Two Left Feet ?

**Whynot** · 30th November 2006, 07:42

I finished the practical section of my defensive driving course yesterday and it raised an interesting point. The instructor (biker) told me to keep my right foot on the brake when stopped at lights etc.

This is different from what i have heard from other sources, e.g.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=30570

so what do you do and what in your opinion is the best way to stop ?

**Matt** · 30th November 2006, 07:47

I was always told left foot (with right foot on the brake) when learning to ride - although the Wellington wind makes you put your right one down pretty fast sometimes!!!

Matt

**Trudes** · 30th November 2006, 07:47

Confusing aye!
I tend to put both feet down to have more stability, especially in the wind, heavy bike, short legs and one big toe on the ground just doesn't cut it. I find it also has the bike in a more level position when taking off. If I'm on a slope though I keep my foot on the brake.
I think it's just whatever you feel most comfortable doing.

**Hitcher** · 30th November 2006, 07:49

I have a strange feeling of deja vu about this poll...

**Whynot** · 30th November 2006, 07:53

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I have a strange feeling of deja vu about this poll...

its not possible ......
i did a search ...

**Crisis management** · 30th November 2006, 07:57

Depends on the weather (windy or calm) and road conditions (steep camber, slope etc).
Typically I will do the final part of coming to a stop in neutral using the front brake, right foot goes down (anti gravity device) and left foot stays on the peg ready for gear engagement.
I never rely on the foot brake for stopping and want both feet available for stability.
If I am stopped for a while or conditions require I will put both feet down or use the right on the foot brake.
Taking off, I use the front brake to hold the bike as I release the clutch (unless its a huge slope) as I have my left foot ready for gear changes.

The right foot on the brake seems like good advice but as a new rider I suspect slow speed stability is marginal (wobbly bastards usually) and having both feet available may feel a lot more reassuring.

Try everything out (except resting under the bike) and see what works for you!

**Hitcher** · 30th November 2006, 08:59

Originally Posted by Whynot

its not possible ......
i did a search ...

I guess the efficacy of that depended on what you searched for.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ght=which+foot

It will be interesting to see whether the results differ.

**Whynot** · 30th November 2006, 09:02

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I guess the efficacy of that depended on what you searched for.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ght=which+foot

It will be interesting to see whether the results differ.

My options are better though .....

**Ixion** · 30th November 2006, 09:17

Depends on what side the brake pedal is on!

Either foot , depending on road camber, how long I think I'll be stopped (ie am I in neutral or not) etc.

I think that if you are going to have to put the bike into gear a hippity hop from left foot down to right foot down is not a good idea.

But, you don't really want to be stopped facing up a steep hill with a 2LS front brake and rely on the front brake to hold you! Backwards, 2LS becomes 2TS!

Like most of such things, all very theoretical. In reality, do what works for you in each situation.

**slinky** · 30th November 2006, 09:23

screwed the vote up, meant to say right foot down.
think i just follow on front what my dad does.
then you can sit in nuetral, and click it into gear when ready without changing feet.
if its windy, then both feet.i think when i start i was a left foot down though (but no foot on brake lol
right foot down - hand on front brake

**Macktheknife** · 30th November 2006, 09:38

I was taught to use the left foot down technique unless on a camber that demands the right foot, or a situation that needs both.

**The Stranger:Me** · 30th November 2006, 09:40

So many stops are on an incline or decline and I use the right foot on the rear brake, basically the only time I use the rear brake. So it is left foot down the majority of the time.

Occasionally I use right or both, like if I need to itch my nuts or something.

I guess if you are a short arse you would need to use your right, particularly if camber is bad, however, thankfully I don't suffer from that infliction.

**Mr. Peanut** · 30th November 2006, 09:41

I want to be ready to click it into gear, so right foot down.

**Motu** · 30th November 2006, 10:15

I leant to ride with a left foot brake - this is natural for driving on the left.Your right foot is on the high side of the camber,on a BMW or Guzzi your right leg can brace the torque reaction of the engine....and for a rear wheel lock up brake slide the rear of the bike steps out down the camber,so the right leg is there for balancing duties.

Then the Yanks decided all bikes must have the rear brake on the right.....our freedom of choice was taken away and now everyone has a right foot brake.It's un natural and so we have to have discussions about which foot do you put down.

I have been trained to put my right foot down,I have also been trained to be stationary and take off with my foot on the brake - I don't know what to do,so take each situation as it comes.Normaly right foot down,being a short arse on tall bikes it's what I have to do.