Front or Rear Brake?
#21
#22
#23
If/when I use my brakes, it is about 98% front. on all three bikes: Buell, Rigid chopper and Road King. Rear at low (walking) speeds on RK. Using rear first/only is inviting an uncontrolled skid/high side throw down. I mostly slow down via use of throttle and downshifts, but when stopping, it is the front.
#24
#25
#26
Compared to sport bikes I rode many years ago, the rear brake on a Harley is much more usable, due to the long wheelbase and low center of gravity. That said, I usually use both brakes, but lean harder on the front when stopping/decelerating. Throw in some curves/winding roads, and I'll vary the application to suit the situation. That's why I'm not a fan of "linked" brakes. I want to decide which wheel to brake and how much.
#27
#28
Back in the day I was using the rear to 'set' the bike for a stop (to preload the front and take up any slop in the forks), then the front as needed. As I wasn't doing much really high-speed riding, it worked whether it was technically correct or not. And, as old habits die hard, I'll probably find myself doing much the same when I'm back on the road again. (Although I do plan on taking a MSF course as a refresher, just for my own peace of mind. It's been a while!)
#30
My 1963 Schwinn Sting Ray only had a rear brake.
I try to squeeze 80% front and 20% rear when stopping.
No front brake on slippery surfaces though. No front brake while slow speed turning either.
Get your braking done before entering a curve.
I try to squeeze 80% front and 20% rear when stopping.
No front brake on slippery surfaces though. No front brake while slow speed turning either.
Get your braking done before entering a curve.
Last edited by upflying; 04-20-2017 at 04:46 PM.