Accelerating from slow speed in high gear

[benjameenie]

You know when you slow down and dont downshift, and then accelerate in like 4th gear? The engine makes the weirdest sound, I was just wondering, if this is okay for the engine or should I always be downshifting. Not that I have a problem with downshifting, sometimes you just don't if the stop is unexpected or you somehow forget. Also when changing gears should I disengage the throttle and then clutch, change gears and then rethrottle or just try to keep the throttle engaged enough to keep the rpms constant?
Thanks for your comments and friendly advice!

[highwayjamin]

 First of all      You should always downshift when slowing.  Always lift on the throttle when changing gears now this is just my thoughts but everyone has different riding habits, some are good and some are not so good. But this is what I do,so I hope this helps.

[niteman]

Agreed. Always downshift when slowing so as to make sure the engine's power is there when you need it. Lugging any engine is never a good idea. Also, don't keep the throttle engaged through the shift...disengage throttle, clutch in, shift, smoothly release clutch and engage throttle.

[ariwhiteboy]

Always always downshift,  this allows the engine to "brake" instead of uneccessary wear and tear on the actual brakes.

[SliverXZennon]

And if you need to take off quickly because someone is breathing down your backside, you're screwed if you are in 5th gear coming to a stop...

[benjameenie]

Great advice and tips. Thanks all for your sound and helpful words. See you on the road

[Bumblebee]

Think about where the energy goes while up too many gears. Higher than normal loads on the engine bearings, crank, connecting rod pins, primary driven gear, piston and piston rings.

Always always downshift,  this allows the engine to "brake" instead of uneccessary wear and tear on the actual brakes.

Engine braking up to a point is ok however the last time I checked, internal engine parts were a LOT more expensive and a LOT more of a hassle to replace than brake pads.

[ariwhiteboy]

Think about where the energy goes while up too many gears. Higher than normal loads on the engine bearings, crank, connecting rod pins, primary driven gear, piston and piston rings.

Always always downshift,  this allows the engine to "brake" instead of uneccessary wear and tear on the actual brakes.

Engine braking up to a point is ok however the last time I checked, internal engine parts were a LOT more expensive and a LOT more of a hassle to replace than brake pads.

Very true,  I wasn't really reffering to having to replace the brakes so much as I was refering to brake fade=brake failure....

And just my extra $.02 but it's a good rule of thumb that when you do something that causes funny noises it's a good idea to stop doing it....unless it's farting in the tub.

[Bumblebee]

Very true,  I wasn't really reffering to having to replace the brakes so much as I was refering to brake fade=brake failure....

Ok. No problem there.
If you're riding the brakes on a big downhill enough to get brake failure, the disks/drums are likely to end up warped. Don't go there for obvious reasons.

unless it's farting in the tub.

Try sneezing into the water when you're swimming. It's way more fun. Big bubbles galore.