Pig of a rear brake, thar be squealin' boi!

**Antallica** · 15th December 2004, 21:13

The Bandit's squealing on the rear upon application of pedal. You could almost say it does it when something get's enough friction/heat?

Anyways, sounds familiar to anyone? Would like to be able to use the rear without turning a few heads.

**Two Smoker** · 15th December 2004, 21:16

, sounds like your pads are stuffed.... but it could be a stone stuck, but i reakon the pads being worn is the go....

**Antallica** · 15th December 2004, 21:36

Yeah they don't seem to grip much either, probably right there mate.

Must top up the fluid too, seems rather low.

**Motu** · 15th December 2004, 21:56

Sounds like they need a bit of oil - just pull your dipstick out and put a few drops on the pads.....anyway,what are you using your rear brake for? Apparently a really good rider doesn't use the rear brake.

**Racey Rider** · 16th December 2004, 06:18

On behalf of the KiwiBiker leagal Management, Let me just confirm that Motu is ether JOKEING or 9/10 DRUNK when writing the above comment!
(ie. Please don't sue us if following his advise!)

NEVER put oil on the brake pads!!

And although some top race track riders don't use the rear brake when racing, There is a place for it, and learning proper use of both brakes on your bike may just SAVE YOUR LIFE,,,, if thats important to you!

**Bonez** · 16th December 2004, 06:38

Originally Posted by Racey Rider

And although some top race track riders don't use the rear brake when racing,

Weird, as it's around a 3rd of your braking power.

**merv** · 16th December 2004, 06:51

Pull the pads out and put some heat resistant copper lube or something on the back of them.

**dhunt** · 16th December 2004, 07:45

Originally Posted by Bonez

Weird, as it's around a 3rd of your braking power.

That really depends on how you brake, a stoppie for example uses 0% of your rear brake.

I've been told a good method is to apply both brakes when first braking then let the rear off and put it back on again when the bike is just about stopped (ie going slow). As having too much rear brake while hard braking has funny effects such as locking up.

**Hitcher** · 16th December 2004, 10:59

Anybody who has learned from the Master, Andrew Templeton of Roadsafe, will use both brakes all the time. And why wouldn't you?

**vifferman** · 16th December 2004, 11:14

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Anybody who has learned from the Master, Andrew Templeton of Roadsafe, will use both brakes all the time. And why wouldn't you?

I don't have a choice.
But I rarely used the rear brake on the FahrtSturm, as it was next to useless. However, on the VifFerraRi, I'm having to get used to using the back brake again, and I'm starting to enjoy the effectiveness of doing so, particularly when going slow in traffic.
Previously though (in a previous non-DCBS life), I've used the back brake to settle the bike (transfers some weight to the front) then applied the front brake as well shortly after. By modulating how much pressure is applied to each brake (when not braking hard), some degree of attitude adjustment can be had. In addition to slowing the bike down, of course.

And anyhoo - if the back brake provides any assistance at all in slowing the bike or helping to control it, shouldn't we be using it? :spudwhat:

**kerryg** · 16th December 2004, 11:29

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Anybody who has learned from the Master, Andrew Templeton of Roadsafe, will use both brakes all the time. And why wouldn't you?

I'm sure I've read somewhere an argument against the use of the back brake in many situations. Something about application of the rear brake unloading the front and upsetting the bike, especially in a hard braking situation (eg end of back straight at Puke). When I did my first couple of track days there the guys in the braking school advised me to to tuck my right foot back up on the peg so as not to be tempted to dab the rear brake AT ALL, and to rely solely on the front brakes. But then I'm no racer, and the advice given was at least partly for safety reasons: I think to avoid a situation where in a possible "senior moment" while hauling 200kgs + of bike plus my own (not-inconsiderable) bulk down from 250kms/hour that I jumped on the rear brake, then on the front, then both or neither, while trying to downchange frantically to scub off speed, causing the rear tyre to lock up and lose grip and front to dive alternately and spitting myself off into the paddocks...oops...I forgot...I already did that once....

**Hitcher** · 16th December 2004, 11:44

Originally Posted by kerryg

I'm sure I've read somewhere an argument against the use of the back brake in many situations.

It's all about touch and feel, surely? There is more subtlety to brake use than "on" or "off". I have never ridden a bike on a track but I have gone reasonably quickly on the road at times, and resting your foot on the rear brake is a good way of pulling off some speed without getting the nose to dive, particularly in a corner.

**kerryg** · 16th December 2004, 11:55

Originally Posted by Hitcher

It's all about touch and feel, surely? There is more subtlety to brake use than "on" or "off". I have never ridden a bike on a track but I have gone reasonably quickly on the road at times, and resting your foot on the rear brake is a good way of pulling off some speed without getting the nose to dive, particularly in a corner.

Yeah Hitcher I believe you're right for a competent and experienced rider and/or for normal road riding.. It's probably more that someone who is less-than-100%-experienced might jump on the rear brake too hard and drop him/herself in the poop...while over-application of the front brake possibly doesn't have the same risks.