Thread Approved and Moved

Interesting topic...

The roads and tyres which we use for everyday commuting are hardly top class.
For optimum tyre grip on dry surfaces you need a slick tyre (with no grooves) and the correct rubber compound... But this is of course only for track use.

Since we're talking about braking, i'd like to bring engine braking into the picture too.
I read somewhere on the internet that although engine braking is good for normal braking and it can increase the life of your brakes BUT this article also said that though engine braking helps in reducing speed quickly, the engine and gearbox setup itself is resistant to very quick changes in speed.
What this means is that if you need to brake in an emergency then its best to pull in your clutch lever...

I've never noticed a big difference in emergency braking with the clutch extended or depressed.. Any opinions?

As far as I know, most performance bikes today have disk brakes, and you can lock them up (most of them) on their used stock tyres.
This is very much what I suggest people who ask me for disc brake modifications. I tell them that its better to upgrade your tyres, so that you actually get some serious grip, then you can afford to brake hard, specially with disk brakes.

Someone gave me a pillion ride on a RD350, with worn out MRF Zappers installed. Heck, it was squealing (terrible sounding I tell ya!) under hard acceleration...

In both of these situations, the better alternative is to get good tyres rather than modify for power or braking!


On the flip side, bigger discs do have better braking with more power and instant feel, even on touching the lever.