So... Like... Front Brake Or Rear Brake?

[RiderInRed]

Here goes another thread. What do you guys mainly use for braking? Specify what you do, what bike or cc you riding and what speeds you are talking about.

My case:

I mainly use front brake and tend to stay away from rear brakes. Last time I used both, I ended up locking up the rear, and I was on a bumpy slope. Ended up on the ground.

I now tend to not use the rear brake at all unless I'm at VERY low speeds (think around 3-5mph). My main issue with it is that yes it does help to slow down real well but if it's a panic brake then you're much better of braking with two fingers on the front brake (this way you don't grab a tense fistful) and you don't have the big chance of locking up your rear tire because of mashing on the breaks.


I'm riding a 250cc, usually around 45mph or less (I live in the downtown, ride in the downtown)

 

[JoshAFJ]

It depends on the situation for me. I ride a 650. In general I'll use a tad rear brake as I downshift and let the engine do most of the work. Once I get to the point where I want to stop it's 100% front brake.

 

[Captain]

I ride a 929RR Fireblade and use the rear brake quite alot to keep the bike steady during 'fun' cornering. The front brakes are similar to running into the car in front. Instant.

Word of warning to others, I know 3 people who's bikes have failed the MOT because the rear brake has stopped working with enough force due to them not using it.

 

[RiderInRed]

I ride a 929RR Fireblade and use the rear brake quite alot to keep the bike steady during 'fun' cornering. The front brakes are similar to running into the car in front. Instant.

Word of warning to others, I know 3 people who's bikes have failed the MOT because the rear brake has stopped working with enough force due to them not using it.

Hey, I use rear brakes for some tight cornering too!


But for the most part, I don't trust the guy haha

 

[iro]

It varies for me. I use both when downshifting and approaching a complete stop. On a hill, because I cannot flat foot for the life of me, I use my front brake. Rear-brake during mid corners.

 

[lupin]

I shall use my standard response to this question.

"There's a rear brake?"

 

[Lurch]

Ah yes, the rear brake debate.

Depends on your bike. While the rear wheel is in contact with the tarmac, it can be used with effect. If you want to stop quickly why waste the added braking from another wheel? Might only be 10% of your braking force but that could be enough to avoid something.

However, different bikes have different balances. On my Deauville and Street I can use the rear quite a bit when braking, but the Sprint was easier to lock.

If you don't know and haven't practiced emergency stops on your bike since you got it or since the last brake pad change you're asking for an awful lot of trouble should an unexpected situation arise.

And for those which believe laying the bike down is the best course of action when the shit really hits the fan and you run out of talent, then I suggest you go check the coefficient of rubber on tarmac vs plastics against tarmac.

 

[Lurch]

Of course, if you're proper talented and can plan ahead well...

 

[RiderInRed]

If you don't know and haven't practiced emergency stops on your bike since you got it or since the last brake pad change you're asking for an awful lot of trouble should an unexpected situation arise.

I've been practicing some emergency braking and all but I'm not sure if it's doing any justice to be honest. Could you suggest anything in particular?

Of course, if you're proper talented and can plan ahead well...

View attachment 2320

 

[BlakShadow]

I was taught to use both, so I use both, because there are two tires and two brakes and two are better than one.

But...

After a few low speed drops on dirt, I learned to favor the back brake at low speeds. It's much easier to recover from than locking the front. Also, I just switched to a cruiser. It's longer than my old bikes and transfers less weight to the front, so I can use more back brake at all times. I used to favor the front and drag the back just a little to stabilize it.

 

[Lurch]

@RiderInRed you can practice in a parking lot, pick a braking spot and try and improve it gradually.

 

[Lurch]

I was taught to use both, so I use both, because there are two tires and two brakes and two are better than one.

But...

After a few low speed drops on dirt, I learned to favor the back brake at low speeds. It's much easier to recover from than locking the front. Also, I just switched to a cruiser. It's longer than my old bikes and transfers less weight to the front, so I can use more back brake at all times. I used to favor the front and drag the back just a little to stabilize it.

At walking pace back brake only definitely

 

[RiderInRed]

@RiderInRed you can practice in a parking lot, pick a braking spot and try and improve it gradually.

How do I make sure I'm making progress though? Use cones or chalk to mark every new (and shorter) distance?

At walking pace back brake only definitely

My exact thought too. I dropped my bike once in my life due to the front brake being too cranky for that speed. Never again lol

 

[Lurch]

Well, hopefully the parking lot has parking spaces marked! They'll do!

 

[RiderInRed]

Well, hopefully the parking lot has parking spaces marked! They'll do!

oh yeah, good point. I doubt though that I'll find an empty parking lot in this country. An abandoned road is more likely. Anyways, thanks!

 

[Tank Snake]

I use mainly front on street, I have a supermoto so naturally have very good engine braking which covers the rear.
in dirt it's all engine braking and rear. no front.

 

[Jibbs]

Trolling around town on my Hyperstrada if I have to brake its usually front. That giant twin engine breaks like a mother, so I usually can just coast when I need to scrub minor speed.

 

[RiderInRed]

Trolling around town on my Hyperstrada if I have to brake its usually front. That giant twin engine breaks like a mother, so I usually can just coast when I need to scrub minor speed.

Engine breaking is awesome. It's like cruise control We got all sorts of up and down slopes. (City is built around a few hills/mountains)
Not a single mile without a upslope or a downslope. When diving from the hills into the downtown it usually is a good idea to use engine breaking. Otherwise you're gonna melt your brakes I've seen this happen on a car in front of me.

 

[Marbro_za]

Rossi and co use the rear brakes...

There must be a reason right?

 

[DanielJ]

On my big bike lessons (yes, you generally do a course here to build up to the handful of DSA Tests), the Instructors ALWAYS said to use BOTH front and back, ROAD riding. Roughly 50 / 50.
Depending on if it was wet or dry, the above proportions would change. Plus the size of bike made no difference (to the above guidance).

Also, if just crawling, in heavy traffic, junctions, traffic lights etc, only to use the rear brake, for smooth(er) control.