Front brake usage?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 121
From: Mpls, MN
Still trying to figure why duals and the added unsprung weight when one caliper could have generated enough braking force to lock the wheel under hard braking and playing with the master cylinder could have reduced the lock up if needed.
Like I said, looks nice and it is something you don't see.
And it's your bike..
Al
Like I said, looks nice and it is something you don't see.
And it's your bike..
Al
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
I bought my Night Train with 12000 miles on it. When I bought it the rear brake pad was gone. Front pads were still fine. The PO looked like he used the rear brake only. I use both. It was just how I was tought. The only time I will hold the rear only is if I drag the rear brake in low speed tight manuevers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,476
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
I have "linked" brakes on my Sloptail. Both front and rear brakes operate off the front master cylinder, an older 3/4" bore to provide the volume needed to operate the two cylinders. I have a proportioning valve that is used to decrease the pressure to the rear so it won't lock up. Took some trial and error to get it set where I'm comfortable with it. I also have a valve to completely shut off the front brake. Wanted that to make it easier to navigate my 1/4 mile gravel driveway. Doesn't get used after I found that the heat generated by riding causes the trapped fluid to expand in the caliper, and will lock the brake. Didn't work too well on the gravel, LOL.
Stage II
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: australia
Now that you have raised linked brakes... My previous ride was a BMW K1200R, linked rear with the front and ABS. Terrific stopping. My switchback has ABS but no link. I have thought about a brake line between the front and back, with a proportioning valve. The ABS 'should' still work, and I will have the brakes that the bike should have. Any comments?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,476
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
Now that you have raised linked brakes... My previous ride was a BMW K1200R, linked rear with the front and ABS. Terrific stopping. My switchback has ABS but no link. I have thought about a brake line between the front and back, with a proportioning valve. The ABS 'should' still work, and I will have the brakes that the bike should have. Any comments?
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 31
From: southeast pa
First, no judgments or flamming from me.. but like most everyone else, I'm in the if your not using your front brake, your not riding as effectively as you could be.. I went to road racing school way back when.. in the process of getting a racing license... not that it matters except that when your doing stuff like that, you learn just how effective, and important the front brake is.. lots of different numbers are throw around.. and honestly, a lot depends on the bike, the speed and the surface but.. the front can easily hold 80 percent or more of your available stopping power. Obviously, there are right and wrong ways to use the front.. but as a general rule, the front brake is where it's at.. knowing how to use it can literally save your bacon. I like what Twisted said.. go to an empty lot someplace.. pick a marker.. run at that spot at say.. 25 mph or so.. then stop with just your rear.. doing it again with just your front and then one more time with combination braking.. I'm guessing you'll see for yourself. Ok my two cents and like always.. sorry for jumpin' in late..
Cheers
Cheers
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
Years ago on my racing bicycle, I was rounding a corner fast and a group of skate boarders where hanging out on the street. I slammed the breaks as hard as I could to not hit them, giving the front break way too much squeeze. Me and the bike cart-wheeled over and I landed with a thud flat on my back. Knocked the wind right out of me. After that, I'm very leery of giving any bike too much front break.