European GZ250 rider

[theneanderthal]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

You might.....but, like your unusual quoting style, it would miss the mark just a bit! :biggrin:

Seriously, I can't remember the last time I needed to use the brakes to slow down just because I was coming down a hill. Even in the mountains of western Tennessee, I used the brakes very little. Engine braking causes extra wear on exactly NOTHING. Done properly, the same is true for a downshift. If you don't believe that, your riding skills need some improvement.

DOH!, Just found the quote tab. I expected to find one when I posted but somehow
overlooked it.

I disagree as to wear and tear due to down shifting but won't argue the point. Mechanics all have opinions and ......

Be well and ride safe brother.

[theneanderthal]

Originally Posted by alantf

Hi to the guy who came to Tenerife on holiday.

The island's only about 80 miles from top to bottom, but I live in the north, near the town of La Orotava (if that means anything to you) It's like being on a different island up here. Down south it's hot & arid, but where we live (amongst the fields & vineyards) they call it "springtime all the year round". As for the south, it's just a "concrete canyon" of high rise hotels for the tourists. Unfortunately it's got a reputation (well deserved) for ripping off the tourists. If anyone is thinking of coming here, & doesn't want nightclubs every night, & burgers every meal, you should try Puerto de la Cruz (Port of the cross). It's around an hour and a quarter up the motorway from the South Airport (Reina Sofia) but it's a much more relaxed, laid back, & unspoiled resort.
If you want to see where I live, get on "Google Earth". (Do you have that in America? It's part of the search engine "Google.co.uk" then go to "Tenerife - La Perdoma" & it'll bring the map up.

So, are you a native, expatriat from elsewhere or using a really good translation program? Just curious. Welcome to the "GZ250 Rules" forum. If I may be so bold,
being a noob myself.

[theneanderthal]

doh!. sheesh! I just read the opening post, again.

MEA CULPA.

Sigh!

Ducking and stumbling off to bed, while muttering missives about age and cognition.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by theneanderthal

Ducking and stumbling off to bed, while muttering missives about age and cognition.

For future reference: I think you can DELETE your own posts.....if nobody has replied to it yet.
Handy feature! :biggrin:

(It's the little star * down in the lower right hand corner.)

[alantf]

Engine braking? I've looked under "pigs might fly" but still can't find this ellusive phenomenon! Are you sure we're talking about the same bike?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alantf

Engine braking? I've looked under "pigs might fly" but still can't find this ellusive phenomenon! Are you sure we're talking about the same bike?

:crackup :haha2:

No, actually not. I have my idle set pretty low AND I have a 16T front sprocket. The latter had a BIG effect on that.

[alanmcorcoran]

I've almost "engine braked" myself right into a face plant. Downshifted to first absentmindedly making a down hill left turn with the clutch in. I was still moving at a pretty good clip when I let the clutch back out and laid a little rubber before I snapped out of it and pulled the clutch back in. I live on top of a 2 mile climb. When I'm headed out I will leave it in third in the areas where there are stop signs. It may be more psychological than practical, but it definitely seems like the engine and the transmission is exerting some drag. I suppose you need to be careful about redlining it, but I keep an eye on the speedometer and I don't think I've ever been close.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

I've almost "engine braked" myself right into a face plant. Downshifted to first absentmindedly making a down hill left turn with the clutch in. I was still moving at a pretty good clip when I let the clutch back out ......

Not quite what I had in mind with the term "engine braking". :roll:
That might be more properly called engine stopping.......and crashing.

[alanmcorcoran]

Just one of yer basic "whoop-shits." That first gear sure slows ya right down.

[theneanderthal]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

I've almost "engine braked" myself right into a face plant. Downshifted to first absentmindedly making a down hill left turn with the clutch in. I was still moving at a pretty good clip when I let the clutch back out and laid a little rubber before I snapped out of it and pulled the clutch back in. I live on top of a 2 mile climb. When I'm headed out I will leave it in third in the areas where there are stop signs. It may be more psychological than practical, but it definitely seems like the engine and the transmission is exerting some drag. I suppose you need to be careful about redlining it, but I keep an eye on the speedometer and I don't think I've ever been close.

Oh man, been there done that. I was approaching a left turn at a light, running
60 or so, light was red. I tapped the gears down to first, still running 60 or so,
and the light changed to green for my left. It didn't take but a micro second or
so to realize I had seriously ficked up by letting the clutch out. :shocked: