Rear brake usage

[Cloner]

I agree that prudent use of the rear is warranted in most conditions.

The "hating" on the rear brake comes from those who are learning to ride at race or near race pace where the rear lightens up making the rear brake useless or dangerous to the uninitiated.  That said, ever wonder how racers get the rear out to tighten their lines?  You guessed it....rear brakes.

The rear brake is a control mechanism.  You should learn to use it effectively.

The same folks who say you shouldn't use the rear brake are the same ones who won't use the front brake whilst turning, despite the fact that trail braking is a legitimate motorcycle control technique.....just like dragging the rear brake to settle the suspension or covering the rear to control wheel stands.

If it was useless, why do you reckon manufacturers would spend money to install decent ones?

[Statler]

I like your effective use of the rear brake in your avatar pic.         

[ducpainter]

<snip>
If it was useless, why do you reckon manufacturers would spend money to install decent ones?

Because some regulation requires it.

[vinny]

Because some regulation requires it.

Then why would they keep it on track if they could shave off all that "useless" weight? 

[Cider]

Because a racebike won't pass tech without a rear brake.

[ducpainter]

Then why would they keep it on track if they could shave off all that "useless" weight? 

I'm one of those guys that Cloner mentioned that rides kinda fast on track and doesn't have the talent to effectively use the rear brake.

I have mine on there to slow down when I'm in the grass,

[Cloner]

I'm one of those guys that Cloner mentioned that rides kinda fast on track and doesn't have the talent to effectively use the rear brake.

I have mine on there to slow down when I'm in the grass,

It ain't talent, Nate, it's survival instinct.  I use mine in the grass (wait....this is New Mexico....make that sand and tumbleweeds) far too often, too.   

And Cider obviously doesn't race here.  I can squeeze nearly anything through tech if I put enough duct tape and/or safety wire on it.   

Thanks, Statler.  I guess I could post this:



to demonstrate the other extreme...but what would be the point?   

[pitbull]

slow speed manouvering is drastically improved with feathering of the rear brake..........especially on more top heavy bikes. I couldn't imagine trying to ride my old triumph sprint around a parking lot without it. Even though the monster has a low centre of gravity, rear brake usage makes slow speed turns so much easier.

[CJr]

I learned the hard way why you want to be in the habit of using both brakes at all times.  I came up to the stop sign at the end of my block pretty hard and used only my front brake as is my old habit.  Well when you brake really hard (with only your front brake) your rear end gets light. I basically did a little endo that led to my back end sliding out and I low sided.  I am righting this while icing my foot at work; luckily I learned the lesson while only going about 30 mph.  I usually engine brake but this particular time I didn't release the clutch soon enough and I will from now on always use my rear brake as dropping my baby definitely ruined my day and my knee and my foot. 

Luckily I got to practice using my rear brake right after the crash although my shifter is slightly out of place and riding with slightly bent handle bars is exceptionally awkward.  All that had to be fixed immediately was my foot peg.

GET IN THE HABIT OF USING YOUR BACK BRAKE EVERY TIME YOU BRAKE!!!!

[Slide Panda]

Well when you brake really hard (with only your front brake) your rear end gets light.

That's not correct. Use of the rear brake has no impact on the rear getting light and potentially coming off, if you brake hard enough on the front. Your implied connection that using the rear brake will prevent the rear from getting light is wrong. The physics of the system don't change like that

While you could achieve the same deceleration force you wanted in that situation with both brakes, reducing the amount of brake force needed from your front for sure. This would keep the weight more even distributed - but not using the rear brake was not the cause of your accident.

[speedknot]

GET IN THE HABIT OF USING YOUR BACK BRAKE EVERY TIME YOU BRAKE!!!!

I've found a good balance is best as well.  My old bobber only had a back drum that you had to practically stand on to get it to stop.  That bad habit had to be broken real quick when I got onto my regular bikes.

[Hellraising-vtec]

I have to get use to using the front one. Kicking the havit out little by little