pumping the break is prolly not a good idea. a constant push with both should work.

 

Glad you're ok, Bill.

I learn something just about everytime I ride. I just hope I never learn something the hard way.

 

Glad you are OK Bill, Cheap lesson.

I find yellow lights a great place to practice aggressive braking. Had a great chance on Hwy 60 east of Bartow at Rifle Range Rd a couple weeks ago to squeeeeeeze that front brake aggressively at highway speed without skidding.

As has already been said, you need to use your front brake for stopping and the rear brake to control or stabilize the bike. Depending on experience the front brake provides 70-80% of your stopping power. If you use the rear brake most often then you will hit it first in an aggressive braking situation. Practice using the front brake and squeeeeeeze it for braking.

If you do lock the rear brake stay in it until you are stopped. Letting it go will cause you to High Side the bike and that hurts.

If you lock the front brake get out of it and then squeeeeeeze it again.

Practice, Practice, Practice.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2keWo5R6_Q




Sorry for the parent lecture. As many already know and you will learn I can't help myself.


Enjoy the Ride -- Stay Safe

 

+1 on the front brake usage / Great video Jeff, thanks for posting.

 

I was taught to ALWAYS use BOTH brakes (as stated above) the front provides 70% of the stopping power. The ONLY time I use rear alone is when I manuvure around a parking lot as you DO NOT want to use the front brake when the wheel is turned. (I learned the hard way).You should always try to staighten the bike up when braking any way.

Glad it turned out well.

 

Jeff thanks for the Parental Lesson / video. You always seem to find JUST the right stuff for me when I do the stuff I do and live to tell about it!
The more I ride the more I learn about what I can and can't, should, or should not do on my bike.
Up until yesterday I guess I was just lucky with how I've been braking. Didn't ride today mainly because of all the rain today - (ONLY excuse I have that sounded viable).
Having my pipes swapped out on Saturday, so will start 'practicing' with front brakes to and from the shop. BTW, they're installing the pipes for free for me!

 

What I learned in class was the reason to use both all the time is you will do what you are used to in an emergency situation. So if you only use your rear brakes and something happens, your reflex will be to only user the rear brake, and only 30% of your bike's stoppng capability.

 

The little buell I had in the class had odd foot peg/break positions, so I kept getting yelled at for riding the back break (as that is taught in advanced class but frowned on in beginners). After that I ended up no longer using the back at all

 

I agree Dave, I do not understand how in the world they do not improve them. One of the most important safety feature of a bike IMHO.

 

Got chewed out ALOT in class for using my front brakes most of the time. Guess that's part of the reason why I've shy'd away from using them much.
Now is just as good a time as any to break a bad habit before it's too late.
I'm just thankful I didn't end up getting thrown.
Thanks for everyone's 2, 4, and 6 bits on all this.