Bringing Touring model to a stop

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Apr 24, 2023 | 02:40 PM

#11

Tcrafty

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2020

Posts: 2,428

Likes: 2,869

From: Southeast

All good info shared.

I might also add, I've got the same issue. Although, I don't believe my issue is with which brake is used. I think the neck bearings in my Springer have some wear. When I slow down, if I try to adjust ever so slightly, it's like the bars get "notchy" and I overcompensate. Then I need to re-adjust the other direction and guess what happens.

It's definitely not life-threatening or anything, but it does kinda make you look like you're trying to figure out how to stop. I'll be doing the maintenance on my springer front end soon, so that'll be another area to check. I don't think the fluid forks would be any different. You might want to consider checking them (or maybe you've noticed a similar notchiness).

I just mention this as it may also help others who run into the same issue but changing braking patterns don't help. My .02 and change will be given back if necessary. YMMV

Last edited by Tcrafty; Apr 24, 2023 at 02:42 PM.

Apr 24, 2023 | 02:42 PM

#12

CJ250

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 135

Likes: 214

From: Central NJ

I also experienced this on my Road King (the nose dive when breaking made it hard to stop smoothly sometimes) until I swapped out the stock front fork springs for Legend axes cartridges. This eliminated the braking issues for me altogether.

Apr 24, 2023 | 02:42 PM

#13

BTLorys

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2017

Posts: 3,268

Likes: 3,085

From: Westchester, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by M Oclaf

Don’t listen to half the horseshit posted, stop over thinking it. Just brake like you always have.

If braking like he always has is causing him issues, why would he keep doing the same thing over and over?

Apr 24, 2023 | 02:50 PM

#14

702

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2018

Posts: 5,814

Likes: 7,145

From: Las Vegas

Quote:

Originally Posted by M Oclaf

Don’t listen to half the horseshit posted, stop over thinking it. Just brake like you always have.

Just so he knows... which half?

Apr 24, 2023 | 03:12 PM

#15

Rob175

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 1,844

Likes: 938

From: Lincolnshire, IL

I always use BOTH front and rear brakes to stop because I was taught that way. Once I slow down to "a walk" I ease up slightly on both.
The "linked" braking system on the newer HD's only "kicks-in" at speeds above about 20mph. Once you release either brake below 20mph and then re-engage a brake (front or rear) the linking system won't "kick-in".....you need that awareness.

As often heard "It takes no skill to go fast, in a straight line...but, it takes practice to master being skilled at slow speed."

Apr 24, 2023 | 03:26 PM

#16

foxtrapper

HDF Community Team

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 6,189

Likes: 2,419

From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redlegvzv

The bike is not easy to smoothly stop…it sort of totters along once it is below around 5MPH. Then it is a race between instability of the bike below 5MPH and getting your feet down.

If I’m understanding you correctly, you’re trying to creep along at the end before fully stopping. That can be tough to do.

Might I suggest you target your stopping so you don’t have to creep along. I’m not talking about stopping short, just less creeping and tottering. Simply come to a smooth, creepless, stop.

Apr 24, 2023 | 03:34 PM

#17

M Oclaf

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2020

Posts: 4,798

Likes: 5,889

From: Knoxville

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTLorys

If braking like he always has is causing him issues, why would he keep doing the same thing over and over?

He’s stated no issues on prior bikes, and that leads me to believe he is overthinking it. Not sure of the post but the one about just bringing to a smooth stop, right foot brake, left foot down, right hand brake hold/stop, right foot down but occasionally it’s not fluid, but 9 out of 10 times it’s just that simple. Just brake. Don’t think of the process, just do it? And a slight stop with front brake won’t make you drop the bike. Full turn on bars and brake lock, no doubt. Slight turn, slowed speed as in practically stopped, bike is stopping. Not dropping. Add to that, linked brakes, front is activated as it is, no such thing anymore on a new Harley as rear or front only. I still believe he’s overthinking it. Just ride and react as one does.

Apr 24, 2023 | 03:36 PM

#18

Keithhu

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 17,145

Likes: 6,167

From: SE Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by 702

His 2018 Road King has linked brakes, so using rear pedal only also activates the front brakes. Seems way safer than what Mr. Jerry recommends.

From the 2020 owners manual (not sure if it's different in 2018)

"At speeds greater than 7 km/h (4 mph), the system dynamically adjusts the linking for the amount of brake applied as well as vehicle speed to achieve an optimized brake balance. The system provides more linking when the rider is applying heavier braking and reduces or eliminates linking for light braking and low speeds."

"At speeds less than 3 km/h (2 mph), the brakes are not linked so that low speed maneuverability is not adversely affected, such as when riding the motorcycle in a parking lot."

Last edited by Keithhu; Apr 24, 2023 at 03:42 PM.