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Holding clutch while riding downhill?

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  • #1

    Holding clutch while riding downhill?

    I'm new to biking.
    i have a question about the clutch usage.
    while going downhill i normally keep the clutch on hold, but my friends say that it's not good for the clutch.

    what's the right method to ride while riding downhill??
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Query approved.
    (Been There Done That) x 3.25

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    • #3
      The bike should always bee in Gear while travelling downhill.
      This is used for engine braking and it also helps to keep the speed in check without having to use the brakes.
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      • #4
        Holding the clutch is not at all recommended when going downhill. You give up on the essential engine braking.

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        • #5
          Do not hold the clutch while riding downhill. It is equivalent to riding the bike downhill in neutral or with the engine off.
          Keeping the bike running, & in gear is the best way to ride downhill.

          My views on the YZF-R15 V2.0: http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/news/198...tml#post699240

          The pleasure is when your rear wheel slides, and you bring it back; and when the front wheel lifts, you take your time bringing it back.

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          • #6
            i also have the same doubt. but does it harm the bike in any way? so all it does is gives up on the engine braking right ?
            CRAP Blog

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            • #7
              Originally posted by princeot View Post
              I'm new to biking.
              i have a question about the clutch usage.
              while going downhill i normally keep the clutch on hold, but my friends say that it's not good for the clutch.

              what's the right method to ride while riding downhill??
              don't hold down da clutch.
              ride at a proper RPM... not too low not too high.

              Originally posted by eliksir View Post
              but does it harm the bike in any way? so all it does is gives up on the engine braking right ?
              yes... it can be harmful... if you release the clutch once u're done with ur decline...
              and let's say, u happen to be going slower than you should be going for the particular gear that u're in...
              u'll end up with the bike suddenly engine braking...
              and if u slow down too much too quick... and, u can fall.

              that's harmful innit.
              .
              sigpic

              Comment

              • #8
                Originally posted by xionite View Post
                yes... it can be harmful... if you release the clutch once u're done with ur decline...
                and let's say, u happen to be going slower than you should be going for the particular gear that u're in...
                u'll end up with the bike suddenly engine braking...
                and if u slow down too much too quick... and, u can fall.

                that's harmful innit.
                You got it incorrect here.
                Engine braking will kick in if the bike is going faster than it should in the particular gear (with clutch lever presses inwards).

                PS: 968 posts & SMS lingo isn't a good combo

                My views on the YZF-R15 V2.0: http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/news/198...tml#post699240

                The pleasure is when your rear wheel slides, and you bring it back; and when the front wheel lifts, you take your time bringing it back.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Originally posted by eliksir View Post
                  i also have the same doubt. but does it harm the bike in any way? so all it does is gives up on the engine braking right ?
                  Almost all Indian bikes are on wet clutch(multi plated ones) since engine size is small (dont knw abt Enfield) since engine is small , so is the clutch, compromising in contact area. Simce contact area is small, there will be more heat produced, so the clutch is made wet (immersed in lube) for heat dissipation. Running bike in half clutch is more harmful than on full.

                  Doing down the lane, its adviceable that you run on engine brake since it has its own mechanical advantages.

                  (WIKI:Engine braking passively reduces wear on brakes and helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle. Active use of engine braking (shifting into a lower gear) is advantageous when it is necessary to control speed while driving down very steep and long slopes. It should be applied before regular disk or drum brakes have been used, leaving the brakes available to make emergency stops. The desired speed is maintained by using engine braking to counteract the gravitational acceleration.)
                  Last edited by Mecho; 01-20-2011, 08:56 AM.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    From a fuel saving perspective,it is advantageous,isn't it?
                    Say if the slope is long and gradually flattening,it would be ideal i'd think. Probably one has to rev match when coming back to gear.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Downhill or uphill always learn to use clutch ONLY WHEN IT IS REQUIRED. Use the clutch ONLY when shifting gears, otherwise there's no need to use clutch. Engaging clutch only affects fuel effeciency. So avoid using it as much as possible.

                      It is always better to switch to appropriate gears & then ride accordingly rather than even engaging & disengaging the gears. I got rid of the bad habit of putting hands over the clutch lever long ago.
                      Skill is what keeps you on a Motorcycle
                      Awareness + Skill is what keeps you out of harm's way
                      ATGATT + Awareness + Skill means you might Live To Ride another day

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Originally posted by tibby View Post
                        You got it incorrect here.
                        Engine braking will kick in if the bike is going faster than it should in the particular gear (with clutch lever presses inwards).
                        yes... faster. typo.
                        .
                        sigpic

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Originally posted by leomax View Post
                          From a fuel saving perspective,it is advantageous,isn't it?
                          Say if the slope is long and gradually flattening,it would be ideal i'd think. Probably one has to rev match when coming back to gear.
                          You dont save fuel as there's no throttle..

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Guys does engine breaking affects the engine now or say after a period of time..!

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Originally posted by parthd View Post
                              Guys does engine breaking affects the engine now or say after a period of time..!
                              No it doesn't.

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