ABS Concerns
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
an issue that i have with 2 finger braking is that if you get into a situation where you have to brake with full force, you may end up with your other 2 fingers squished between the lever and the handgrip. some bikes have more travel than others on the levers. plus, glove thickness, etc. all come into play.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the above is a more than valid point, you can't squeeze with a couple of fingers in the way.
you need no throttle control in a panic stop, remember pulling in the clutch is crucial to control in a full stop situation
with our abs systems, you need no "feel" for the road- you pull as fast as you can and think about steering for a clear path. I dunno if "feel" even exists. ( beyond the feeling of nothing when your brakes fade).
fact: a front wheel skid almost always results in a rapid dismount.- that alone makes abs worth the price of admission.
i encourage riders to think about training.
The elementary mistakes typically seen on a dealership group ride are frightening. ( as these rides often attract newer riders)
Take the course, practice the skills and get that reimbursement coupon from HOG.
mike
you need no throttle control in a panic stop, remember pulling in the clutch is crucial to control in a full stop situation
with our abs systems, you need no "feel" for the road- you pull as fast as you can and think about steering for a clear path. I dunno if "feel" even exists. ( beyond the feeling of nothing when your brakes fade).
fact: a front wheel skid almost always results in a rapid dismount.- that alone makes abs worth the price of admission.
i encourage riders to think about training.
The elementary mistakes typically seen on a dealership group ride are frightening. ( as these rides often attract newer riders)
Take the course, practice the skills and get that reimbursement coupon from HOG.
mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
Here are some good braking tips:
1. Which brake is the most effective?
The front brake is the most effective, giving between 60 & 80% of the bike's stopping power in hard stops, depending upon surface conditions. This is because most of the weight of the bike and rider transfers forward onto the front wheel when the brakes are applied.
A common example of weight transfer is when you trip on a gutter - your feet stop but momentum keeps the top of you going and you fall flat on your face. The weight transfer that takes place under braking on a motorcycle pushes the front wheel onto the ground and makes it grip very well.
2. Is the front wheel likely to skid if you apply the front brake hard?
No. The front wheel is likely to skid uncontrollably and bring you down only if you jam the front brake on hard. If you apply the front brake in a staged (progressive) process, the front wheel may skid but that skid is normally quite controllable.
3. Is the rear wheel likely to skid if you apply the brakes hard?
With most of the weight being on the front wheel, the rear wheel tends to be light under braking and will therefore lock up and skid very easily.
4. How do you control a rear wheel skid?
Control of a rear wheel skid is easy. Just keep your eyes up to the horizon and look where you WANT to go (not necessarily where you are actually going) and the bike will skid in a controllable manner with a minimum of fishtailing.
Basic and advanced braking techniques are best learnt under controlled conditions rather than when a truck pulls out on you! Your local motorcycle school will run a fun braking exercise session for you and some mates if you care to call the school and arrange it.
More here: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcyc...aking-tips.htm
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: SI,NY.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 2
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
If you grab a fistfull of frontbrake you will go down in a hurry. Progressive power to the front brake is the key and probably the hardest reaction to an emergency to learn. The only reason to own an ABS bike is front brake skidding in my opinion.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 3
This is not my experience. It is a motorcycle not a 10 speed. Next time you go for a ride get around 20 mph and squeeze it as hard as you can while maintaining control with the rear slightly.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 2
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
Braking in a turn requires finesse and the degree of finesse required is dependant upon many factors, i.e., speed, turn radius, road camber, etc.