What is Engine Braking in Motorcycle and When to Use It?

Although applying the rear and front brakes is the normal way to reduce the speed of your motorcycle, it is not the only method for doing so. You should also be aware of the engine braking in a motorcycle that decreases the bike's speed safely, even on a slippery road. 

Besides, doing so will not reduce the grip, which you can experience when pressing the main brakes too hard. 

Motorcycle engine braking refers to slowing down the vehicle by closing the throttle and lowering the gear. You will not have to step on the brake pedal to reduce your vehicle's speed. 

In engine braking, the airflow within the engine chamber reduces, leading to deceleration. As a result, you can see a decrease in the rotation of your bike's wheels. 

Let’s know how this engine braking phenomenon works in a motorcycle.

When you close your motorcycle's throttle, its air intake valve closes. Due to this effect, the vehicle's engine burns less fuel and slows down. This lowers the energy within the engine, leading to a drop in the rotational speed of the engine or its RPM.

This resistance force caused by reduced RPM goes to the drivetrain, which is connected to the wheels and reduces their rotational speed. There are two forces causing the effect of engine braking in motorcycles. 

Among these, the major source of this restriction force is the vacuum generated inside, and the other source is the friction caused within the drivetrain.

You can apply the engine brake in every situation when you need to slow down your motorcycle for a bit without applying the wheel brake. 

Here are two situations when you should ideally use engine braking:

1. While Traffic Movement Slows Down

If you see that the dense traffic in front of you is slowing down, you should also decrease the speed of your vehicle. You should use engine braking and shift your bike to a lower gear to match the reduced traffic speed.

2. While Driving Steep Slopes

If you want to drive on a slope, keeping your vehicle's speed low is better. It helps maintain the control and stability of your vehicle. During this time, applying an engine brake to reduce your vehicle's speed is preferable.

Here are the steps you will have to follow while applying engine braking:

1. Press the Clutch to Reduce the RPM

In the first stage, you have to press the clutch to ensure that the engine RPM reduces. It is also necessary to smoothly transfer to a lower gear during the engine braking.

2. Lower the Gear of Your Motorcycle

You will have to shift to a lower gear of your motorcycle at this stage. If you are in high gear, you need to adjust it according to the speed requirement of your vehicle.

For instance, if you see a steep slope and are riding in the 4th gear, press your bike's clutch and downshift to the 3rd gear.

3. Release the Clutch

After your vehicle has smoothly transitioned into a lower gear, it is time for you to release the clutch. Note that you will have to do that smoothly and hold the throttle. Otherwise, you can experience a sudden jerk that can jeopardise your bike's stability.

Following are the advantages you will get if you use engine braking to control your motorcycle’s speed:

Reduces Wear and Tear of Brake:

Applying the main brake of your motorcycle uses the power of friction to reduce your vehicle's speed. Over time, it leads to the wearing down of your brake components, including the brake shoe, brake pad, brake rotor, etc..

Increases Fuel Efficiency

Your bike's throttle valve within the engine chamber obstructs airflow when you go for the engine braking. As a result, no combustion happens during this time, especially if your vehicle has a fuel-injection system. You may not save much fuel with this process, but these small savings can be significant over a long period.

Ensures Better Control and Stability

While using the main brakes, the friction force gets transferred to the wheels inconsistently. There is always a chance of losing control or skidding, especially if you go along a slippery road. As a result, you retain better control even on icy or wet roads.

Eliminates the Chances of Brake Fades

If you apply the brake strongly for a prolonged time at a stretch, the resultant friction causes excessive heat. It may lead to a brake fade or a loss of ability to stop the vehicle. You may experience this scenario if you try to reduce the speed while riding down your bike on a slope by applying its main brake. 

Engine braking in a motorcycle is one of the safest ways to lower the speed of your vehicle without pushing the main brake. It reduces the chances of skidding you can experience on slippery roads with low traction. It also gives other benefits like eliminating the chances of brake fades, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing wear and tear damage to the brake system.

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