Bring on those brakes!

**Zed** · 13th March 2004, 23:35

Brake usage- I used to predominately use my rear brake for slowing down because it felt more convenient than having to grab the front brake lever...nowadays I dogmatically use both brakes in unison and am trying to improve my technique around the twisty's by using front first & balancing out with the rear to better control the movement of the bike.

What is your braking style/preference?

Zed

**Edge** · 14th March 2004, 00:25

I use the front only.If you use the rear alot slowing down at lights etc you will find you,ll use the rear brake when you want to avoid a moment,thats when you need the front to pull you up fast.It,s a mater of programming the old brian to do things when theres no time to think.

**DEATH_INC.** · 14th March 2004, 08:04

Mostly the front on the Gixx,on the 12 I used the front for stopping and the rear for turning (backing in...) and on the turbo I use everything I can find

**FzerozeroT** · 14th March 2004, 08:29

Front only, bike is so light that even with moderate braking the back wheel slides with a little brake application

**wkid_one** · 14th March 2004, 08:43

Never used the rear brake unless pillion was on

**riffer** · 14th March 2004, 09:46

Rear brake is either non-existent or locks up the wheel. Hence, it's not used.

**Holy Roller** · 14th March 2004, 10:09

Originally Posted by celticno6

Rear brake is either non-existent or locks up the wheel. Hence, it's not used.

I've not locked up the rear on the XV yet. Usually use both with more front as I slow to a stop. For a fast stop it's down throught the gears using the engine and huge amounts of both. The brakes arn't that good compared to a bandit, had to adjust riding distance to compensate for stopping distance.

I funny how you think the brakes are OK untill you have someone else to compare them to.

**Jackrat** · 14th March 2004, 10:21

Depends on situation,I used to think I used my front brake a lot but after riding with no rear for a bit I realise I use the rear heaps more than I imagined.Brakes are for round town riding,stopping an starting stuff,the open road don,t need em'.
Learn to dodge an use ya' gear box,many funs

**Motu** · 14th March 2004, 10:52

I don't think about brakes much - I just use them.My riding is so varied to have one braking style is not appropriate...on sealed roads I use more front and just use the rear to set the balance,on gravel it's the reverse,and I swap around as the situation merits.Don't get stuck in a groove...it could be the wrong one at the wrong time.

**Aucker** · 14th March 2004, 15:32

Originally Posted by wkid_one

Never used the rear brake unless pillion was on

Suppose it's up the each rider but the rear brakes are made for a purpose. I try and use both together especially when stopping quick.

**RiderInBlack** · 14th March 2004, 16:37

Surpised that you use predominately rear brakes on you bike Zed. They are set-up with better brakes in the front than the back as that is where all the weight goes when you brake hard (on these type of bikes).
I do vary according to the conditions, but mainly front with a little back for most occasions and do engine brake (with front for balance).

"on gravel it's the reverse,and I swap around as the situation merits.Don't get stuck in a groove...it could be the wrong one at the wrong time." Motu

Thanks for that, Motu

. I live down the end of a metal road. I'll try to remember that if I have to stop for a horse in a hurry

Sorry just yanking you chain. Good advise. Think I'll check if I am doing that next time I take the bike out.

**Two Smoker** · 14th March 2004, 16:47

Originally Posted by Aucker

Suppose it's up the each rider but the rear brakes are made for a purpose. I try and use both together especially when stopping quick.

Shit yes, use both, Front progressive and rear for balance (unless doing stoppies, you don't want the rear overtaking the front.......) As for gravel on a road bike i always have my rear brake on a tad, that justs stops the rear floating and bouncing around, much smoother

**wkid_one** · 14th March 2004, 16:50

Honestly - I like to ride without using the brakes too much anyway - prefer using gear selection. Given I typically set the bike up before the corner and accelerate through it - I don't use the rear brake to balance the bike - but the throttle in the corner

But then - what do I know.

**Indiana_Jones** · 14th March 2004, 16:57

I use my front about 80% of the time, I should use both really

But when I use the back brake I forget to take my foot off it and here I'm going with the engine reving high when I'm in like 3rd "WTF? Oh Yea....."

-Indy