brakes lock up
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
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From: Lapeer , Mich
brakes lock up
have not had my 07 Ultra very long but put a D401 tire on the rear that I took off the wifes bike when I did her custom work , any way have noticed that the rear tire will lock up on a hard stop pretty easy , no I do not use the front brake , so I am woundering is it the tire , my braking technique or do I just need to quit my diet for more down pressure
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
have not had my 07 Ultra very long but put a D401 tire on the rear that I took off the wifes bike when I did her custom work , any way have noticed that the rear tire will lock up on a hard stop pretty easy , no I do not use the front brake , so I am woundering is it the tire , my braking technique or do I just need to quit my diet for more down pressure
Be gradual on the down pressure, even when braking hard. Don't employ the "light switch" technique. Check to see that the D401 is properly inflated and that there is no obvious defect such as cupping or uneven wear.
That having been said, I find few things more important than the front brake. When I have to replace brakes, GUARANTEED that my fronts will be worn way before the rear, thought I try as often as I can to use them in tandem. Not only will it stop the bike MUCH more quickly, but it will very much reduce the tendency of the rear to lock up, since the fronts arguably do 60-70% of the work.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
Be gradual on the down pressure, even when braking hard. Don't employ the "light switch" technique. Check to see that the D401 is properly inflated and that there is no obvious defect such as cupping or uneven wear.
That having been said, I find few things more important than the front brake. When I have to replace brakes, GUARANTEED that my fronts will be worn way before the rear, thought I try as often as I can to use them in tandem. Not only will it stop the bike MUCH more quickly, but it will very much reduce the tendency of the rear to lock up, since the fronts arguably do 60-70% of the work.
That having been said, I find few things more important than the front brake. When I have to replace brakes, GUARANTEED that my fronts will be worn way before the rear, thought I try as often as I can to use them in tandem. Not only will it stop the bike MUCH more quickly, but it will very much reduce the tendency of the rear to lock up, since the fronts arguably do 60-70% of the work.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,106
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From: SoCal
When you use the front brake, just make sure that he bike is upright and the bars are straight. Try and remember the saying "Brake Straight". A lot of front brake mishaps occur when the bike is turning and leaned over. On the freeway going 80mph with the bike upright and going straight the front brake is your friend, it's the one you want to use. Snaking your way through city traffic or manuevering in close quarters with the bars turned the front brake is not ideal. Yes, it is possible to use front brake in a curve like track racers do but that takes a lot of practice on a track in a track environment under controlled conditions.
Having said all that go out and practice threshold combination braking. Starting at 15mph, use both brakes with a smooth progressive application, meaning don't let off. Try and bring the brakes to the point of imminent lock up with out locking them up. This will allow your muscles and body to learn and feel what the bike is doing. If you hear a slight single "chirp" as the bike stops then you are at the max. If you skid any distance you are over braking.
Hope this helps
Having said all that go out and practice threshold combination braking. Starting at 15mph, use both brakes with a smooth progressive application, meaning don't let off. Try and bring the brakes to the point of imminent lock up with out locking them up. This will allow your muscles and body to learn and feel what the bike is doing. If you hear a slight single "chirp" as the bike stops then you are at the max. If you skid any distance you are over braking.
Hope this helps
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 44
From: Back woods of Maine
You really should think about taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Experienced Rider course. The instructors there will help you to become a safer rider and perhaps help you to rethink your aversion to using the front brake (60%-70% of your stopping power). I have taken the course several times and I have learned something every time that I took it.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
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From: Lapeer , Mich
have not had my 07 Ultra very long but put a D401 tire on the rear that I took off the wifes bike when I did her custom work , any way have noticed that the rear tire will lock up on a hard stop pretty easy , no I do not use the front brake , so I am woundering is it the tire , my braking technique or do I just need to quit my diet for more down pressure
Last edited by 1st 96 ultra; Jun 25, 2011 at 02:38 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
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From: Rosamond, Cali
Here's another vote for you to learn to use your front brake. A lot of good advice in the earlier posts. Using the front, you'll cut your average stopping distance at least in half. Think about that. Take that advance MSF course and let us know how it goes...
Alan
Alan
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 545
Likes: 8
From: antelope valley ca.
Also the tire might be harder then the one you took off, resulting in loss of tracton. You really need to get confortable with the front brake tho, it will save your life- and back tire wear.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: Kawartha lakes, Ontario, Canada
Please, learn to use and be comfortable with your front brake in all situations, it will make you a better and safer rider. The proper and controlled use of both brakes is a life saver and will help make sure you come home to your family in one piece.