Questions on the 'Police Rider's handbook" LONG!

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

Ive always felt that the mark of a smooth rider,or driver,is rarely having to use the brake.Easy on an SV where rolling off the throttle in good time will slow you down enough for most bends.
I also like to overtake without having to brake much if at all to get back in lane.Means you have a margin for error,and errors do happen.

No brakes should mean **smooth** progress. On the other hand, don't get it out of proportion - brakes are there to scrub speed off when needed. Agree about overtaking too - passing; pulling in and braking is bad form.

[Bluepete]

Block shifting is doen in the advanced car and advanced bike system, apparenty so that there are no overlaps between braking and gear changing, ie, you shoudn't be doing both at the same time. The scenario would be, approach a hazard, use brakes to get to the appropriate speed, then change to an appropriate gear to pass the hazard.
It's supposed to offer more control as the vehicle isn't trying to accept several changes at one, from the engine beaking effect and the brakes themselves.
So I was told!!

I get the impression that a lot of the bike stuff is carried directly from the car stuff and doesn't exactly translate too well. Block shifting is obviously cleaner in a car than a bike, but yep, something about not having brake and gear overlap they're big on. Can't say I 100% agree with it but then they're most likely better riders than me so there's probably something to it

I think the not relying on engine braking bit is something to do with the mantra of gears are for going, brakes for slowing. If you use the engine for braking and then find you need to scrub off more speed (or less) your options are limited - you've then got to apply the brakes or throttle to adjust, wheras if you use the brakes then your hand is already in the right place and it's just a matter of squeezing more or less. Again, I think most riders incorporate engine braking and active braking into their corner approach to end up in the right gear at the right speed pre-corner anyway. Dunno, this one I think especially seems to have been ported right across from the car course (cars having generally less engine braking).

You're quite right when you say that gears are for going and brakes for slowing.
I think we have to distinguish between;
(a) rolling the throttle off well in advance and gently changing down as the speed decreases and;
(b) deliberately changing down to increase the revs to a signifant level so that the engine is positively slowing the bike down like the brakes would.
Over the life of a bike bear in mind that using the gears to brake constantly adds significant unnecessary wear to the engine and transmission. It's a lot cheaper, and easier, to change brake pads than a chain or gearbox!
The transmission is there to keep the engine in it's useable range so that power can be applied at any time. If you change down when braking you should aim to match the engine revs before re-engaging the clutch so that engine braking is avoided.
The lack of a brake light is an obvious issue, hence rear observation is important, but also the fact that engine braking only works on the rear wheel.
Regarding block changing down, I can understand why some riders like to do it but my personal preference is to change down as I reduce speed, blipping the throttle. I only use block changing when something unexpected happens ahead and I have to reduce speed quickly as it allows me to concentrate totally on braking and steering.

Q1 - Its all been said, I woud agree with the brake light thing and the wear and tear, though I have to admit to not often bothering my @rse to feather the brakes myself unless my mirrors are full of some tailgating muppet!

Q2 - Yes, I block change, but not that often. Only when on the brakes hard before a sharp corner or junction usually 'cos I was going too quick anyway, or approaching a changing traffic light. I don't see that you have much choice, changing one at a time just isn't quick enough.

Thanks for reminding me that my copy of the book is on (now very long term) loan to my cousin!