Two fingers draped over the front brake - or not?

[slofox]

Around town and in amongst traffic it is a good idea to have a couple of fingers covering the brake lever.

Wot 'e said...

I don't cover the brake at all out on the highway - unless there are obvious hazards that might require some action...like fucking SHEEP running in front of you f'rinstance

[FJRider]

I ride gripping with all fingers on throttle, brake with two fingers and cover when the situation calls for it.

All about what feels right for you.

don't grip too hard ... fingers go numb ...

[jrandom]

If you gotta ride around with fingers hovering over the brake lever, you got serious observational problems hey.

[boomer]

attack is the best form of defense... use all ya fat freddies to twist it like a 7 yr old..

[Ronin]

don't grip too hard ... fingers go numb ...

That's a whole 'nother thread there mate. My fingers are numb even with the most delicate maiden like grip ever..

[Ronin]

If you gotta ride around with fingers hovering over the brake lever, you got serious observational problems hey.

Are you talking about all the time or covering when it's busy?

[sAsLEX]

don't grip too hard ... fingers go numb ...

Fingers ?

[325rocket]

Whatever you are comfortable doing.

I do abit of both - but depends on the roads you are riding

yep thats the one. personally i only ever use one finger when braking unless im on a track anyway. you want to do what feels natural to you. i figure if you have to think it through to much try something else. thats how i see it anyway.

[Katman]

If you gotta ride around with fingers hovering over the brake lever, you got serious observational problems hey.

It's a package deal.

[YellowDog]

I've been riding for 16 mths now - done a lot of reading and a lot of talking.

One issue which confuses me is whether or not it is more effective to ride with two fingers of the right hand draped over the brake lever - or to hold the accelerator with all the fingers and move the fingers when its time to brake. Both feel pretty OK to me but I haven't experienced a hard out emergency situation yet - so I wonder about it.

I have consulted two sources, both of whom I respect - and their views are the opposite.

Anyone got a view?

If you have been riding for 16 months and not yet had to make an emergency stop; then you have been riding pretty well.

Don't change anything!

[NordieBoy]

Pointy fingers rest on the clutch and brake levers.
It feels weird to have them all around the grip.

I feel I've got far more control that way.

[george formby]

Their was a poll on how many people ride with the clutch & brake covered recently which made me pay attention to what I do. 2 fingers covering the brake..... subconsciously.

[sAsLEX]

Pointy fingers rest on the clutch and brake levers.
It feels weird to have them all around the grip.

I feel I've got far more control that way.

You ride adventure right?

I cover on the road, and avoid it off on my DRZ as the standing position puts strain on the forearsms trying to cover......

[NordieBoy]

You ride adventure right?

I cover on the road, and avoid it off on my DRZ as the standing position puts strain on the forearsms trying to cover......

Fingers are still there even at the end of a 3-hour x-country race.

[pritch]

In town, in heavy traffic, two fingers covering the brake - and the clutch.

Your undoubtedly wonderful observational skills won't protect you from 4WD mum on the rampage. Or from from the teen fuckwit driving with his glands instead of his brains. You have to do that yourself.

Good luck with that, we all need it.