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I don't think the "feet down" or not makes the difference-at least where I live it doesn't. The Police would use it as part of their evidence if you roll the stop. Most people can't make a full stop and leave their feet on the pegs. I think people suggest putting a foot down (or two) to help ensure you don't get a ticket.
I have been riding over 43 years and that has always been the law any where I have been. If a foot does not go to the ground you did not make a full stop.
I know a few that have been sited for it. I got one for it many years ago in Miami Fl
Rear brake is covered to allow the right hand better control of the throttle. We are taught basic guidelines to develop good habits that work in most situations. However, I've been in a couple situations where I had to put the right foot down and hold the bike with the front brake and then use the throttle to move up the hill from a stop. Since then I practice using different brakes for different techneques so I'm not cuaght off guard next time. Even slipping the clutch just enough to hold the bike still while at a stop on a steep slope is an acceptable techneque. So I was told by a motorcop. Don't get use to only one techneque, practice them all.
Beary
Practicing different techniques is great advice. I don't really think about what to do, I just do it.....after 30 years of racing offroad, I don't need to contemplate what to do, but I have to keep in mind that most people don't have that background and therefore some generic basic guidelines are useful...especially for beginners.
As an example, my buddy (who is a very accomplished rider) taught his wife to never use the front brake on gravel/loose surfaces. When she told me this, I had to stop myself from commenting other than to agree as I recognized that, for her, this advice makes sense.
Rear brake is covered to allow the right hand better control of the throttle. We are taught basic guidelines to develop good habits that work in most situations. However, I've been in a couple situations where I had to put the right foot down and hold the bike with the front brake and then use the throttle to move up the hill from a stop.
Beary
Beary, the technique that is preached, as you allude to in your first sentence, is right foot on the rear brake when on a hill. Can you describe the situation where you needed your right foot down when on a hill?
I think that is a great way to fall if you put your left foot down on a compromised surface: sand, oil etc.
Well if you are leaning so far to the left that gravel, oil, sand etc. are going to cause you to drop the bike to the left then it doesn't matter if your right foot is down or not. Your going over to the left.
I don't know about you guys but I find covering the foot brake with my right foot to be prudent especially if I am stopping on a backward incline. This way I can use my rear brake to give the bike throttle and engage the clutch to get going without rolling backwards. Also at very slow speeds the technique to maintain balance is to ride the foot brake while riding the friction zone of the clutch with the throttle between 1500 to 2000 rpm, gives much more stability.
If you have ever seen the cops taking whipping their big bike though an obstacle course that is how they are able to maintain such good stability at slow speeds. Using the rear brake is for more than stopping !
Beary, the technique that is preached, as you allude to in your first sentence, is right foot on the rear brake when on a hill. Can you describe the situation where you needed your right foot down when on a hill?
Yes, the stop was on a very steep up hill that also sloped left and had a lot of loose gravel. There was no way I could safely hold the bike up at a stop with just my left foot down. The trick for me at the time was rolling on the throttle while letting off the front brake at the same time. I managed, but I think every driver at that four-way-stop puckered as I struggled through it. Since then, I’ve practiced that technique a lot as well as holding the bike in position with the clutch.
Can't say its a rule in all states, but MOTORLESSONS is Colorado State Motor Patrol Instructor and offers a free booklet he wrote to anyone that asks. In it he states that during testing, if a prospective Motor Patrolman puts his right foot down he is automatically failed.
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