Braking on a Springer Classic
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
Braking on a Springer Classic
OK. After about 6 months of deliberation, and a few attempts to sell one motorcycle I've finally decided to take the hit and trade it in on a 2007 Springer Classic. I bounced around between thinking about a Heritage, a Deluxe, and the Springer. Each one had its strengths for me, but I ultimately decided I wanted to have quick release bags in a different style than what the Heritage has, and the debate between the Deluxe and Springer was tough but it ultimately came down to style preference. It's been tough, though, since all of them are fantastic and I would be pretty happy with any of them.
So, story aside, I wanted to ask a question about the one "weakness" of the Springer which is how the brakes are balanced on it. To preface this, I've been riding a Sportster for over a year now so I'm used to a "soft" front brake. The one thing that worries me a little is that I actually did lock up the rear wheel once on the Sportster, though I caught it in time and came out unscathed. That was with the single piston brake on the Sportster (though I did do something stupid and was riding on the middle of the road grease strip when I stopped). Given that the Springer has a 4 piston rear brake, I'm wondering what the balance will be like there. Generally, do folks put a little more pressure on the rear brake to compensate for a slightly weaker front brake, or do you all just make sure you have more stopping distance available?
I'm really looking forward to picking up the Springer tomorrow. It's a heckuva different ride than the Sportster.
So, story aside, I wanted to ask a question about the one "weakness" of the Springer which is how the brakes are balanced on it. To preface this, I've been riding a Sportster for over a year now so I'm used to a "soft" front brake. The one thing that worries me a little is that I actually did lock up the rear wheel once on the Sportster, though I caught it in time and came out unscathed. That was with the single piston brake on the Sportster (though I did do something stupid and was riding on the middle of the road grease strip when I stopped). Given that the Springer has a 4 piston rear brake, I'm wondering what the balance will be like there. Generally, do folks put a little more pressure on the rear brake to compensate for a slightly weaker front brake, or do you all just make sure you have more stopping distance available?
I'm really looking forward to picking up the Springer tomorrow. It's a heckuva different ride than the Sportster.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Braking on a Springer Classic
NO!..........You never want to put more on the rear to compensate for the front.
Always brake evenly.
I tool an MSF riders course and was actually supprised at how much more braking ability
there is when practicing properly consistantly............good to know with any bike.
Always brake evenly.
I tool an MSF riders course and was actually supprised at how much more braking ability
there is when practicing properly consistantly............good to know with any bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
RE: Braking on a Springer Classic
Braking on my Springer Classic doesn't seem any different than most other bikes I've owned with one exception. If you use the front brake hard into a corner, the bike seems to pull up and away from the direction you're turning. The only thing similar on a motorcycle I've experinced is my 1969 BMW R/50 with Earles front suspension, it behaves in a similar manner in corners. Don't get me wrong, it's not a problem, just a "characteristic" of the springer front end. One modification that will help this is a progressive front shock for the springer.
Enjoy the Springer, it's an awesome bike!
Enjoy the Springer, it's an awesome bike!
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Braking on a Springer Classic
I'm with Trauma (who has one of the nicest SCs on the planet). I haven't noticed that the braking is any different than any other bike I've riden. Even braking front and rear, and you should be fine. A MSF course and some time in an empty parking lot will let you get the hang of it.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Braking on a Springer Classic
I've locked up my rear tire twice being cut off. (bad habit of using rear brake most of the time) Its not really that big of a deal just keep it locked up and keep straight. I'd be more worried of locking the front tire but thats probably pretty difficult with the single piston on the springer.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Braking on a Springer Classic
The Singlre disc on the front is FINE! Never had any problem w/ it, the back can lock up, but its very controlled, I locked it up today when a cager pulled infront of me & skidded about 25 ft w/ no issue at all
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
RE: Braking on a Springer Classic
All excellent things to hear. That was really just my one concern. I did take the MSF course last year so I've definately been using both front and rear brake when coming to a stop. I just wasnt sure if the single piston front brake would throw off the 70/30 ratio of front versus rear brake effectiveness in a way that would need some braking style adjustments on my part.
I'm definately going to do the same thing with the Springer that I did with the Sportster and take it down to a school parking lot in our neighborhood to practice with it a little since, at the very least, it's heavier than what I've been riding. Of course, before that practice I'll have the 15 mile ride home on the highway, but in general that doesn't require much stopping.
I'm definately going to do the same thing with the Springer that I did with the Sportster and take it down to a school parking lot in our neighborhood to practice with it a little since, at the very least, it's heavier than what I've been riding. Of course, before that practice I'll have the 15 mile ride home on the highway, but in general that doesn't require much stopping.