Downshifting when Stopping

[cmiles3]

I usually engine brake, then switch to brakes as the engine speed drops below 2500 or so. This is for normal stops. I can roll on throttle at any time if I need to, to adjust my line or avoid something. At lights, I leave it in gear unless I need two hands to adjust something.

 

In quick stops, I brake hard with the rear/front linked brakes, then add the front brakes. When I'm almost stopped, then I downshift. This lets me concentrate on braking, and monitor traffic in case I need to switch tactics- swerves, etc. Sometimes this last minute shifting leaves me in neutral instead of 1st gear, which is annoying when the light turns green.

 

At railroad crossings, I usually leave it in gear but turn off the bike. In Claremore, there's about 60 trains a day. I try to stay on one side of the tracks, but I live on the wrong side...

[Moped]

I always stop with brakes. Figure it's a lot cheaper replacing brake pads then loading both sides of drive train parts, motor, ect.

[Ozark]

I will downshift into 4th and 3rd, and carry 3rd up to the stop and shift down all at once right before completely stopping. Letting the clutch out in 2nd and 1st doesn't last long enough to make engine braking worth the effort.

Me too.

[VTirelli]

Back from my truck driving days, I always downshift. Rarely use the rear brake unless I'm in a hard braking situation or pulling the trailer.