Recommended braking technique?
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: NH
RE: Recommended braking technique?
Getting to know the limits of your brakes is key to riding safe. Knowing how hard you can apply your front or rear brake under different riding conditions is what can save your life, let alone a little dump in the parking lot.
I use both breaks most the time...even at very slow speeds, but to safely use the front at slow speeds you need very good throttle/clutch/break control and dexterity, which will only come with practice and time. My throttle/clutch/break control comes from having a dirt bike and motocross background, which helped immensely.
A tip to avoid "grabbing a handful" of front break and dumping your bike at slow speeds: Just use one or two fingers on the front and just "feather" the break. Another: Be VERY careful with the front brake in dirt/sand, e.g., intersections where dirt/dust/etc. accumulate.
I like the prior tip about using both brakes during a stop and then, before stopping, letting go of the front brake...I think thats probably what I do without thinking about it...hard to remember as I sit here in the middle of winter.
I use both breaks most the time...even at very slow speeds, but to safely use the front at slow speeds you need very good throttle/clutch/break control and dexterity, which will only come with practice and time. My throttle/clutch/break control comes from having a dirt bike and motocross background, which helped immensely.
A tip to avoid "grabbing a handful" of front break and dumping your bike at slow speeds: Just use one or two fingers on the front and just "feather" the break. Another: Be VERY careful with the front brake in dirt/sand, e.g., intersections where dirt/dust/etc. accumulate.
I like the prior tip about using both brakes during a stop and then, before stopping, letting go of the front brake...I think thats probably what I do without thinking about it...hard to remember as I sit here in the middle of winter.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,081
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix, Arizona
RE: Recommended braking technique?
ORIGINAL: Bill918
This is only my .02 with a backround as a fatal crash reconstructionist.
This is only my .02 with a backround as a fatal crash reconstructionist.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Recommended braking technique?
In a panic situation, it's instinctive to JAM the rear brake (like we would in a car) - this is the worst thing we can do - the rear tire locks up, we then overcompensate by releasing the rear brake and the rear end comes around to "greet you" causing the bike to dump (a classic 'highside'). ABS will prevent this, but, most bikes don't have it. Ideally, we would use lotsa front brake to stop really fast (again, a panic situation) with just a small amount of rear brake. During a routine stop, apply the rear brake first - weight shifts forward - then apply the front brake to complete the stop making sure the fork is straight before the final stop (avoids the embarrasing dump). An experienced rider course should be taken every 2-3 years imho to help gain a bit of practical strategies for avoiding bad situations. I'm as guilty as the next guy regarding wearing the right gear too - short sleeves are really nice in hot weather - just hope I never go down when wearing flimsy stuff - hate the thought of skin graffs.
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 11
From: Ozark, AL
RE: Recommended braking technique?
Those dual front discs hold alot of stopping power. It's amazing how fast they can bring a bagger to a stop. That said, they have to be used properly and in combination with the rear break. I usually start applying both brakes and then adjust the pressure on the front brakes to change the rate of deceleration. When I am sure I will stop where I wan't it I release the front break or feather it until I come to a complete stop. I use the front break to hold still at a stop. When cornering, use the breaks BEFORE you enter the corner. Practice applying pressure to the breaks until you can stop quickly without skidding a tire. Then, you will know what they (and you) are capable of. It will help you plan ahead. My .02 cents.[&:]
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
RE: Recommended braking technique?
Yes, as a matter of fact it is a religion. We pray to the scientific calculator. The motto of the Fatal Accident Unit is "Our day begins when yours ends"...pretty catchy, huh. What I was trying to say about threshold braking(sorry if I didn't word it too well) is as you start squeezing your brake, the most efficient point of braking will be that very small point right before the brake locks up and you go into a skid. From a human aspect it is almost impossible for us to maintain this point for more than a fraction of a second. That is what ABS does for us. Hope thats a little clearer.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Recommended braking technique?
If you are asking you must not have taken the drivers course.
It is a GREAT course now days and feels like a motorcycle race drivers course.
You will have fun with it and be much safer at low and high speed.
Since I am 55, I had my LSC and did not have to take it but I am glad I did, I really enjoyed the course.
It is a GREAT course now days and feels like a motorcycle race drivers course.
You will have fun with it and be much safer at low and high speed.
Since I am 55, I had my LSC and did not have to take it but I am glad I did, I really enjoyed the course.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Recommended braking technique?
Ditto on the RidersEdge! I took it after a 28 year absence from riding. It helps to understand the principals and strategies of safe riding. Back in the 70's, we all rode like we were invincible. NOT! Safety First. Dress for the fall, not the ride.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
