Im new to riding and was wondering what is being stressed when downshifting a little too early. Engine, Clutch, etc... From my research it seems like the better choice is all brakes. I want nothing more than to take care of my 94 so I am asking the experienced??? Also how many times could one do this to a minor extent before they hit issues or is in the thousands of miles range? Thanks.

 

Learn how to "rev-match"

It's a technique requiring not much skill, just a little timing.

When you pull in the clutch to downshift, give the throttle a "blip" to raise the engine RPM as you simultaneously downshift, then let the clutch out before the RPM drops.

You have to do it very quickly, but it results in a seamless downshift with very little strain on your motor.

 

Hershey is bang on the money. It doent take long to figue this technique out.
I strongly advise against using the 'all brakes' technique for a few reasons.
1) if you use 'all brakes' on a ride, your brakes get hot, when they get hot, they fade. this means they do not work properly, so when you NEED to stop, you cannot, this is dangerous for you.

2) using a LITTLE brakes, coupled with the engine, is often the best, most efficient way of slowing your bike

3) using 'all brakes' will work out much more expensive in both the short term and long run.

I suggest you paractice the 'blip and change' method Hershey described on local streets, and at lower speeds, then on the highway when you have lots of room. as long as you arent banging down 3 gears in one go, you should be sweet as!!

enjoy the '94, the F2 ****ing rocks!!!!

 

But to answer your initial question, I would say the clutch is the component getting the biggest workout when you downshift (without rev matching). Compression braking is probably not very harmful to your engine at all. Yes, it places extra stress on your crank and connecting rods, but nothing outside of normal limits (i.e. hard acceleration). Same with the transmission-- sure the gears and bearings are being stressed, but it's nothing overwhelming.

 

Brakes are cheap. Use them more than the engine!