I'm still new to riding so my question is when you're braking is it better to pull in the clutch or can you brake with the engine and drivetrain still reving along with the speed of the bike? Does it wear out your brakes faster?

 

you can, it's no problem. I brake with the clutch out, but i also gear down as i slow.

 

Personally I enjoy the sound of a decelerating sportbike engine rather than just pulling both levers way before it's actually time to stop. It won't take long before you get the feel of the right time to downshift while slowing. Keeping it in the right gear to match your speed is a benefit in case you were forced to accelerate or maneuver to avoid danger.

Obviously if you hold the clutch lever in all the time and use nothing but brakes to slow down your pads will wear quicker, but also if you hammer in those downshifts when the crank speed is too high, the clutch system will not thank you. It's all just part of getting to know a bike, you'll find the right balance. Does Denver have MSF courses? If so, sign up and get a head start. You won't regret it.

 

feathering the clutch so it's half engaged is a little thing i like to call, practice.