man hole covers
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Exactly---I never fear my brakes. I fear the loss of traction. Too many people don't know how to ride---much less how to brake. Too many people don't know how to brake, much less in a corner and they certainly don't know how to panic brake. Drag braking is another tool in my box. This isn't drag braking but I have had to panic brake in a corner that was blocked. Might have been able to squeeze through but I judged the risk greater then just stopping. My next fear was who or what would enter the corner behind me before I could get clear. Lots of issue that day. The other side of that argument is that too many people panic in a hot corner and try to brake while lifting the bike back up to gain control, high side during a skid or just leave the road. Back to the manhole issue--they come off, they are slick sometimes, they attract nails and debris by being a low spot in the roadway. Manholes are to be avoided when possible.
Some of us have plenty of skills to handle braking while leaned over. I've been doing it forever. Drag braking deep into a corner keeps the front settled and helps with the turn in as the geometry is steeper. 'Course this isn't for everyone, but I used to roadrace so I'm used to it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 1
From: East Tenn.
Then straighten out and brake while traveling straight in the context of the corner. Braking while cornering creates a mixture of kinetic and static friction that is a recipe for disaster. If you hit the corner too hot to do that, then my previous point about not being properly trained to ride is even stronger.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,131
Likes: 358
From: Illinois
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Around these parts the manhole covers are recessed about an inch to three inches, no set standard, that's so the snowplow blades don't snag 'em. One recently rebuilt street, main artery, has 41 covers in ten blocks. Makes for a good slalom course. I hope that street engineer is happy about that, oh yea they aren't line with each other either, and all in the same lane. YEE HAWWWW!
