Rear brake use?

[caspernz]

In the end, if you think you can...guess what? You can. At least if you're gonna crash, let it be while trying your darndest not to. And you haven't crashed until you've hit something. I mean, if you cross the centreline when you see there's nothing coming at you...what's the big deal? It's just a learning opportunity.

[bluninja]

I'm Not trying to judge you here, but in my opinion that above line is why a lot of people crash, they literally talk themselves out of options and into trouble. Creating ones own reality n all that.
Not running in to hot is if course best practice, but practicing survival skills in a safe area is great back up insurance.

No problemo....the OMG moment was at Lesmo 1 at Monza race track....after I'd done the OMG and decided the kitty litter was too deep (I'd seen people go off and get flipped off as the wheels dug in) I decided to hang off more, lean it more, and give it more throttle. I got round, it was a massive rush...I then slowed down (comparativley), finished the lap and into the pits to regroup.

I prefer not to put myself in OMG territory on the road, but to me OMG is just part of recognising a problem that I need to solve. Staying at OMG is a problem.

[Crasherfromwayback]

No problemo....the OMG moment was at Lesmo 1 at Monza race track.....

Very jealous that you've ridden there!

[ducatilover]

Maybe part of the 'running wide' thing is taking the wrong line into the corner in the first place?

Or being too stiff (entendre intended) and not letting the bike do its job.

[imdying]

So if I find myself entering a corner too fast and I can't straighten up and brake, should I just keep holding the throttle open slightly AND lightly hold the rear brake as opposed to just backing off the throttle completely and letting the engine brake slow the back wheel with no back brake?

Same as always, a little gas to put some of the stress on the rear tyre, giving you more grip and suspension travel in reserve at the front. 'Feels' better too, which probably helps at a psychological level when you're in the shite. Consciously use plenty of pressure on the inside bar till you're round the bend; if you're still a noob it needs to be concious as your brain will probably be telling you it's all bad. Finally make sure you're looking where you need to be, not where you think you're going to end up. All told I'm a very poor, very slow rider. That's seen me get in over my head a few times over the years, and that little lot has saved my life a few times.

Screw the rear brake, if you're well in the shite you don't want to rob any grip.

Been riding for over 20yrs now on the road, and while I understand why top flight racers can use the rear brake to settle the bike etc I've never had cause to use it in most riding situations

Same, except for the SV1000 which handles like a sack of shite and likes to be argued with.

[bluninja]

Very jealous that you've ridden there!

Route Napolean down to the south of France, 2 days at the track, and a different route back.....be very jealous Glad I got to do it.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Route Napolean down to the south of France, 2 days at the track, and a different route back.....be very jealous Glad I got to do it.

I am don't worry! You never forget trips like that eh! Harley USA lent me a Buell XB12SS in 07, and I had an awesome road trip over there for 15 days odd. Wish it could've been longer though!!

[awa355]

What are brakes??????? I just use the end wall in the garage when I get home from a ride.

[p.dath]

So if I find myself entering a corner too fast and I can't straighten up and brake, should I just keep holding the throttle open slightly AND lightly hold the rear brake as opposed to just backing off the throttle completely and letting the engine brake slow the back wheel with no back brake?

Yes. Don't ever completely close the throttle mid corner.

[CHOPPA]

There is a whole heap of opinions on this thread.

I would seriously advise everyone to attend the California Superbike School.

The great thing about the CSS is that they teach facts about riding using laws of physics etc. I tried to prove there methods wrong but they were right. I have done all 4 levels. Plus I have done level 4 at Phillip Island and im doing level 4 again this weekend.

Money very well spent

[CHOPPA]

There is a CSS day Tomorrow and Saturday. GET THERE!

​http://www.californiasuperbikeschool.co.nz/

[imdying]

I'm not sure that will help SmokeU, bit far to go.

[CHOPPA]

You could fly there and back, get accommodation, rental car, hire bike and superbike school for $1000.... Not bad, prob the same as the excess when you throw away your bike listening to peoples opinions plus it would be a great experience...

[Luckylegs]

Plenty of corners between there and HD though, to practice all the advice

[Usarka]

I have noticed that some people say they drag their rear brake through a corner as well as applying throttle, seems a bit counter intuitive (to me anyway).

Rear brake u-turns method is awesome. Drag the back brake, constant throttle and control speed with clutch.

down hill cornering

That's my main one. But I find I'm a numpty with gauging the pressure on the rear brake unless I practice using it so I always use rear in general day to day braking.