Do U use front, rear or both brakes usually..
#21
03-17-2010 | 10:58 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 413
From: Ellensburg, WA
Took the words right out of my mouth. I figure if Harley thought we needed brakes and front and rear, they sort of expect us to use them. Having said that, there is a reason the front has two discs versus the rear brakes consisting of one disc. Just experience a front wheel lockup encountering a slick spot on the pavement and see why a rear brake should be used too.
). Front and rear equally all the time unless at a stop (rear only) or slow speed maneuvers when dragging the rear.
#24
03-17-2010 | 11:17 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
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From:
Rear wheel locks up and loses traction too easily on my Road King when braking hard so most braking is done with the front brakes except for slow speed turning, then it's rear only. In a panic stop, I use both and pray my size 13 boot does not put too much pressure on the rear brake pedal. 
#26
03-18-2010 | 05:37 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,065
Likes: 1,297
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
Both except in gravel/dirt, and then it's usually rear only. If you routinely use only one brake you're choosing to give up ~30% (rear brake) or ~70% (front brake) of your braking power. Learn how to use both, and then always do it. That's the only way you'll be prepared to use both when you need them.
If you think your rear brake locks up too easily, there are a couple options. One is practice, practice, practice, ... The other is to place a proportioning valve in the rear line to reduce the pressure to the brake. An adjustable valve will allow you to set it so that you can't lock the brake up, but even that shouldn't be done as you'll lose sensitivity that might help in some accident avoidance instances.
If you think your rear brake locks up too easily, there are a couple options. One is practice, practice, practice, ... The other is to place a proportioning valve in the rear line to reduce the pressure to the brake. An adjustable valve will allow you to set it so that you can't lock the brake up, but even that shouldn't be done as you'll lose sensitivity that might help in some accident avoidance instances.
#27
03-18-2010 | 07:05 AM
I used to use both all the time. After my injury to my right arm I have a hard time pulling in the front brake. I only have 30# of grip strengh compared to 140# in my left hand.
So I have had to change riding style. I have to slow down way agead of time and be extra carefull. But the rear brake will stop a bagger 2 up..
So I have had to change riding style. I have to slow down way agead of time and be extra carefull. But the rear brake will stop a bagger 2 up..
#28
03-18-2010 | 07:30 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
Both except in gravel/dirt, and then it's usually rear only. If you routinely use only one brake you're choosing to give up ~30% (rear brake) or ~70% (front brake) of your braking power. Learn how to use both, and then always do it. That's the only way you'll be prepared to use both when you need them.
If you think your rear brake locks up too easily, there are a couple options. One is practice, practice, practice, ... The other is to place a proportioning valve in the rear line to reduce the pressure to the brake. An adjustable valve will allow you to set it so that you can't lock the brake up, but even that shouldn't be done as you'll lose sensitivity that might help in some accident avoidance instances.
If you think your rear brake locks up too easily, there are a couple options. One is practice, practice, practice, ... The other is to place a proportioning valve in the rear line to reduce the pressure to the brake. An adjustable valve will allow you to set it so that you can't lock the brake up, but even that shouldn't be done as you'll lose sensitivity that might help in some accident avoidance instances.
