Forgive my ignorance, but what is "trail braking" ?

 

Its when you stay on the brakes up until the apex of the turn. Basically you slowly let off the brakes as you start to lean more and you should gradually release the brake until the point that you begin to accelerate out of the turn. I'm not the best at explaining things but I hope that helps. I know there are a few videos on YouTube about it.

 

Depends on what tires I'm running, but usually mfg. spec or a couple of psi less (cold). I have a dunny on the rear right now at 34 and a Metzler up front at 38...each are 2 psi less than mfg spec.


There are tons of articles and videos that can explain it in full detail by doing a google search.

While I do use my front brake coming into a corner, the most common trail braking I use, and what will increase the lean angle for the Sportster (most trail braking is done not so much for lean angle, but for faster times thru a corner, whether on on a sport-bike or a Harley/cruiser) is using the rear brake and the throttle simultaneously while In the corner and leaned over.

The reason I do this is because when throttle is applied with the rear brake on, several things happen-

-The rear of the bike unloads off the suspension some, giving more clearance between the frame/pegs/exhaust and the ground.

-The front also unloads some, giving more clearance also

-The second, and very important factor, in using the rear brake, is to control the speed in the corner. The brake can be modulated to keep the speed where you want, while keeping the throttle on to unload the suspension, increasing ground clearance.

It also allows you much more control in the corner, stabilizing the bike, much more than if just accelerating or freewheeling.

This is not heavy braking, but just enough to be able to keep the throttle on enough to be accelerating (to unload the suspension), while keeping your speed at a safe pace, which without the rear brake would be to fast (since you are giving it enough throttle to unload the suspension).

Carefully give it a try in an empty parking lot, I think you will be surprised how much more stable and in control you can feel going thru a corner this way.

Please remember, while in the corner I am talking about REAR brake, and a soft touch, no abrupt on or off of the rear brake.

Front brake is for going into the corner and trailing off of it as you start to lean over, until fully off it at the apex of the corner. This is effective for hitting the corners as fast as possible, but not effective for increasing lean angle.