How much do you use your rear brake?
#11
07-18-2007, 08:06 AM
#12
07-18-2007, 08:08 AM
Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2007
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RE: How much do you use your rear brake?
MSF course says to use both -- which I do but generally I think I put a bit more pressure on the front (hard to tell). I have been practicing using the rear only when I want to slow as I approach a stop light/sign and there is no traffic around me.
Good advice about handling a turn.
Rich
Good advice about handling a turn.
Rich
#13
07-18-2007, 08:08 AM
RE: How much do you use your rear brake?
ORIGINAL: Kolni
Back riding for a month now. Neighbor has mentioned that I should try braking with the front brake only, giving me better overall controll.
I found this to be true, rarely do I use the rear brake now unless it is for a hard stop. The front forks don't "nose dive" really hard like I thought they would. Is this related to the "damping" of the front fork assembly? Can this be adjusted?
The one time that I did have to hit both brakes hard the rear wheel kicked out slightly to the left.
Opinions?
Experience?
Advice?
Back riding for a month now. Neighbor has mentioned that I should try braking with the front brake only, giving me better overall controll.
I found this to be true, rarely do I use the rear brake now unless it is for a hard stop. The front forks don't "nose dive" really hard like I thought they would. Is this related to the "damping" of the front fork assembly? Can this be adjusted?
The one time that I did have to hit both brakes hard the rear wheel kicked out slightly to the left.
Opinions?
Experience?
Advice?
I would suggest you get your butt into a MSF class ASAP. Had you already taken the class you wouldn't be asking this question.
#15
07-18-2007, 09:02 AM
RE: How much do you use your rear brake?
Here in the U.K. we are taught to use both for passing our bike tests.
If you find an empty parking lot try just stopping with the front and mark where the bike stopped and then try again using both brakes,you will be amazed at how quick you can stop the bike using both.
Just using the front is dangerous,well it is over here with the rain we get
If you find an empty parking lot try just stopping with the front and mark where the bike stopped and then try again using both brakes,you will be amazed at how quick you can stop the bike using both.
Just using the front is dangerous,well it is over here with the rain we get
#16
07-18-2007, 09:06 AM
RE: How much do you use your rear brake?
I'm with OFG on this one. I usually begin braking with the rear brake only, then begin to apply the front bike to increase the stopping power. On the twistys I often use only the rear brake. I did think that I probably used the front brake more than the rear, but when I replaced the brake pads, the rear was worn slightly more than the front pads.
#17
07-18-2007, 09:50 AM
RE: How much do you use your rear brake?
ORIGINAL: Kolni
He's riden for 30+ years.
He's riden for 30+ years.
#18
07-18-2007, 10:35 AM
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RE: How much do you use your rear brake?
I'm with whaap and the guys who use both brakes. It's good practice building to a good habit. It just makes good sense to increase your braking capacity and ability. You will slide the rear out using only the rear brake. You will do an over using only the front. Start good habits now.
#19
07-18-2007, 10:47 AM
Road Captain
#20
07-18-2007, 10:50 AM
RE: How much do you use your rear brake?
I agree with the use of both brakes. After 30+ years of riding, I find it's still easy to unintentionally lock-up the rear brake and get it sliding sideways if I'm not paying careful attention. (Shame on me). You have to remember it's a lot easier to exert X pounds of force with your foot than it is to squeeze X pounds of force with your fingers. Only lots of practice will give you the instinctive feel.