Front brake usage?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
I don`t think this guy owns a motorcycle...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 25, 2012 at 07:47 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: Spring, Texas
I've been reading some threads to do with wrecks caused by front brake over usage and front brake failure. I'd have to say that I hardly ever use my fronts unless at stoplight holding bike or severe braking needs but still mostly rears. Am I the only one riding this way?
I use both when stopping from speed. When stop and go at low speeds, I might use just the rear or just the front, depends on what I am doing and where. But riding at highway speeds, the front brake is your best friend.
I love ABS but a rider who is experienced can stop almost as fast as a new rider with ABS who just grabs a hand and foot full of brakes.
I do NOT claim to be a bad *** with non-ABS brakes, I am good but I can stop faster with ABS than not.
I have been following some of your post, do you even own a bike? From the questions you ask, it doesn't sound like it!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Again, most of your braking comes from the front brake. Avoiding its use will only leave you unprepared for an emergency stop. The rear is relied on more when easing to a stop in loose gravel, for example. Master this, or you aren't riding safely.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
To answer your question, I'm sure your not the only one riding the way you described.
To go one step further, you'd be doing yourself a huge favor to learn how to brake properly. You'll be getting more out of the machine and good braking technique will one day save your ***.
To go one step further, you'd be doing yourself a huge favor to learn how to brake properly. You'll be getting more out of the machine and good braking technique will one day save your ***.
I've been reading some threads to do with wrecks caused by front brake over usage and front brake failure. I'd have to say that I hardly ever use my fronts unless at stoplight holding bike or severe braking needs but still mostly rears. Am I the only one riding this way?
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: In the sticks,KS
Thanks for the honest answering, i've seen allot of people down a bike around here using fronts mostly because every way into my small KANSAS town is gravel and farmers are in and out leaving nice piles of stuff everywhere. But excuses aside, I have a custom 99 softail and 79 ironhead. I've rode this way for about 8yrs now and was asking a question because of the posts i've read. And if i'm a troll because i check to see what peoples answers are then i guess i am.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
You need to learn how to ride a bike! 70% of your braking power is the front brake.
I use both when stopping from speed. When stop and go at low speeds, I might use just the rear or just the front, depends on what I am doing and where. But riding at highway speeds, the front brake is your best friend.
I love ABS but a rider who is experienced can stop almost as fast as a new rider with ABS who just grabs a hand and foot full of brakes.
I do NOT claim to be a bad *** with non-ABS brakes, I am good but I can stop faster with ABS than not.
I have been following some of your post, do you even own a bike? From the questions you ask, it doesn't sound like it!
I use both when stopping from speed. When stop and go at low speeds, I might use just the rear or just the front, depends on what I am doing and where. But riding at highway speeds, the front brake is your best friend.
I love ABS but a rider who is experienced can stop almost as fast as a new rider with ABS who just grabs a hand and foot full of brakes.
I do NOT claim to be a bad *** with non-ABS brakes, I am good but I can stop faster with ABS than not.
I have been following some of your post, do you even own a bike? From the questions you ask, it doesn't sound like it!
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,431
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Tell ya what you need to do , just take the front brake level off and do a nice long weekend ride somewhere . See how fast you put it back when you get home , that will tell you how important it is and how much you actually use it you don't realize .
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 1,165
From: No where near you, OH
I use my front brake all the time. Of course there's a judgement call involved.There's still loose gravel and sand left over from winter at intersections. But for the most part, especially when I'm riding 2 up, my front brake is an essential part of a powerful controlled stop.