 Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 17
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 17 |
Co-worker and I are having a discussion...
When approaching a red light, would you pull the clutch in til you coast slow enough to stop with the brakes(no matter what gear you were in). Then, when stopped, just downshift to first gear and wait to take off again.
Or..
Would you slowly downshift on approach so that you are in first when you come to a stop.
(Second way is my way but he's been riding many years and says he's never done it any other way and never had any issues)
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I down shift as I slow down. It's like the Boy scouts motto, "Always be prepared". I also feel the transmission is synchronized to the engine (RPM) better as you are slowing, thus allowing for smoother (down) shifting.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
When I come up to a light, I pull in the clutch and downshift to first. Always have, always will. If I have to stop, I always have escape lanes. I do not take it out of gear until traffic has settled behind me and I watch them like a hawk until they do.
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I always downshift to stay in a gear that pulls well as I stop, and keep an eye on the cellphoning, eating, reading, playing with the radio idiot behind me. I also always leave it in gear whilst waiting for a green light because you never know what might happen that will require a quick move. Sometime ago, someone posted a link to a video of someone getting run down because he was in neutral and sitting with his shifting foot on the ground.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
It depends on the situation, traffic, grade, weather...
But I always keep it in gear.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 455
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 455 |
I downshift as I slow. If I slow quickly (does that make sense?), I downshift to first quickly.
If it's a nice, long, leisurely slowdown I'll engine brake and downshift to match until I stop and am in first.
Brad
Neon Blue '05 SM
Where are the pedals on this thing?
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Downshift as I slow, that way I always know which gear I'm in and am ready to accelerate quickly if need be. Always in first gear by the time I'm stopped.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80 |
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610 |
Quote:
Downshift to slow
Downshift to slow? I have always been told/ believed it was cheaper/easier to replace brakes than a clutch. Maybe thats some misconception I have carried over from manual trans cars?
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012 |
Quote:
I always downshift to stay in a gear that pulls well as I stop, and keep an eye on the cellphoning, eating, reading, playing with the radio idiot behind me.
in addition to the one in front and along side  .
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80 |
I've noticed that drivers who were professionally (using the term loosely) taught will put a manual trans in neutral and use the brakes to stop a vehicle shifting into first only when preparing to move. I on the other hand learned to drive on trucks where you always use the gears to slow you down to keep from over heating the brakes.... besides, the pipes sound really cool when you decel... 
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Quote:
Downshift to slow
Downshift to slow? I have always been told/ believed it was cheaper/easier to replace brakes than a clutch. Maybe thats some misconception I have carried over from manual trans cars?
A wet clutch will stay cool while slipping, greatly reducing wear. Of course I don't let it slip much. I don't even use it upshifting.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
The Triumph twins have plenty of natural born engine braking power. I hardly need the brakes until the last 20 or 30 feet of rear brake.
I don't believe a little double clutch & throttle blip to help the synchros dial up together during down shifts is going to hurt much either.
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 386
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 386 |
I always use my brakes as soon as I start thinking of stopping. Even when using engine braking, I tap the brakes to let the cagers know I intend to stop.
Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should just get used to that fact and relax
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I learned to drive on a stick shift, and my dad always downshifted when slowing. I had one friend who would leave it in gear till the last second, like 4th or 5th, whatever he was in, and you could feel the car allllmost buck, but he didn't have a tach in his car. Never believed me that he was REAL close to stalling!
Anyway, I always downshift. I blip the throttle, but don't double clutch, it unloads the tranny, makes it slip in faster. Also matches revs, so you don't really have to ride/slip the clutch much at all.
Also, like someone said, tap the breaks! Or gently put a toe on the rear brake, so it lights up for the turkeys behind you.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Quote:
I downshift as I slow. If I slow quickly (does that make sense?), I downshift to first quickly.
If it's a nice, long, leisurely slowdown I'll engine brake and downshift to match until I stop and am in first.
I tend to follow this method.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 734
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 734 |
Quote:
Would you slowly downshift on approach so that you are in first when you come to a stop.
(Second way is my way but he's been riding many years and says he's never done it any other way and never had any issues)
I have downshifted and used the engine braking with every manual shift vehicle I've owned since a kid riding dirt bikes and old VW bugs.
It's a pet peeve of mine and I HATE it when I ride with someone (in a car)and they float along in neutral when coming to a stop. That's how my WIFE drives and it seems to be so unprepared and unsafe.
---------------------
- 2007 Triumph Tiger
- 1982 Yamaha xj650 Magnum
- Previous 2004 Triumph America
- Previous 1973 Triumph Bonneville T140V 750cc
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I agree. I always like to be in gear. My good friend thinks that every time you have your foot on the clutch it is "riding the clutch" and I tried to explain that I alwas considered slipping the clutch to be "riding the clutch" so I like to keep it in gear till I stop and I know the others behind me have stopped too! Especially on the bike, downshift all the way to first (even if I stay on the clutch), then when everyone behind me stops, maybe pop it into neutral if the light is still red.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 441
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 441 |
Quote:
I always use my brakes as soon as I start thinking of stopping. Even when using engine braking, I tap the brakes to let the cagers know I intend to stop.
I tap my brakes multiple times to let them know I am stopping then slowly downshift until I stop, keeping it in 1st. I'll sometimes put it in Nuetral to warm the hands on the engine, if its cold out, at a long light. For the most part I'm always ready to burn, you never know.
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Yep, I generally downshift whenever possible approaching a red light or slowing for traffic, simultaneously flashing the brake lights.
At a long light or in the cold I'll slip it into neutral AFTER I ensure the drivers behind me have stopped and it is safe.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Quote:
Downshift to slow
Downshift to slow? I have always been told/ believed it was cheaper/easier to replace brakes than a clutch. Maybe thats some misconception I have carried over from manual trans cars?
If you use a little throttle to sync the engine to the road speed as you shift, there is very little wear on the clutch. On the other hand, without compression braking to help out, the brakes wear out more quickly and, may heat up and fade when you need them the most.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 224
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 224 |
Quote:
Quote:
I always use my brakes as soon as I start thinking of stopping. Even when using engine braking, I tap the brakes to let the cagers know I intend to stop.
I tap my brakes multiple times to let them know I am stopping then slowly downshift until I stop, keeping it in 1st. I'll sometimes put it in Nuetral to warm the hands on the engine, if its cold out, at a long light. For the most part I'm always ready to burn, you never know.
Same here, I downshift, but if there is a cage behind me I flash the heck out of my brake light so they know I'm slowing. Two of my friends have got run down at stop lights by a driver who didn't realize there was a bike between them and the thick white line.
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Yep, I generally downshift whenever possible approaching a red light or slowing for traffic, simultaneously flashing the brake lights.
At a long light or in the cold I'll slip it into neutral AFTER I ensure the drivers behind me have stopped and it is safe.
Exactly what I do.
Soren
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 999
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 999 |
I find this topic quite interesting and the difference of riding technique here. Obviously most of us come from around the 70’s when the riding style was far different to what we see today.
I belong to a sports bike forum more the younger crowed and 90% of then will just pull in the clutch and use the brakes to come to a stop. I actually find this idea to be quite scary. Like most of you, here I always use the gears to slow down then the back brake and finally the front.
The biggest augment I get from the spots riders is well the brakes are so good nowadays that you do not need the motor to slow down. Only when I point out the obvious fact like so many of you have here what about being in the correct gear if your need to power out of a situation do they say, oh I did not think about that.
Therefore, it leads me to believe that somewhere along the line the riding technique has changed. Another scary thing is that they are now taught never to use the back brakes, as this is quite dangerous.
The invisible One 
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Well I was born in the 70's  But maybe it's the influence of my dad teaching me to drive a stick shift. At any rate, I don't think it's the sport bike crowd being taught wrong, it's that they are not taught! Period! Too manly to go take a safety course where they will teach you to use the back brake and downshift.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 412
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
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I downshift, plus blip the throttle to keep the RPM's up....like someone else said, I like keeping my brakes awhile.
Lee
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Quote:
a little double clutch
[I wonder how he double clutches a bike tranny?  ]
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 516 |
Block shift down where possible to save on engine sympathy. When stopped at lights I am in neutral BUT with Left foot over the gear shift and Right foot on the floor. Right hand pulling on brake- so the STOP light is firmly on, while Left hand is covering Clutch and eyes are looking towards the threat from the rear....any problems, into first and away using an escape route, left open by not getting too close to the vehichle infront.
Regards
RodYork
"Id rather have a bottle infront of me than a frontal labotomy"
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 Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 95
Member
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Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 95 |
In UK we are taught to only pull clutch in when at about 5 - 10mph as you should allow your engine to slow you down for optimum control. Obviously changing down as speed dictates
Back to biking fanatic. Current model BA02 & Suzuki GSX R600 Alstare Corona Extra . UK based.Mechanically improving and loves to play (with bikes as well)
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Re: Braking at a red light.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 185
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 185 |
If I'm I know I'm coming to a complete stop, I pull in the clutch and start downshifting as my speed decreases to the gear I would be in at the time if under power - this way if I need to get under power real quick then I can just release the clutch and I'm in the correct gear.
If, on the otherhand, I'm slowing for a turn or coming up on slower traffic (like traffic that has just started from a red light or something) for example, I use the downshift/throttle blip method. I too kinda like the "action" of that method.
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