Am finding the rear brake excessively hard to apply. I typically use the front brake (90%) but occasionally like to use just the rear brake to keep the disc cleaned off. Lately though, I almost have to stand on the pedal to get the bike slowed down. After applying a lot of pressure it does start to slow the bike and the pedal relax's a bit and if I pump it a few times it starts to feel normal again. The brake doesn't lock up or anything; just takes a lot of pressure. Anyone experience this? I'm thinking that I need to bleed and/or flush the brake system? Any thoughts?

 

You should use both brakes as the factory designed, in my opinion. Probably not as much wrong with the rear brakes as the operator.

 

@Buzzme...

Been riding long? Keep using that 90% front and you're gonna find yourself kissing some pavement..

 

It sounds like that brake needs to be bled. My 2013 came to me with no pressure in the rear brake whatsoever. Had to dealer bleed (ABS) under warranty and it works although I never use it.

Rear brakes are for trail braking and emergency situations in my opinion. Front duals are for stopping the bike.

 

My 2011 with ABS did the same thing I replaced the ABS module and the problem went away.

Part was #11

http://www.stcharlesharleydavidson.c...%7c%7eABS%5cFM

If you are out of warranty use your best diagnostic skills to determine the bad part.

 

OK I have had students in my classes tell me about not using the Front brake due to fear from some story about crashing. In this thread I am seeing the exact opposite. I will never figure out why anyone would solely use one brake vs using both.Yes when the handle bars are turned the front brake should be left alone but in straight line deceleration both brakes EVERY time properly will stop faster EVERY time than either brake by itself. The only exceptions are those bikes with integrated or linked brakes like the New Rushmore Limited, CVO and Road Glide. With those bikes over 25 MPH you will get both brakes applied when either is used. If someone in here wants to try and show me where using a Front brake ONLY is better I would love to see stats on that. Again WOW. smdh

 

I agree the system needs to be bled. If the brake fluid is more than two years old, I would do a complete fluid change. Just make sure you use the correct brake fluid.

 

Yup. And I would add that anyone that believes trail braking is done with rear brake only could benefit from an advanced rider safety course. Just sayin...

 

Yes it can be done with both and can be a whole lot of fun when done properly! Love seeing the light bulb moments when I get older riders going through corners faster without scraping after teaching about different techniques in cornering ie trail braking, peg weighting and counter weighting.

 

Total bullshit, u r really oldschool...