is engine braking bad for your motor?

im asking about everyday normal "sane" amounts of engine braking.

ive always ridden with a good amount of engine braking, and enjoy it.

but... not really knowing, i wonder if it has any negative effect on engines? :argue2:

 

As long as you're matching up your engine and transmission speed before you clutch out on a downshift shouldn't be an issue. I too enjoy engine braking. Gotta love that sound. VRRRRRRRRRRRMMMMmmmmmm.....

I suppose it will induce a little more wear and tear on the drivetrain... but the sound track is worth it.

 

I don't think it is bad for motors, a little extra revving never hurt anything. I would say there would be more chain wear, though.

 

So long as when you down shift it does not cause the engine to overspeed, you're good. I dropped two gears with no throttle blip one time when I meant to only drop one gear, serious pucker factor when I dumped the clutch and locked up the rear wheel!

 

What's worst about engine braking is that it adds considerable HEAT to a motor that tends to run warm anyway. not something for a hot day, just use the brakes.

 

I am with Pony on this one but I do it for fun, keeps those behind you on their toes. You would really have to go AWOL with it to mess one up.

 

No ill-effects, just blip the throttle as everyone else does.

 

There's a "cause and effect" for everything

It causes me to smile and if the effect is to wear the engine out 1% sooner the so be it !!

 

it's not the best practice in riding, engines are not a brake and using excessive engine braking takes your attention (and control) away from what you should be focusing on.
Brake/down - Cornering Forum
The Fine Art Of Braking - Cornering Forum

 

^^^^^

+1

bz

 

Nice avatar Bubba, I love family photo's.

 

I think replacing brake pads is awefully cheaper than repairing a motor and/or replacing a clutch. So unless you're in a pinch and need to brake like Schwantz, do so, otherwise, apply your brakes.

Ever hear a tractor trailer all of a sudden slow down? That 'machine gun' like rumbling noise it makes? That's the big diesel engine using its compression power to slow down mucho tons of momentum. It doesnt sound great, surely isnt good for the engine (strain), but it's a proven decelleration (sp) technique. The only diff. is those engines can last 1M miles, whereas a gas engine cannot.

For the pro racers? They brake late and use brakes and engine power, but they have resources you and I do not ($$$$$).

 

I'm not a real technical guy but I have driven bikes and cars for 33 years, most of my cars have been standard. I have always down shifted to slow down prior to applying the brakes and have never had any issues with any mechanical parts on any of the vehicles. Currently driving a 2004 Mazda 6 Sport and I have put 150,000 km on it and only had to replace tires so far. I wouldn't be too concerned.

 

Those are called "Jake Brakes" and they're designed for it . Not all diesel engines are built for this type of braking.

 

I've been waiting for you to catch it; glad you likey!

Hey, I haven't forgot about the picture. i just got the Ninja back and have been working like a madman trying to get it together.

I'll keep you posted brother.

FYI!

BZ

 

And your wife behind you is quite a looker!

 

Interesting and very helpful Thanks for the links!

 

another tip is that using engine braking unsettles the bike and does not allow control over suspension in the way that brakes/throttle do. In short, when on brakes you should be as close to up and down (i.e., vertical) as possible on the bike, then pitch the bike into a turn and slowly wind on throttle to balance the suspension at both ends (i.e., unload the front to a neutral suspension position). upon hitting the apex of the turn you can wind on more throttle and drive out of the turn. People dont realize that the act of turning slows the bike, neutral throttle and progressively more from apex both settle the bike and allow the suspension to do what it was designed for. Once throttle is applied from apex, a continuous application of throttle, at a constant rate minimizes front/rear suspension imbalance and helps overall stability. When you engine brake into a turn, you have given all control to the bike, you can overrev, lock/skid the rear, go past redline or worse.

The engine is not a brake.

 

Some people actually use the unsettling effect of engine braking to slide the rear, reduce the front slide and turn the bike. Obviously not an every corner type of technique. But handy if you ever find yourself in way too fast for a corner.
Engine braking won't hurt the bike unless you over rev or dump the clutch rather than easing it out.