does using the engine to brake all the time hurt?

[mason79]

hey guys i've heard different things, i think the diesel trucks use the j brake to help stop the rig, maybe the engines are different,

i like to be in a low gear before a turn and in conjuction tap the brakes before i start leaning, this way i power out in the engines sweet spot, im sure yawl do that.

and when i see a caution light and i decide not to gun the throttle but to stop i shift down and the engines is doing the work, is this harmful to the engine, i don't really care, cause that's how i ride, but just a nagging question...

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Mason,

Diesels use compression to POWER the engines, the act of compressing the fuel/air mixture provides the extra heat in the combustion chamber to initiate the ignition process. Even when not providing the throttle, I would imagine it might not provide as much resistance/engine braking effect compared to a gasoline engine, plus you have to realize the enormous weights they are hauling, lots of inertia there, so the engine braking effect probably doesn't provide much vs. the brakes!

As for our bikes and our riding style, engine braking is very effective. We are not necessarily running them like a GP racer, running as hard and as fast as you can before the turn, then braking very hard to set up for the turn, then powering out thru it, so engine braking wouldn't provide any where near enough effect in the time they need to react/manuever.

But riding at a modest pace, and allowing enough following distance between you and the vehicles ahead, you have the option and time to allow the engine to work for you to help slow you down, putting less stress on the brakes saving your pads and rotors. I use engine braking all the time when running the twisties, and hardly ever touch my brakes, just letting the engine rev up and down 5k rpm, lots of fun and much quicker response, and also less chance of a missed down shift, then having it grab with the engine now too low of rpm, and causing the rear to lock up for an instant right in the middle of a decreasing radius hairpin turn with gravel/dust on the edge!!!

Enjoy that RPM range to your hearts content!
T.C.

[Pat Kelly]

Engine = go
Brakes = slow/stop

When using the engine to slow you are generating more load on the crank and connecting rod bearings as well as the other side of the transmission, middle drive, and final drive gears.
When you use compression braking then accellerate you can feel the 'slap' or 'slop' plus the way our CV carbs seem to 'snap' on makes being smooth difficult at times.
I'd rather replace brake pads than gears anyday (don't I play a great "devils advocate?).
Yes, I do use compression braking occasionally. Yes, I used to road race too .
You can take the boy off the racetrack but you can't get the racetrack out of the boy. (I just made that up... that's why it sounds so lame).
Find what works for you. I think these bikes are tough enough to take whatever us mere mortal bike riders can dish out.
Engine = go
Brakes = slow is what I learned and is what I (mostly) do.

[DiverRay]

Mason,
I also use the engine as I slow down. I've done that for most my riding, and I've not had any problems because of it.
T.C., The "Jake" brake on a big rig DOES do a LOT for slowing down 80,000 pounds! They work by blocking the exhaust, so the engine won't produce the power. I used to drive, and going down the grapevine without a "JAKE" is NOT a pleasant ride!
Ray

[Hobbit]

Engine Braking

Keep in mind that when you engine brake, the driver behind you may not realize that you are slowing down. I normally apply the brakes just enough to activate the brake lights when I'm in traffic.

[Dragonrider]

Doesn't hurt a thing...just don't slip the clutch a lot (brake pads are easier and cheaper to change then clutches)

I also tap the brake just to get a light/warning to any behind me when I'm agressively doing this.

[mpcluever]

i would think that as long as you go easy on it and don't send your RPMs sky high, it wouldn't be any different than rollin' on the throttle. Sure it's wear and tear, but so is runnin it in the first place.

[TADracer]

I have been engine braking my 79 special for over 20 years without a hitch. Granted, I do not ride but about 2-3 K miles a year but when I took it all down about four years ago, everything still looked pristine. I say ride like ya like ta ride. these things can handle it.

[excess11]

Primary chain

I know that high mile XS1100's have problems with primary chain slapping and stretching. It would seem that engine braking would excellerate this condition. I have also seen all the posts about gearbox problems with XS1100's and do not know if engine braking is worth the stress it puts on the gearbox. Brake pads are very cheap compared to the headache of a gearbox that skips in gear. Not that this is a similar comparison but I have two friends with Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks and they used to drive them like a dump trucks using almost exclusive engine braking to do their stopping. They both thought they were cool as can be until both of them had to have the clutches replaced and the trans rebuilt. Both of the trucks were purchased new and the clutches and trans were replaced in each truck before 40K miles. They now both use the brake pedal instead of engine braking. Expensive lesson.

[DiverRay]

Dan,
The gear problem in the XS11 IS NOT going to be affected by engine braking. The dogs engage on oppisite sides for acceleration and deacceleration. The primary chain may show some extra wear from it, but over all it would be minimal. Most of the bikes that are starting to make noise have a LOT of miles on them. I know I still don't have any problems, at 63K and climbing fast...
Ray

[MAXIMAN]

Brake?

What's a brake?

[Czekus21]

Through the years and my driving Xpierience. I've learned that if it has a clutch, use the engine to help slow you down. If useing the engine as a brake hurts what your driving, then something is wrong with the vehicle your driving. Whether it be a cage, bike rig etc. The only thing that I found that it will hurt is your fuel economy. And, If people drove with enough following distance and paid attention to what the &ell they're doing, Then we wouldn't have rear end accedents. I watch my mirrors. If someone is rideing my arss, I'll slow down a little and eventually stop. If he stopps with me then there's a problem, either with his vehicle or a throw down is fixin to happen. back to the point, Useing the engine as a brake should not damage your bike any more then gassin on it WOT red linein.

[84xj1100]

Wow,

Quite the diverse respones on this thread.

Adding to them, my own personnal experience........I always use engine braking, my wife knows it's me coming by the sound of my gearing down.

One of my machines has just over 100K Km's on it (of which are all mine), original clutch, cam chain, etc. and I have been engine braking from day one.

I'll give the throttle a little "blip" as part of the process and will sometimes assist with brakes but it's mainly engine with no adverse affects so far.

[montana]

grapevine

trucker to trucker
DiverRay,
comin' down grapevine w/o a jake is not an option, to me. I drive 105,500 lbs every day.
just makin' conversation.

[DiverRay]

Montana,
You must be pulling one of the "road trains". California does NOT allow vehicles over 80,000 Gross without a permit. My driving days were 20+ years back, and I will never be able to drive class 1 or 2 again. Sometimes I still miss it a little, but my current job is fun, and I can commute on the bike most of the time.
Ray