Seems on topic to me, esp since it contributes to my point that one should use the clutch properly to contribute to smooth braking. I also typed that to call attention to the fact it was a bad example since it’s possible and an intermediate technique.
It sounds like it's on-topic when it supports your point, and off-topic when it doesn't.
I don't understand the concept behind taking all the load off the engine for an emergency stop, much less a normal stop for anything but a new rider. I'm with Robert completely on clutch usage. I'm also with Robert in that our riding is almost exclusively a series of emergency stops; give or take 7-8 times in less than two minutes. Rinse and repeat. At no time are we pulling the clutch in and freewheeling the bike nor are we using much rear brake (I'm assuming with Robert, from when I've ridden with him). Instead, we're letting the slipper do it's job, using our hand to the do the rest on the clutch and using max front braking several times a lap.
My thoughts on this...bare with me...
I don't agree that racers use emergency braking multiple times a lap. I see the differences as:
RACE: Maximum braking at initial application, then trailing off as lean increases.
STREET: Maximum braking with progressive increasing pressure until stopped. Bike is vertical through the process nine times out of ten.
RACE: Use the traction available to you, and occasionally use more than available.
STREET: Maintain a large traction reserve.
RACE: A plan on when to begin braking, a known location. It's a proactive skill and generally methodical, calm, time to think.
STREET: No plan. True panic. Damn difficult to NOT look at the solid object that just turned into our path (most common multi-vehicle crash).
RACE: No panic (see above), generally not trying to avoid stationary object that jumps into your path. Generally don't think about death when "emergency braking" multiple times a lap.
STREET: Panic / fear of the unknown (will I die).
RACE: A whole different animal (person) grasping the bars. Most racers are constantly attempting to improve their skill set. Calculated risk takers (consciously).
STREET: Most streetriders learn the most basic of skills and stop there. They have no 'need' for more advanced skills "I took the (beginner) class, I know how to ride." Almost never factor risk into their ride. Don't think about it.
So what does all that mean? We all know the answer. The street and track are different. What we fail to understand is the biggest variable is the rider. The street and streetriders need to be given and practice the skill that produces the best result in manner that is easy to understand and apply. Multi-tasking is not good in these life or death events. Squeeze the clutch and brake. 2 things, that's it. It's all most streetriders can handle. They are already going to be less effective stopping because a huge part of their brain is gripped by fear. There isn't much more processing capacity left over for braking (very similar to the traction circle, or K. Code's money reference).
One of the things skilled motorcyclist fail to grasp is the learning curve. I've compared it to math before. We must be proficient at addition & subtraction before moving onto multiplication. The proficient at that before moving to algebra, then the same before calculus, etc.
Feathering the clutch and downshifting into 1st at 50mph is nothing more than trying to teach an elementary school student algebra. It actually slows their learning.
This is similar to the BARF mantra of "get your suspension set-up" first. Or "fix your body position" instead of eye placement / where to look.
Being a good mentor (notice I didn't say teacher or instructor) is not just knowing more than the newbie, it's knowing what to expose them to and when to do it.
Tl;dr:
Hey sportsluvr, for smoother stops, keep your head and eyes up, squeeze the clutch and focus on smooth application of the brakes. Once you've gotten those skills down and can easily repeat them without thinking, then decide if you want to add downshifting into the equation
(SWIDT?). Learning the skills separately then adding
(SWIDT #2) together will make it easier to learn and apply. A huge benefit of this is that it is exactly the same technique you will need in an emergency.
I'm a huge proponent of rear brake use, and I intentionally left that out in the previous comments. I use it mainly to compress the rear suspension and reduce the initial pitch rate of the chassis. The slightly shorter stopping distances are a side benefit for me.
RACE: Using the clutch avoids 'freewheeling'.
STREET: Using the rear brake avoids freewheeling.