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To the OP... buy or rent Ride Like A Pro DVD.
I'm not being a smart ***, everyone, even the seasoned vet can learn tips from this video. Dramatically increased my ability/confidence in slow speed maneuvers. I can do full lock circles scraping the boards throughout the circle on my Ultra thanks to this DVD. As most people said front brake in conjunction with the rear (ratio of front/rear depending on speed) with a few exceptions (like low speed maneuvers - apply constant/even rear brake only, constant/even throttle, feathering the clutch for speed adjustment - Don't touch the front in these maneuvers).
A discussion we had at our clubs safety meeting this weekend was at MSF courses you are taught to "squeeze" both brakes when coming to a stop everytime. The safty officer suggested that this be done until about 20mph then rear brake only. It certainly takes some tippyness out of a stop. Of course in a emergency stop your not going to think about letting up on the front brake.
I this a for real question? I use my front brake 100% of the time and rear with the front brake about 40-50% of the time. The front brake is where most of the stopping power and control is so why would you not use it?
Yes - all the time, in fact I spent a fair amount of $ to upgrade the front brakes and suspension front and rear so that it would be even more effective in it's stopping power.
If you want to do a test - go get an old Electraglide that weighs more than 800 lbs and take it down a fast country road and then decide that your going to come to a fast stop using "only" the rear brake. Let me know how well that works out for you and some advice, wear full gear and a full face helmet and have your health insurance card handy before you try that test...
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