neither but sportbikes.
I'll keep reducing engine on the bike's menu and keeping it to a minimum and use my brakes
whoever is reading this comment may his her parents live long for 100 years ameen .
This reminds me of Twist of the Wrist 2, "Pads are cheap, engines are expensive", but I guess as long as you are not downshifting so aggressively, that you are overreving or locking up, then engine-braking a 4stroke is ok and not complicated.
And like Regen-Braking an electric motorcycle, engine-braking extends the life of the normal brakes.
And I can imagine all that vacuum in the combustion chamber, sucking oil pass the rings, so cylinder lubrication shouldn't be an issue.
I'm more interested in EVs, and only using engines to make Hybrids, but this video was great to watch & learn. Thank you.
@LastRaven
Oh, I forgot about Slipper Clutches.
Maybe those can tuned, so that you can't damage the engine, with engine-braking.
Even when you dump the clutch at 1st gear, after climbing to the top of 5th.
I have to lookup if that's ok with a Slipper Clutch.
This myth always made me laugh. If it was bad, the electronic nanny's would never let you do it!
Nanny's? Really? NANNY'S? 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for posting this, I use engine breaking and never really thought either way if it was good or bad
Suzuki GS 500 Owners:
What is this engine braking you speak of?
Regarding the heat, engine braking actually cools the engine through air decompression (that's also how refrigerators work) to the point it can sometimes even cause ice to form on the throttle body if the ambient air is just above freezing. It's not an issue but it is the complete opposite of overheating.
You're dealing with folks that have a hard time understanding that loading the front fork provides more contact on the road. The Joule-Kelvin effect....*mindblow*
Engine breaking 🔧
I believe this is one of the only videos I've watched that sum's Everything and you just don't need to look for anything else after watching
These are the best educational videos I’ve found