Honda XR400 Manual page 33

Basic Operation
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Engine braking
Engine braking can be used to reduce
speed instead of, or in combination with, the
brakes by simply retarding the throttle.
Shift down gears if necessary.
Avoid abrupt shift down or the motorcycle
may fishtail and transmission damage may
occur.
Use a combination of the engine braking
and intermittent braking on long or steep
downhill slopes.
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