Riding Tips to share.

[RonBB]

If one were to interpret kjc625's comments as: "Slow riding (Very slow parking lot speed while turning) = never use the front brake", then he would be absolutely correct. Since the context of his statement was made while discussing slow, parking lot speeds and U-turns, I understood that's what he meant.
If you were to interpret the statement without the context of the conversation and assume he meant slow speed street riding, then you would be correct. Many FJRs have been laid on their side because the rider used the front brake at sub-5 mph parking lot speeds and when the bike (or for that matter, any bike) suddenly stopped with the wheel turned, over they go.

IIRC, at parking lot speeds control is maintained by dragging the rear brake and using the throttle/clutch.

+1 Concur

New riders often fear using the front brake, but it should be applied every time a motorcycle is slowed or stopped.

I would suggest that this is an overly generalized statement. If anyone believes this is based in physics or good practice I invite, at their own risk of course, the use of the front brake while in a lean on wet leaves at any speed. I don't think that most of the members of this forum would consider doing this and rightly so. Ever hear of a "lowside"? Please Don't do this. Those of us with Gen II bikes & linked brakes should be extra cautious due to the rear to front linking under slick conditions.

 

[bmac]

If one were to interpret kjc625's comments as: "Slow riding (Very slow parking lot speed while turning) = never use the front brake", then he would be absolutely correct. Since the context of his statement was made while discussing slow, parking lot speeds and U-turns, I understood that's what he meant.
If you were to interpret the statement without the context of the conversation and assume he meant slow speed street riding, then you would be correct. Many FJRs have been laid on their side because the rider used the front brake at sub-5 mph parking lot speeds and when the bike (or for that matter, any bike) suddenly stopped with the wheel turned, over they go.

IIRC, at parking lot speeds control is maintained by dragging the rear brake and using the throttle/clutch.

+1 Concur

New riders often fear using the front brake, but it should be applied every time a motorcycle is slowed or stopped.

I would suggest that this is an overly generalized statement. If anyone believes this is based in physics or good practice I invite, at their own risk of course, the use of the front brake while in a lean on wet leaves at any speed. I don't think that most of the members of this forum would consider doing this and rightly so. Ever hear of a "lowside"? Please Don't do this. Those of us with Gen II bikes & linked brakes should be extra cautious due to the rear to front linking under slick conditions.

I agree it should not be stated as an absolute just like "Never use your front brake".

 

[weekend rider]

From what I have read and most everyone describe as "braking in a turn," I think is the wrong term to use and for that action. It implies ,which leads to the mis understanding of braking in a corner.

I believe it would be better understood if it was described as "Feathering the brake "while in a high speed turn than most everyone would be able to understand the difference and know when to use and not use.

If education is the key success, than what does motor cycle riding classes do? "EDUCATE"? hmmmm

You can never learn to much and it is the simple things that screw you up

weekend rider

 

[kjc625]

BMAC and others with the front brake question.

Ok we are talking about very slow speed here. At this speed, you don't want to use your front brake during any turns. I stated earlier, use the front brake on straight forward position in slow speed practice.

During everyday riding, your front brake provide most of braking power and one should learn to use combo braking.

Please read all the tips provided instead of jumping into a conclusion. As my old training officer told me, "Never assume anything without knowing the facts or background."

This thread is all about slow riding technique. "SLOW"

As I stated earlier, I am not a MSF or professional trainer. I am a rider only and passing tips that I learned from other pro instructors.

I am not here to kill anyone. If you want to use your front brake during the slow turns then do it. It is your choice and learn to live with it.

PLZ READ THE ENTIRE TREADS AND JUDGE BASE ON ITS ENTIRE CONTEXT.

Thx

Jim

 

[kjc625]

NO FRONT BRAKE.
Do Not touch that front brake level what so ever. Slow riding = Never use your front brake.

Use the Front brake only when your wheel is pointing straight forward.

Jim

Some of the worst advice I have ever heard. Advice like this could get someone killed.

The front brake is your friend, provides 70 to 90% of available braking power, and learning to use it is vital. You do not have to be going straight to use the front brake. There is absolutely no problem with braking while turning although less brake can be used. Watch any motorcycle racing and you will see use of the front brake almost all the way to the apex of the turn. For absolute braking it is best to be fully upright but learning to brake while turning is extremely beneficial.

This is taken from the second link:

[SIZE=10pt]New riders often fear using the front brake, but it should be applied every time a motorcycle is slowed or stopped. Many accidents are caused by riders braking incorrectly. According to the California Highway patrol, locking up the rear brakes is a factor in the majority of motorcycle crashes. [/SIZE]

https://motorcycles.about.com/od/basicsofmo...yclemyths_9.htm

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/motorcycle4.htm

https://www.dps.state.mn.us/mmsc/latest/MMS...=81&scat=25

Your statement is true in above situation, but we are talking about very slow riding techniques such as u turn, s turn, 90 degree turn from stop. I am sure you mis understood the thread. Any seasoned riders will know what I am talking about unless they walk their bikes in tight turns.

Anyway thanks for providing another good tips on the front brake usage in speed.

I am not really into speed riding anyway. I have seen too many aftermath of people getting killed while speeding. It really sucks to see so many people getting killed or seriously injured for unsafe speed in city streets.

I see two choices here.

1. learn to ride your bike properly

2. go do body building and walk your bike.

For me I will go practice more since I have really bad back.

I am here to share safety tips and friendship.

Don't hate me, because I am GOD loving, RED blood American and support our military. :yahoo:

Nothing but love of FJRer!

Jim

 

[Cdogman]

I see two choices here.1. learn to ride your bike properly

2. go do body building and walk your bike.

Jim

Could I skip the Gym workoujts then ?? Gettin a Twofer with that aint ya??

 

[gr8eyes]

Trail braking anyone? vs slow speed braking?

 

[bmac]

Your statement is true in above situation, but we are talking about very slow riding techniques such as u turn, s turn, 90 degree turn from stop. I am sure you mis understood the thread. Any seasoned riders will know what I am talking about unless they walk their bikes in tight turns.

Jim

Jim,

The post I quoted did not reference any other post and I thought you might be talking about slow speed turns but I could not be sure. It was not clear to me and possibly others that you were refering to a specific situation. I wanted to be sure that someone that did not read all of the posts did not heed your advice in normal riding situations.

By the way, in a u-turn from a stop in full turn lock I still use the front brake without a problem.

 

[Shadowfax]

Trail braking anyone? vs slow speed braking?

Trail braking is usually used incorrectly by those who feel better with a little brake in a corner, or correctly by those wanting to setup the suspension for a corner (tho proper braking before the corner and smooth throttle application through the corner is usually a better plan, accelerating raises the suspension, braking lowers it).

But that discussion not for parking lots unless you're at a BattleTrax event.

Everyone should take the MSF beginners course at least once (I've taken it twice) and anyone serious about riding should take at least the ERC from MSF (I try to take it every year) or Lee Parks Total Control school, or one of the other "mid" riding schools.