Braking

[joebloggs]

[quote author=mr self destruct link=topic=18540.msg213829#msg213829 date=1445491939]
This all makes for interesting reading coming from a newbie's perspective (I wouldn't even call myself competent yet let alone advanced!).
So all you more experienced folks who use a bit of rear, is this a taught advanced technique or is it what over the years you've found works?
The reason I ask is at no point was I ever taught to use my back brake for slowing down from any moderate speed (30+). I did however, use my rear on my GS125 as that was where the only brake light switch was.
In both my CBT and DAS, I was told to progressively bring in the front when slowing down, gently at first to load the front wheel and increase grip (much the same I suppose as using the rear brake).
I was taught to avoid the rear as the weight gets thrown to the front and the rear is more prone to locking up.


Now, considering the forces stated in previous posts, am I right in thinking that where the braking force is applied (front or rear) has an effect on the centre of the sum of forces?
i.e. if the back brake is applied, the centre of the force is on the back wheel, forcing the front into the road. Conversely if the front is applied, the centre of force is on the front wheel, effectively trying to lift the rear.

As Celticdog said earlier, i was taught and still use about 80% front & 20% rear, then 50/50 gentler braking in wet.


You must remember if you use the road properly with your wits about you, and even more importantly have decent trustworthy tyres that you have a lot of faith in and are always in good nick, then braking can change altogether as well.
If you're one of these people that chances tyres down to being illegal, or rides a few inches behind a low loader lorry, then more fool you when it rains.


Just to put a spanner in the works, this is how the Dutch do emergency stops, which i simply couldn't do as described, especially in the wet, but bear in mind they're probably stoned as well so couldn't give a shit anyway.  mokin


Joe Bloggs, are you Dutch perchance?  :lol


http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/braking/
[/quote]

Nothing wrong with being stoned while riding, apparently, although go steady on the LSD ahem........

For the newbies I guess you go with what you were taught and gradually modify your style to suit, not only in braking but in the way you control your bike. I believe that once get to a certain level of experience your bike almost feels like an extra limb, part of your body and your inputs are translated into motion. Some may criticize for someone else's use of brakes, steering, gearchanging etc but when you get the feel for your machine I think its totally up to you on how you ride. I Personally have a great feeling for the front end, have saved several front end slides in wet and dry and when it comes to braking its as if I'm holding the wheel by the spindle.
Trial braking hasn't been mentioned and I'm a fan of it, why not, it quickens the steering and providing you don't expect the tyre to take maximum brake at maximum lean its safe enough. Would go as far as saying it should be taught as it shows the rider the input required to counter the forces that will try to stand the bike up. And if you get caught out (shut up mr advanced rider) you can brake while leaning over and apex later.
I've done some stupid speeds and some crazy things but I have never once stopped thinking and learning