Bike lurching forwards after releasing throttle

Willb · 12-06-2007, 07:28 PM

Hey guys, first post!

I've been riding for about a month now so this may be from inexperience but...

When I release the throttle, my bike lurches forward as if I've slammed the breaks on suddenly.
For example, if I start off in 1st and bring it up to where I would change into 2nd but let off the gas instead, it should (I assume) just roll but it lurches heavily and then winds down.
I notice this most when I'm riding at slow speeds following traffic or letting the gas off while going down a hill - it's pretty damned annoying!

I've made sure the throttle cable isn't too loose or tight but I'm not very big built so my weight may have something to do with it - the suspension maybe?

Any input would be appreciated - Chur!

Easy Rider · 12-06-2007, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willb

Hey guys, first post!

I've been riding for about a month now so this may be from inexperience but...

When I release the throttle, my bike lurches forward as if I've slammed the breaks on suddenly.

Welcome to GZ World! :cool:

It is called engine braking. It tends to slam YOU forward as the bike slows abruptly. The lower the gear, the more noticeable it is. In 3rd or above you shouldn't notice it hardly at all. It is normal. Don't close the throttle so abruptly in the lower gears.........unless it is an emergency.

If you had ever driven a car with a manual transmission, you would already be familiar with the feeling.

Truth is, the GZ and other similar low compression bikes actually don't have a lot of engine braking. If you did the same thing on a high performance, high compression 4 cyl. machine, the effect IS a lot like slamming on the rear brake........and it tends to throw you over the bars.

Water Warrior 2 · 12-06-2007, 10:06 PM

Willb, just get in the habit of gripping the tank with your knees/legs and the lurch won't be as pronounced. Also gives more control overall. You are in the learning process so don't be afraid to ask silly questions as we have all been there done that. You will learn to enjoy gearing down and using the engine breaking effect.

Water Warrior 2 · 12-06-2007, 10:12 PM

Easy Rider, your comment reminded me of almost going throught a windshield at 100 mph. New windshield and was testing for higher speeds and closed the throttle. Never did imagine a windshield would have that much braking force until that ride. Of course I was much younger and was going to live forever.

**jonathan180iq** · 12-07-2007, 10:44 AM

I must have gotten here late.

Everyone else is right.

As you get more experienced, you'll start engine-braking more than you brake with your levers.

Jaime · 12-08-2007, 11:37 AM

Also, check that the idle speed is high enough, quite common.

Willb · 12-08-2007, 06:21 PM

Ah-ha, yeah i've always driven an auto so I've never come across it before - And you're right, it's not as noticeable above 3rd

Had my first good ride on the motor way yesterday, hopefully I'll get round to documenting a few road trips out to the coast not far from here (google "Piha")

Cheers guys!

12-06-2007, 07:28 PM	#1
Willb Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 2	Bike lurching forwards after releasing throttle Hey guys, first post! I've been riding for about a month now so this may be from inexperience but... When I release the throttle, my bike lurches forward as if I've slammed the breaks on suddenly. For example, if I start off in 1st and bring it up to where I would change into 2nd but let off the gas instead, it should (I assume) just roll but it lurches heavily and then winds down. I notice this most when I'm riding at slow speeds following traffic or letting the gas off while going down a hill - it's pretty damned annoying! I've made sure the throttle cable isn't too loose or tight but I'm not very big built so my weight may have something to do with it - the suspension maybe? Any input would be appreciated - Chur! Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-06-2007, 10:06 PM	#3
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Willb, just get in the habit of gripping the tank with your knees/legs and the lurch won't be as pronounced. Also gives more control overall. You are in the learning process so don't be afraid to ask silly questions as we have all been there done that. You will learn to enjoy gearing down and using the engine breaking effect. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-07-2007, 10:44 AM	#5
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	I must have gotten here late. Everyone else is right. As you get more experienced, you'll start engine-braking more than you brake with your levers. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-08-2007, 11:37 AM	#6
Jaime Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spain Posts: 102	Also, check that the idle speed is high enough, quite common. __________________ Trying my best in English
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12-06-2007, 10:12 PM	#4
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Easy Rider, your comment reminded me of almost going throught a windshield at 100 mph. New windshield and was testing for higher speeds and closed the throttle. Never did imagine a windshield would have that much braking force until that ride. Of course I was much younger and was going to live forever.
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12-08-2007, 06:21 PM	#7
Willb Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 2	Ah-ha, yeah i've always driven an auto so I've never come across it before - And you're right, it's not as noticeable above 3rd Had my first good ride on the motor way yesterday, hopefully I'll get round to documenting a few road trips out to the coast not far from here (google "Piha") Cheers guys!
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