How do you slow down? Downshift first or brake?

[gnuwolf]

Hi guys,

I'm just wondering which is better when trying to slow down to take a corner on a race track?

Downshift first then brake or the other way around?

If downshift first, how much stress does the clutch and gearbox can take?

Thanks.

Cheers!

[R1nStang]

I blip the throttle while downshifting

[z064life]

On the brakes last...but that doesn't mean you won't be downshifting as well..just depends how many gears you need to go down, but you will want to be applying brakes to allow for trail braking into the corner.

[Meister37]

Originally Posted by z064life

On the brakes last...but that doesn't mean you won't be downshifting as well..just depends how many gears you need to go down, but you will want to be applying brakes to allow for trail braking into the corner.

Um, no. Brake like hell while you're downshifting. utilize both braking forces at once. Motor to slow the rear, binders for the front. Blip to get the motor closer to the speed of the tire.

[quick kurt]

Originally Posted by Meister37

Um, no. Brake like hell while you're downshifting. utilize both braking forces at once. Motor to slow the rear, binders for the front. Blip to get the motor closer to the speed of the tire.

Thats how I do it,but what do I know.

[Meister37]

Originally Posted by quick kurt

Thats how I do it,but what do I know.

You must be just like me, a know nothing douche nozzle! Weeeeeeee.

[Stonewall]

Originally Posted by Meister37

You must be just like me, a know nothing douche nozzle! Weeeeeeee.

No Track but on the roads I run, I don't use my brakes very much. Since I had the ECU flashed, with the 09 It has just enough engine breaking along with downshifting into the correct gear prior to the curve that most of the time I don't use any brakes.

[SoloStunna99]

Originally Posted by Stonewall

No Track but on the roads I run, I don't use my brakes very much. Since I had the ECU flashed, with the 09 It has just enough engine breaking along with downshifting into the correct gear prior to the curve that most of the time I don't use any brakes.

I'm with you, who needs brakes anyway....? lol

[R1Teal]

On the brakes first (front only), then blip and downshift as many times as required. It is not wise to rely on engine braking to slow down.

Most of my local race/lapping track is ran while in 2nd gear but check out the braking at the ends of the two consecutive straights to see what I mean.

http://youtu.be/qwWMgubUT_0

[Chop]

When i brake hard i use both breaks and downshifting a couple or 3 gears, but normally use breaks and then downshift to keep the engine from stalling.

[Motul]

I learned to race on my TZ's so I ride my diesels the same way, downshifting while braking (clutch in.)
If you're downshifting first, you're slowing down too soon.
If you're just riding on the street, it makes no difference at all.

[Treemugger]

I assume your talking about a straight into a slow corner. How can you downshift if you're near max revs like you should be if your going 10/10ths? Brake like hell and blip to match revs on the way down is the simplest way i can put it.

[Motul]

That is the scenario I was thinking about 'cause you are not doing alot of downshifting between slow corners.
To answer the 10/10th's question, you just let the clutch out slowly (slipping it to match the revs.) If you're just dumping the clutch on downshifts you need a slipper or more track days.

[baroc]

I think it will depend of your speed before entering the corner . Personally I do think that i caress the brake more often than shifting down first specially in fast corners . Why ? simple you are always trying to drift a bit while maintaining stability and cornering speed . One of the best way to do it is to slow the front end just a little bit more than the rear before shifting it down and get the rear wheel spinning slightly on the gas. At very low speed you just shift down as you make sure there will be no issue with your transmission .

[JgorinacR1]

So I've always wondered, does engine breaking put a lot of stress on your engine over the years? Just was always curious, I do it regardless because it feels so natural to do..

[Racer Dude]

I don't ride my bike on the track, but if I did, I would brake, blip and downshift all simultaneously.

The purpose of blipping (as was already mentioned) is to match the wheel speed with the engine speed, as to not lock up the rear tire. The reason for doing this all simultaneously, is to shorten your braking zone (hense quicker lap times).

Riders that are fast on a closed racing course, brake very, very hard at the end of a fast straight, into a tight, slow corner, all the while they are blipping and downshifting at the same time.

If you're asking this question, (no disrespect) you shouldn't be taking a liter bike out on track. A riding school would also be in order.



Peace.

[Racer Dude]

Originally Posted by Chop

When i brake hard i use both breaks and downshifting a couple or 3 gears, but normally use breaks and then downshift to keep the engine from stalling.

Yo homie, it's spelled "brakes"

[grommet]

Originally Posted by Racer Dude

brake very, very hard at the end of a fast straight, into a tight, slow corner, all the while they are blipping

It is very difficult to be braking at max and blip the throttle at the same time. Even more to trail off the brakes after lean-in if you're still doing this.

I'm in the downshift and ease the clutch out without blipping while applying brakes with the greatest amount of control camp. Keeping it simple, fewer variables, and it still has the similar effect of helping slow you down.

[Racer Dude]

I don't track my bike, so I'll take your word for it


I suppose if you braked hard enough before downshifting, the engine speed would be low enough to not lock up the rear.

[grommet]

The key to not sliding the tire is easing the clutch out very gently. Make your own slipper by learning this.