Do You Switch off Your 2 wheeler on a Slope?


Thread Starter #1
Joined
Feb 15, 2010
Messages
4,700
Likes
523
Location
Bengaluru
Hello guys i thought to share one thing, do you switch off your 2 wheeler on a slope or down road.

I am not doing it in my Activa or bike, what i heard from one of my friend that doing so may damage piston of engine.

And also Activa shows some resistance when switched off on down roads.
Is it mainly because of 4 stroke engine?

I used to drive TVS earlier in my school days, but it had no sign of resistance.
May be was it because of 2stroke?

So what's your take on this guys?
 
Joined
May 11, 2011
Messages
4,095
Likes
948
Location
Bangalore
Re: Save fuel by 5% to 40%

Activa shows that kind of sign when moving downwards with brakes engaged.
But my splendor old model doesn't show these signs, think there's a difference with braking system though both the vehicles come with drum brakes.
 
Joined
Jun 9, 2011
Messages
90
Likes
3
Location
Cyberspace
Re: Save fuel by 5% to 40%

@mukesh...apart from lack of engine braking there is nothing wrong with coasting though not sure about gearless scooters, transmisson *could* be affected.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Joined
Dec 1, 2011
Messages
42
Likes
1
Location
Mumbai
Four stroke or Two stroke has nothing to do with reduction of speed on a slope!

My point is that it is dangerous to do so just to save a few pennies. Have you ever thought about the Safety of the driver as well as the pedestrian when you drive a vehicle with the engine OFF because you basically are then dependent only on the Brakes for the vehicle to stop (since you cannot accelerate).

My request to you and the members is to desist from such misadventures.

B
 
Joined
Aug 6, 2011
Messages
6,206
Likes
4,220
Location
Meerut, U. P.
Switching OFF an engine while descending inclines!!
Never ever at any cost,if you want brakes,then you have them,then why to play with your engine,let the engine brakes work only on snow,slush and rain..
 
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
6,377
Likes
489
Location
NYC
Practically, it can be done without much risk since the major control (for low cc bikes) are mechanically controlled, but ideally one should try avoiding these things.
 
Joined
Nov 19, 2011
Messages
3,309
Likes
696
Location
Sydney / Mumbai
I have done this all the time in my 8 years of bike riding (Bajaj Caliber). Only major reason is to save fuel. [:D]

But now I have Suzuki Access and this is not happening on access, Even if I stop giving acceleration it slows down even on the slope. [surprise]
 
Joined
Dec 13, 2011
Messages
1,714
Likes
1,082
Location
Bangalore
In a gearless scooter the engine plays no role (as far as I know) in braking in a slope, when compared to the control what a geared bike gives you. So I dont think it should make any issue in your Activa.

In my bike (Previously Victor, now Discover) the engine tends to get rich (mechanic says it that way) & idling increases abnormally when you start the bike after going down a slope with engine off. Secondly the risk of not having the engine braking is something I dont want to take.
 
Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
555
Likes
21
Location
Bangalore
its actually dangerous if you don't know the slope

for me a regular ride and a slope am aware off
i turn it off
if LOS is clear than you can however never on a new slope
 
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Messages
91
Likes
5
Location
Bangalore
even on a known or unknown slope it's NOT advisable to switch off engine.Just for saving few bucks don't risk with your life. You need engine braking, brakes to have good control of your vehicle.

be it 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler it's a strict no no.
 
Joined
May 21, 2011
Messages
3,077
Likes
1,927
Location
Vellore/Chennai
I will never switch off the engine at any cost, either it is two wheeler or four wheeler.

As like everyone said "Engine Braking" is manditory in slopes.
 
Joined
Dec 5, 2010
Messages
1,550
Likes
1,026
Location
Bangalore
Instead of switching off in my bike i just used to apply clutch fully on slops and drive in appropriate gear according to the speed of the vehicle

this will do favor for mileage and at the same time bike is in control too
 
Joined
Apr 26, 2012
Messages
1,256
Likes
395
Location
cochin
even it is not advisable, it is possible in 'gearless' scooter.first apply brakes and reduce the speed below to 10km/hr(release accelerator completely).Then you can start to feel the scooter in neutral gear and release the brakes. now the scooter will start to move fast. Do not switch off the scooter while doing this. If you are start to lose control or speed increases , Apply the brakes and increase accelerator gently. it will engage gear and it will keep the scooter in control.
 
Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
65
Likes
9
Location
Coimbatore
Eventhough we can save fuel by swithching off the engine at slopes, its really dangerous as brakes will be totally drained when vehicle is in neutral. Instead we can maintain the minimum speed at top gears, no harm in it and also drinks less fuel.
 

Top Bottom