04-28-2014, 08:48 AM
(04-28-2014, 07:28 AM)The Spaceman_imp Wrote: ferret is right; the clutch plates aren't acting like a brake pad and disk. They snap together and then the engine does the work of slowing the bike as it pumps air. If you bother to blip the throttle properly as you downshift, you will have virtually no friction on the plates. And even if you don't, you'll still never wear out a clutch unless you simply don't know how to use it.
I've been hearing that old saw about "brakes jobs are cheaper than clutch repairs" since I started driving, and it's just wrong. Ask any professional driver or mechanic and they'll advise downshifting to slow your vehicle; either going down a mountain or coming to a stop sign.
I agree 100% when going down a mountain. Engine braking is what is called for in that situation or you may burn up your brakes. However, I live in the city and it seems to me that slowing down when coming to a stop sign or light without brake lights to notify the cager on the phone behind you is a great way to get rear-ended. This is a terrible idea.