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The MSF course I took, when dealing with rear tire lock-ups due to braking, the instructors said to ride it out without releasing the brake. They never said anything about turning into it.
Depending on the extent of the yaw caused by a locked rear wheel, a brake release might cause a high side.
If you are still parallel to the direction of travel go ahead and release the rear brake. If you are locking the rear wheel, you need practice braking. 75% of the braking is done by the front wheel.
The first thing to do, I think, is to brake. Probably a very hard brake. That is why everyone should have anti-lock brakes on their new bikes. They really do work. Progressive Insurance Company gives a discount on their policy for anti-lock brakes. There is a reason they do that.
Until antilock brake systems on motorcycles add in lean angle to the calculations, no thanks.
Bottom line guys is that this crap happens suddenly, you usually have just seconds to make a decision. sometimes it's a good one, other times it's not. You simply hope for the best.
As a general rule I won't swerve. But depending on the speed of my vehicle, and it's capabilities, I might. I remember one time I swerved, after braking, because I didn't want to miss my flight.
Originally Posted by 0maha
Yes. That means that the time to deal with it is before it happens through superior alertness and situational awareness. In general, if something happens and surprises you, you weren't paying sufficient attention and/or going too fast for the prevailing conditions.
While the MSF, by and large, does great work, one thing they teach that I think is disastrous is the whole "if you lock up the rear brake, don't release it, just turn into the skid" stuff.
A locked rear wheel is not a problem if you recognize what has happened and get off the brake before the bike turns itself sideways. Every rider should train on locking up their rear wheel to know what it sounds and feels like, and to train their muscle memory so they automatically respond correctly.
But I always go back to where I started: The time to deal effectively with a panic stop situation is before you put yourself into one.
I totally agree with you. I took the Skilled Riders Course, and they tell you the liability thing instead of the truth. I learned the right way practicing, and it is confirmed by MotorLessons@Hotmail.com. I highly recommend getting that PDF.
Originally Posted by upflying
Depending on the extent of the yaw caused by a locked rear wheel, a brake release might cause a high side.
If you are still parallel to the direction of travel go ahead and release the rear brake. If you are locking the rear wheel, you need practice braking. 75% of the braking is done by the front wheel.
I have read it's OK to release and reapply up to 30° away from parallel. Would you agree?
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