Front brake usage?
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Desert Hell
The front brake has gotten a bad rap for a long time. If you use it incorrectly, yeah you can end up in the weeds. I've seen guys squeeze the hell out of it and have that turn out badly, then say the fault was the brake. Or lock up the front wheel in a turn and again blame the brake. The fault lies with the rider, not the equipment.
As a kid with dirt bikes, our rear brakes were our best friend....for me, when I started to the street, there was balance but I probably used my front alot more on all engagements....I went down 7 years ago and got pretty banged up, on a corner with just enough gravel and over braking on the front....It definately was not the brakes fault, lol...I just recently got back in the saddle with this Glide I have....I am using my rear more above 40mph than my fronts, and for sure tryin not to front brake on gravel no matter how slow I am rollin.....
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, California
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?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Tucson
It's all about 1)reading your terrain, and 2)learning how to modulate front/rear usage. In a quick stop, using the correct ratio of front/rear will help bring you a safe and controlled stop, quicken than using one or the other.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
As Jimi asked. Are You Experienced? In the 70s my putt was a rigid frame. Rear juice brake. Springer front end with a 21" wheel and spool hub. No front brake. Oh. Also foot clutch, tank shift. As per my avitar. Really had to pay attention. On all my bikes that have had front and rear brakes. I definitely use front and rear brakes in conjunction with each other. That is just the way it is done. Are You Experienced?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg2se...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg2se...eature=related
Last edited by OLD 96; May 26, 2012 at 12:37 AM. Reason: forgot something
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
Just be sure not to grab the front brake in a parking lot with the forks turned doing about 10 mph. Just be sure you know how to pick it up. No need to ask how i know. Under 15 mph mostly back brake for me. Above 15, mostly front brake
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 12,594
Likes: 9
From: Bama
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Desert Hell
For sure man.....As I said, I was outa the saddle for 7.....right away I got that reminder on the parking lot almost over night....took me back to my wreck in a millisecond.....no qwik stop front break usage while creepin and pullin your rake.....
