Use your brakes
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
Sorry I had to start this junk, winter sucks, I get squirrely.
This has been an entertaining read. I like the ones who list extenuating circumstances, to prove one rule won't always work, as if everybody didn't already know. Like if a seagull craps and it gets in your eye and you can't see so at the last second you grab the front brake only and go over the handlebars into the back of a pick up carrying a cow. You smash face first into the cows ****, get cow shat all over then fall back on the road and the car behind you runs you over cause she was talking on the cell phone and forgot her brakes were bad. Front brakes didn't do any good there.
This has been an entertaining read. I like the ones who list extenuating circumstances, to prove one rule won't always work, as if everybody didn't already know. Like if a seagull craps and it gets in your eye and you can't see so at the last second you grab the front brake only and go over the handlebars into the back of a pick up carrying a cow. You smash face first into the cows ****, get cow shat all over then fall back on the road and the car behind you runs you over cause she was talking on the cell phone and forgot her brakes were bad. Front brakes didn't do any good there.
Last edited by fxdlx; Dec 17, 2015 at 12:34 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
Sorry I had to start this junk, winter sucks, I get squirrely.
This has been an entertaining read. I like the ones who list extenuating circumstances, to prove one rule won't always work, as if everybody didn't already know. Like if a seagull craps and it gets in your eye and you can't see so at the last second you grab the front brake only and go over the handlebars into the back of a pick up carrying a cow. You smash face first into the cows ***, get cow **** all over then fall back on the road and the car behind you runs you over cause she was talking on the cell phone and forgot her brakes were bad. Brakes didn't do any good there.
This has been an entertaining read. I like the ones who list extenuating circumstances, to prove one rule won't always work, as if everybody didn't already know. Like if a seagull craps and it gets in your eye and you can't see so at the last second you grab the front brake only and go over the handlebars into the back of a pick up carrying a cow. You smash face first into the cows ***, get cow **** all over then fall back on the road and the car behind you runs you over cause she was talking on the cell phone and forgot her brakes were bad. Brakes didn't do any good there.
There are always those who chime in with: "I've done it wrong for 92 years, and I'm still here, so you can do it wrong, too!!"
Sorry, no.
You should use both brakes, always, except in low speed maneuvers, and when you're in sand, gravel, or other sketchy traction situations. In those cases, only use the rear brake.
There is no time when you should only use the front brake. Ever. Unless you're only pushing the bike around.
Well, ok, fine, except when you're going down a hill, backwards, in gravel. Then you should only use the front.
Last edited by IdahoHacker; Dec 16, 2015 at 10:55 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
For an example of 100% weight transfer, think "stoppies". Some Harleys will do them, and some won't. And some depends on how the bike is loaded. So it's really a case-by-case situation.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
You can't teach somebody something they think they already know. There's 45 years experience and there's 1 year experience 45 times over. The fact that someone is still alive to post on the internet is not empirical evidence that they know how to properly ride a motorcycle. EVERYBODY thinks they're a great motorcycle rider. If they didn't, they wouldn't ride. Some even think they're so good that they can ride after having a drink/beer or lighting up. In the end, you have to ask yourself; why bang my head against the wall for something that will eventually sort itself out? (If someone actually gets out there and rides frequently)
Statistically, somebody has to crash. All you have to do is make sure it isn't you. In my opinion, nothing is ever accomplished by all this internet hand jobbing. But, that is an opinion and only worth what you paid for it
Statistically, somebody has to crash. All you have to do is make sure it isn't you. In my opinion, nothing is ever accomplished by all this internet hand jobbing. But, that is an opinion and only worth what you paid for it
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I've found the best way to back down a ramp (say out of a pick up bed) or down a grass or gravel hill is with the motor off in first gear with the clutch in. When you want to slow and/or stop the bike, let the clutch out. The front brake becomes less effective when backing down a slope because of weight transfer.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 539
Likes: 5
From: Harleyland, USA
It's scary that this is even a topic for discussion. Front only, rear only, both always, one only when standing on your head around an off-camber downhill turn.
WTF, where or from whom did these people learn to ride? If you don't know when or why to apply each brake it's ridiculous that you're out riding around on public roads. Sucks that I have to share the road with these clowns!
WTF, where or from whom did these people learn to ride? If you don't know when or why to apply each brake it's ridiculous that you're out riding around on public roads. Sucks that I have to share the road with these clowns!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
I had a PM request asking what DVD's and books I'd recommend for continued motorcycling training, I thought I'd post that list here should any one else be interested. I've collected a rather large library of riding technique materials, these books and DVD's have been some of the best. Reading and watching to understand the techniques is the first half, the second half is to practice these techniques, to incorporate them in to your riding, to overcome instincts and survival reactions and learn to ride on technique. HD was not given immunity from physics, these techniques apply to all motorcycles...
The Twist of the Wrist series are the Bible of cornering:
Twist of the Wrist II DVD:
Twist of the Wrist II book:
Ride Like a Pro DVD's and book, there are fantastic slow speed handling exercises here! https://www.ridelikeapro.com
Total Control, 2nd Edition:
Sport Riding Techniques:
Riding in the Zone book and DVD:
The Twist of the Wrist series are the Bible of cornering:
Twist of the Wrist II DVD:
Twist of the Wrist II book:
Ride Like a Pro DVD's and book, there are fantastic slow speed handling exercises here! https://www.ridelikeapro.com
Total Control, 2nd Edition:
Sport Riding Techniques:
Riding in the Zone book and DVD:
Look it up. The 80-20% ratio is pretty common. This is what they teach you in motorcycle classes.