Normally both together at an attempted ratio of around 60% front to 40% rear--at least that's what I try to achieve--probably seldom works like I think it does.

A concern I have is that if I use the front alone most of the time I will probably forget on sand/gravel/dirt etc and use the front in a slow speed turn with bad results...

 

I use both to stop but release the front just before coming to a complete stop as I have found this makes the bike more stable right before movement stops. If I am just slowing down a little I use rear. If I want to flash my brakelights I use front.

 

When you apply both brakes equally, and disregarding all other variables, the front gives approximately 60% of stopping force and the rear gives the remaining 40%. When YOU purposely apply 60% pressure to front and 40% pressure to rear, you are changing the front to rear brake ratio drastically in favor of the front wheel.

Others seem to be making the same mistake in thinking they should APPLY 60/40% respectively...

 

Both, all the time. In fact, the dealer commented that when I changed my pads, they had the most even wear between them he had ever seen.

TedMan

 

What if you have a bike with a linked brake system?

 

Me tooo but mostly because my rear brake pads need replaced and I haven't done them yet!

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by V2Evo96
Normally both together at an attempted ratio of around 60% front to 40% rear--at least that's what I try to achieve--probably seldom works like I think it does.

A concern I have is that if I use the front alone most of the time I will probably forget on sand/gravel/dirt etc and use the front in a slow speed turn with bad results...

Posted by CroK:
When you apply both brakes equally, and disregarding all other variables, the front gives approximately 60% of stopping force and the rear gives the remaining 40%. When YOU purposely apply 60% pressure to front and 40% pressure to rear, you are changing the front to rear brake ratio drastically in favor of the front wheel.

Others seem to be making the same mistake in thinking they should APPLY 60/40% respectively... __________________

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Thanks CroK-- I understand that transfer thing-- Will go 50-50 in application and let the weight transfer to the front do the rest.

 

Every time I slow down both ends are doing their thing.