I recently read a bulletin by the CAA (Canadian automobile association) regarding engine compression, the bottom line was that using compression induces accelerated wear on a bunch of internal engine parts. Now, I never downshift to use compression on the bike, but in town I often use compression in the gear I'm already in, this alone often produces enough braking force to slow down to desired speed (*plus it sounds sweet*), does this go against accepted wisdom? The article I'm referring to suggests to disengage the clutch whenever vehicle speed is decreasing (i.e clutch should be engaged only when accelerating the car or keeping constant speed).
I've been doing that on every vehicle I have ever owned including my bike. Your engine would still be running at idle so it's not like your turning the crank when you wouldn't have too... I would agree that doing it adds to your clutch wear. With big rigs it's one of the primary way's of stopping, can't imagine that they would do unnecessary harm when money and engine longevity is a bottom line. Understandably the "jake brake" is another head on top of the engine head but still... Curious what everyone else thinks.
[image: View Post]jasonsmith, on Jul 23 2009, 10:22 PM, said:
I've been doing that on every vehicle I have ever owned including my bike. Your engine would still be running at idle so it's not like your turning the crank when you wouldn't have too... I would agree that doing it adds to your clutch wear. With big rigs it's one of the primary way's of stopping, can't imagine that they would do unnecessary harm when money and engine longevity is a bottom line. Understandably the "jake brake" is another head on top of the engine head but still... Curious what everyone else thinks.
Not sure about clutch wear, unless you mean disengaging the clutch then re-engaging it to slow the bike down? That's not what I was suggesting but I guess you're right additional slipping will shorten clutch life (not a big deal in my book, changing clutch on a bike is much cheaper and simpler than on a car), what I meant was letting off the throttle without pulling the clutch in, letting compression slow the bike down (and applying brakes for additional braking force). Clutch wear is not a concern to me, premature wear on rings is.
What you are referring to is engine braking, not compression. I've never heard anything about it causing increased wear. In fact, it should be no different than just cruising along. This is all assuming the rest of the engine system (carb synch, ignition, etc) are all in good working order.
[image: View Post]JamieDaugherty, on Jul 24 2009, 08:17 AM, said:
What you are referring to is engine braking, not compression. I've never heard anything about it causing increased wear. In fact, it should be no different than just cruising along. This is all assuming the rest of the engine system (carb synch, ignition, etc) are all in good working order.
:+1:
End of thread · 5 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 10 Apr 2010