Riding Bali's Steep Hills by Scooter: Braking & Throttle Tips

Bali isn't a flat island. The roads to Kintamani, Bedugul, Munduk, Lempuyang, Sidemen and the beaches of the Bukit are full of long climbs and steep descents with tight bends. The problem is that the automatic scooters most people rent have weak engine braking, so almost all the braking load falls on the brakes. This article covers the right technique for climbing and descending on an automatic scooter, the warning signs to recognise, which scooter to choose, and the steep spots in Bali to watch out for.

Why automatic scooters need special technique

Automatic scooters use a CVT transmission with a belt and a centrifugal clutch. When you close the throttle, engine revs drop and the clutch almost disengages, so there's far less engine braking than on a manual bike, where you can shift down to a low gear. As a result, on long descents the brakes work constantly and heat up quickly. On climbs, a heavily loaded CVT (two people plus luggage) can slip and give off a smell, especially on a 110 cc scooter.

Many modern rental scooters already have some help: the BeAT, Scoopy and Vario generally use CBS (combined braking, which also brakes the front wheel when you pull the left lever), while the NMAX and PCX come in ABS versions. These features help, but they don't replace technique.

Climbing technique

1. Look far ahead and judge the length of the climb before you start.
2. Build momentum on the flat before the climb, at a safe moderate speed.
3. Keep the throttle steady; don't keep opening and closing it. An on-off throttle makes the CVT lose power.
4. Riding two-up: ask your passenger to sit close and lean slightly forward so the front wheel doesn't lift and the scooter doesn't wobble.
5. Don't stop halfway up unless you have to. If you must stop, pick the flattest section.
6. Hill start: hold the rear brake (left lever), open the throttle gently until you feel the scooter pull, then release the brake while adding more throttle.
7. If the scooter can't make it: don't force it until it smells burnt. Have your passenger get off and walk a few dozen metres to a flatter section.

A smell like burning rubber on a climb usually comes from an overheated CVT or clutch lining. Pull over somewhere safe, switch off the engine for 10 minutes, then carry on with a lighter load.

Descending technique

1. Slow down before the descent starts, not halfway down.
2. Close the throttle and let the scooter roll at a low, controlled speed.
3. Use both brakes: the front brake gives the most stopping power, the rear brake keeps you stable. On a CBS scooter, the left lever already brakes the front wheel partly.
4. Brake alternately and intermittently (squeeze, ease off, squeeze) so the pads and discs can cool. Holding the brakes on constantly is the main cause of brakes losing power.
5. Brake on the straight, then enter the bend at an already low speed. Avoid hard braking while leaning.
6. Keep your distance, at least 3–4 seconds behind the vehicle in front; trucks and buses often slow suddenly on descents.
7. Don't switch off the engine or coast completely freewheeling. A running engine keeps your lights bright and the scooter ready if you suddenly need power.

Warning signs: overheated brakes

Don't pour water on a hot disc or drum, as the sudden temperature change can damage components. If your brakes give trouble mid-trip, follow the steps in flat tyres, breakdowns & accidents on a rental scooter.

Climbs and descents to watch out for

The two mountain routes tourists ride most often are covered in detail in the Ubud–Kintamani scooter route and the East Bali & Lempuyang scooter route.

Choosing a scooter for mountain roads

For a full comparison, read the best scooter for touring Bali, or go straight to NMAX rental in Bali; the Honda PCX 160 has similar power with more storage. On a manual bike like the KLX 150, you can control descents in 1st–2nd gear so the brakes don't overheat.

Preparing for mountain roads

• Check the brakes at handover: the lever must not touch the handlebar when pulled fully. See checking your rental scooter at handover.
• Check the tyres: clear tread and pressure as shown on the sticker on the scooter. Bald tyres are dangerous on wet descents.
• Fill the tank: climbing increases fuel consumption, and petrol stations are scarcer in the mountains.
• Reduce the load: backpacks on the passenger's back or on the floorboard, not hanging from the handlebars.
• Avoid wet roads in the late afternoon in the mountains; fog and moss make braking distances much longer.

Conclusion

Bali's climbs and descents are safe on an automatic scooter if you keep a steady throttle going up, slow down before going down, brake alternately, and choose a scooter that suits your load. If you're riding two-up into the mountains, the extra cost of a 150 cc scooter is worth the peace of mind. Compare estimated prices for scooter rental in Bali by model and pick one that suits your route.