Question

What effect does engine braking have on your motorcycle engine if you use it always? Or is it just fine to use it more often than the normal brakes?

Answer 1

Engine braking is a technique where you use the engine's compression to slow down the motorcycle instead of solely relying on the brakes. When you close the throttle while in gear, the engine's natural resistance to compression helps slow down the motorcycle.

Using engine braking as a regular part of your riding technique is generally considered safe and does not have any negative effects on the engine. In fact, engine braking can offer several advantages:

1. Reduced brake wear: By utilizing engine braking, you can reduce wear on your brake pads and discs, potentially extending their lifespan. This is particularly beneficial during long descents or in situations where frequent braking is required.

2. Improved control: Engine braking allows you to have better control over the motorcycle's speed, especially when navigating downhill or through tight corners. It can provide additional stability and help maintain traction by utilizing the engine's braking force.

3. Increased rider awareness: Engaging engine braking keeps you engaged with the motorcycle and the road, as you actively modulate the throttle and anticipate speed changes. This can enhance your overall awareness and responsiveness while riding.

4. Fuel efficiency: When you use engine braking, you are effectively using the motorcycle's momentum to slow down, which reduces the need for excessive braking. This can contribute to better fuel efficiency by minimizing wasteful braking and subsequent acceleration.

It's generally recommended to downshift smoothly and progressively while using engine braking to avoid abrupt and excessive load on the engine. Additionally, downshifting too aggressively at high speeds can cause the rear wheel to lock or induce instability, so it's essential to practice proper gear selection and throttle control.

In summary, using engine braking as a regular part of your riding technique is generally safe and can offer benefits such as reduced brake wear and increased control. Just ensure that you downshift smoothly and progressively to avoid excessive strain on the engine.