Beginner Questions
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Raleighwood
So, take the front brake thing with a grain of salt. Here's the party line, "front brakes provide 70% of your stopping power ... and its true if you're on a nice road. If you're pulling off the side of the road, going around a corner, etc. where there's gravel, sand, or some other loose surface, you use 70 % front brake and you'll put the bike down. Seems to me like that's the typical reason a lot of new folks lay bikes down at slow speeds. So, I'm not saying don't use the front brake generously in the right circumstances, but, not all conditions are the "right circumstances."
Last edited by Pardner; Apr 19, 2010 at 01:36 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: New River Valley
I ride about 1/2 mile downhill on a gravel road every day. In my experience and in these kind of conditions, going slow (approx 5mph) and only using the rear brake sparingly is a good approach. I generally don't use the front brake at all in this situation.
There's no substitute for reading as much as you can and then getting as much riding experience as you can, preferably in a low-risk environment, like an empty parking lot.
The most important thing is to be careful & ride safe!
Here's an example link with some advice for riding downhill:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ill/index.html
There's no substitute for reading as much as you can and then getting as much riding experience as you can, preferably in a low-risk environment, like an empty parking lot.
The most important thing is to be careful & ride safe!
Here's an example link with some advice for riding downhill:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ill/index.html
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
So, take the front brake thing with a grain of salt. Here's the party line, "front brakes provide 70% of your stopping power ... and its true if you're on a nice road. If you're pulling off the side of the road, going around a corner, etc. where there's gravel, sand, or some other loose surface, you use 70 % front brake and you'll put the bike down. Seems to me like that's the typical reason a lot of new folks lay bikes down at slow speeds. So, I'm not saying don't use the front brake generously in the right circumstances, but, not all conditions are the "right circumstances."
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Raleighwood
So, what most new riders don't have is "experience" in these situations. And they're blindly told, you should use 70% front break to stop. So, they do and big surprise, the front wheel slides and the bike goes down. So, while you're comments may be correct, I think they're out of context, because we're not talking about a motorcycle road race, were talking about a new rider trying to learn things ... I stand by my comments. So, flame away.
The "reason" most people drop bikes in these situations is lack of experience. If you watch any kind of motorcycle road racing you will see just how much braking can be done with the front brake. Primarily those guys use the rear brake only to set them during cornering. If you watch them coming into a tight corner often times the rear tire isn't even touching the ground. Don't be afraid of the front brake. But practice, learn to "feel" the road conditions. Practice, practice, practice.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Dubai
guys its soo funny its true , we never get any learning with the driving schools here , infact it was only a day or 2 before my driving test was the first time i rode outside the school compound ,
persian its all cool , i had my heart beating so fast all the way home on delivery day.
Im indian man those unicorn types are like everyday bikes for us , and beleive me the nightster was so much easier than those after i got past the nervous "new bike" feeling. all u need is to put more of it on the road gradually
It gets soo dusty everyday here so i just dust the seat before getting on and just hose it down all over once in a while and just ride it out to dry.
if ur very nervous i dont mind coming by and riding along on D day
persian its all cool , i had my heart beating so fast all the way home on delivery day.
Im indian man those unicorn types are like everyday bikes for us , and beleive me the nightster was so much easier than those after i got past the nervous "new bike" feeling. all u need is to put more of it on the road gradually
It gets soo dusty everyday here so i just dust the seat before getting on and just hose it down all over once in a while and just ride it out to dry.
if ur very nervous i dont mind coming by and riding along on D day
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 1
From: dual citizen nomad
So, what most new riders don't have is "experience" in these situations. And they're blindly told, you should use 70% front break to stop. So, they do and big surprise, the front wheel slides and the bike goes down. So, while you're comments may be correct, I think they're out of context, because we're not talking about a motorcycle road race, were talking about a new rider trying to learn things ... I stand by my comments. So, flame away.
that new rider really ought to take heed to your insight on front brake use in different situations, that guy is correct on practice the race skills will come in time
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
In panic situations, we always revert to what we practice, what is habitual. If you never practice hard braking with the front brake, and only practice with the rear, you will revert to that rear brake in panic situations. See this all the time. Hundred feet of skid mark right into whatever they were trying to NOT hit. Why, because they jammed on the rear brake in panic. Practice hard front braking (AT LOW SPEEDS), practice hard rear braking, practice using both brakes hard. Do this in a controlled environment (NOT ON THE ROAD), low speed, and in different conditions. Learn how your bike will react to hard braking, to low traction, and to hard maneuvers. Learn how to feel the road. Practice all these things, so that in an emergency you can react in a way that will keep you alive.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
[quote=ernofsteel007;6589072][quote=Krakanator;6588941]Whatever douchebag. So you don't agree with me on my tastes in bike styles, is that it? You talk the most crap of anyone I've seen on here, so I take pride in the fact that you disagree with me on everything except braking techniques. Maybe quit drinking and posting.
Last edited by Krakanator; Apr 20, 2010 at 01:19 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
That's what he was told. And by a "driving" school.
Last edited by veritas.archangel; Apr 20, 2010 at 02:01 PM.