Comments on: Should You Use That Front Brake Lever?

By: Ron

Ron — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:17:56 +0000

Experience is what you get 1 second after you need it.

By: Ron

Ron — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:15:56 +0000

For those that rely on engine braking, be careful with that. Even with a new bike with ABS, the back tire will lock and cause a skid faster than anything by shifting into a too low a gear for the speed. Don’t make a novice mistake, when in doubt grab a handful of front brake and squeeze, push down on the handlebars in the direction you want go.

By: Anirban

Anirban — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:24:41 +0000

On a level road with general traction from the road surface, most of the braking power comes from the front brake while the rear’s for the stability.

In any other situations, use of brake preference or the sequence of braking depends on the individual situation, that is ideally guided by which wheel has maximum load on it & which wheel is free.

When the rear wheel has all the load while the front wheel is free (like while going up a slope), the rear brake should be engaged & front braking would have practically no effect or negative effect like locking of front wheels, since it has no weight over it.

On the other hand, while going down a slope, your life all depends on that front brake cause it has all the weight over it & rear braking MUST be avoided, more so, if the slope is steep.

However, their’s an exception to this general braking law. That is, if the road surface doesn’t provide sufficient traction & is too slippery ( like just after a shower or blacl-ice/snow on road/oil on road/ too much loose gravel), it’s best to employ engine-braking technique together with a little rear braking & leave the front brake alone. Only in these conditions, a front brake can cause skidding.

By: David Cook

David Cook — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:26:04 +0000

I am a new rider and took a motorcycle safety course before getting on my bike. I’m glad I did, because I was one of those who had been previously under the impression that most of the breaking was to be performed by the back brakes. As for those who feel all new riders should start with a 250cc, I say that’s hogwash! I am riding a 2004 Vulcan 2000, which is my first and only bike, and I am doing just fine. I am very conscientious and aware of my suroundings thanks to my very adept instructors. They had us us 250cc bikes during the course and it was grossly underpowered for me to learn on since I am a svelt 6’2″ 330 lbs! I use both of my brakes everytime I stop or slow down along with engine breaking. I couldnt imagine stopping any other way.

By: Charley

Charley — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:18:26 +0000

I think new riders remember the perils of using the front brake on their ten speed bikes.
I highly recommend David L Hough’s Proficient Motorcycling, the Ultimate Guide to Riding Well. It made a big difference for my thinking about riding.