Lets take a Brake!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Lets take a Brake!
ORIGINAL: Humanoid
I use both because I know that needs to be my natural motor skill. If a sudden emegency happens I want my body to react and use BOTH brakes. There will be no time to think about it.
I use both because I know that needs to be my natural motor skill. If a sudden emegency happens I want my body to react and use BOTH brakes. There will be no time to think about it.
My wasted years emulating Kenny Roberts(I'm an old fart)weren't so wasted after all!
[IMG]local://upfiles/36103/9D75C41FACE2453A88DE5DCE7442CA71.jpg[/IMG]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 2
From: By the "Betty water and the Wire"
RE: Lets take a Brake!
ORIGINAL: BLade1127
I was always taught to be at 70% front, 30% rear, but I tend to use the front only, unless I need to stop in a hurry.
I was always taught to be at 70% front, 30% rear, but I tend to use the front only, unless I need to stop in a hurry.
Pretty much sums it up for me, too.
Unless it's on a low traction surface gravel, sand, etc.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 667
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Wa.
RE: Lets take a Brake!
I firmly believe it is a good idea to use both brakes as a good habit more than anything. If your standard is to brake properly or in other words most efficiently, in a tight spot your reaction would be more like to do the same. Not grab a hand full or a foot full and high or low side.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Lets take a Brake!
Normal speeds, both with rear applied first. In heavy traffic, front. Downhill turns, rear. Loose surface, rear. Put myself down 1 time in 32 years, gravel on a bend, no brake involved.
[IMG]local://upfiles/52705/67A2953C21C944B2B2CC1265027CAC87.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/52705/67A2953C21C944B2B2CC1265027CAC87.jpg[/IMG]
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Beloit, WI
RE: Lets take a Brake!
I was always a front brake only user when I had sport bikes. Then I took a rider safety course and they emphasized the quicker stopping times while using both brakes. Since then, I use both. I have to agree that certain situations cause my intuition to put me one way or the other.
Last summer, I had a car in front of me signal and ready to turn left. As I went to go around on the right, they changed their mind and went right as I was right there. My quick reaction was both brakes. I literally stopped on a dime and the rear end only fished off a couple inches just before I was able to throw my feet down. I didn't even so much as lay the bike down, even with my passenger on the back.
Last summer, I had a car in front of me signal and ready to turn left. As I went to go around on the right, they changed their mind and went right as I was right there. My quick reaction was both brakes. I literally stopped on a dime and the rear end only fished off a couple inches just before I was able to throw my feet down. I didn't even so much as lay the bike down, even with my passenger on the back.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
RE: Lets take a Brake!
Almost always both. If I'm all ready slow, it might be one or the other. When it's both I slightlylead with the rear. I think the grade, speed, and angle of attack have to be considered each time.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Massachusetts
RE: Lets take a Brake!
Both if I'm coming down from road speed to walking speed. At that point it depends on my intention. If my intention is to stop, then I'll grab more front brake. If my intention is to keep going (slowly) I'll get off the front brake and ride the rear while I feather the clutch.