TEAM Arizona Riding Tip: Engine Braking Pros and Cons
Last Updated: November 27th, 2023
We come across this question quite often from course participants in our Basic RiderCourse and from some of our more advanced courses too. The question is, “When I need to slow my motorcycle down, should I just use brakes or should I allow the engine to help slow me down?”
In essence, the person is asking us whether or not they should use engine braking. Generally, folks seem surprised by the answer.
ENGINE BRAKING DEFINED
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, we should first define engine braking. Engine braking occurs when the retarding forces within an engine are used to slow a vehicle down, as opposed to using an additional external braking mechanisms such as friction brakes. It can be as simple as just rolling off the throttle. Often times, when switching from a higher gear to a lower gear a rider can obtain a slowing effect more so than just rolling off the throttle.
We should note that there isn’t a right or wrong; rather, it comes down to preference and what you think is safest.
ENGINE BRAKING PROS
CONNECTEDNESS: When performed properly (NOTE THIS HUGE CAVEAT), engine braking can be an effective way to slow you and your motorcycle. Some riders find engine braking a better way to slow their vehicle because they feel more connected to the motorcycle and how the power is being delivered to the rear wheel.
PROPER GEAR FOR HAZARD AVOIDANCE: By downshifting and releasing the clutch as we slow from a higher gear to a lower gear, we can better place ourselves in the appropriate gear for our speed should we need to perform a hazard avoidance maneuver or to be able to quickly accelerate out of a poor situation. If we were to remain in a higher gear, the bike might lug, and we may not be able to accelerate as quick.
ENGINE BRAKING CONS
SAFETY CONCERNS: For entry level riders, the process of engine braking while downshifting from higher to lower gears may be problematic. In extreme examples when going from a higher gear to a lower gear under high engine RPMs, we can lock up the rear tire creating a skid, cause damage to the gearbox, and possibly wear out the clutch and transmission prematurely. Therefore, engine braking is a skill that should be developed gradually and over time. Matching our gears to road speed is something we can work on our entire riding careers.
New technology found often in sport bikes can help prevent rear wheel lock up. It is called a slipper clutch actually “slips” when the rear wheel tries to drive the engine faster than it would run under its own power. Racers have benefitted immensely from this technology as rear wheel lockups often created very dangerous high side crashes. If you want to increase your safety, you may want to consider a vehicle with a slipper clutch.
In Total Control Level 2 we work on performance shifting which includes “blipping” the throttle on downshift to help match the engine speed to road speed. This technique is not something we discuss with entry level riders because much of their mental bandwidth is being used for other motor skill activities.
BRAKE LIGHTS: Engine braking may be effective for the rider, but motorists behind us might not be able to discern if we are slowing or not. If you choose to employ engine braking for slowing, make sure to tap the front brake lever or rear brake pedal to communicate your intention to motorists around you.
THIS IS AN “AND” WORLD
Ultimately, it is up to us to decide if we want to integrate as part of slowing process. Can we use just our brakes only? Sure. The old adage it is cheaper to replace brake pads than clutches or transmissions has some inherent wisdom.
If we are seeking a higher proficiency with our vehicle, then using both methods makes sense. We highly recommend integrating both using both brakes of your motorcycle in conjunction with engine braking. The more tuned these processes are, the more likely we are to use them correctly when a hazardous situation presents itself. The beauty is that to practice these techniques all we have to do is get out and RIDE!
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