Which brake lever?

[SNM]

Your thoughts please. The handbook on my 2003 ABS fitted 1150GS 'aint too clear on this, as far as I'm concerned.
If the front brake lever operates both front and rear brakes (integral I believe they call it), does this mean I don't really need to use the foot brake pedal at all.
All this ABS stuff is new to me. Do I only need the foot pedal when I've switched off the ABS for offroading purposes?
Any ideas?

 

[Steve]

Operating the front lever gives you full front-braking, but only partial rear-braking. Using the rear pedal gives you full rear-braking (but no front).

 

[Fanum]

I've found I hardly ever use the rear foot lever......probably very bad practice and not a habit i want to get into.......but it does work very well and even on emergency stops I don't feel the need to use the pedal.


Has been taking a few miles to get back into the habit each time on other bikes now......bit of a worry TBH.

 

[Reprobate]

My 98 R1100GS doesn't have linked brakes, but I would generally advice using the rear brake for sloooow speed manoeuvers and the front brake for stopping. And beware of using the front brake on anything like gravel parking lots etcetera.

 

[nleader]

Your thoughts please. The handbook on my 2003 ABS fitted 1150GS 'aint too clear on this, as far as I'm concerned.
If the front brake lever operates both front and rear brakes (integral I believe they call it), does this mean I don't really need to use the foot brake pedal at all.
All this ABS stuff is new to me. Do I only need the foot pedal when I've switched off the ABS for offroading purposes?
Any ideas?

Pedants Alert! I think you'll find it's the Front brake LEVER and the Rear (not foot) brake PEDAL. (Sorry - I'll get my coat).

Seriously - I'm amazed how many riders don't know how and when to use the rear brake properly to maintain complete control at slow speeds. Life is so much simpler for those that do. There are a lot of people with a full licence who would be better, more skilled riders if they attended a CBT session, IMHO.

I suspect B*W make the front brake lever also apply partial rear braking force as well because so many riders do not use the rear brake when stopping in a straight line or in an emergency - even though it helps control the bike and slow down quicker. So, force them via the linked system. At least (unlike other manufacturers) you get the ability to use the rear brake without being forced to get some front brake applied as well.

Cheers, Norman

 

[jimbo]

ABS makes you lazy?

Personally I just stamp on the rear pedal to stop and then use the front if I need to stop faster. I guess I'll know if my ABS fails, because I will stamp on the pedal, lock-up and fall off...

 

[J-P]

Re: Re: Which brake lever?

This is for people without linked brakes:

Normal braking:
I try to use the front brakes in every day situations in combination with the rear brake. I only use the rear brake in tight cornering or slow speed manouvering, sometimes combined with the clutch lever. Occasionaly the rear brake is not needed so why bother. It`s up to you to recognise those situations, that makes motorcycling so refreshing

In emergency situations:
I won`t deny it helps control the bike or even helps to stop quicker if you apply the rear brake too. In emergency situations however it`s best to do as few things simultaneously as possible in order to achive maximum bracking force. The best way to do so is to concentrate on applying the front brake as hard as you can without blocking the front wheel (so you`ll need to dose very good, practice this please, depending on different road surfaces, different circumstances like wet roads `n stuff! ) and not forgetting to apply the clutch as well. If you`re a well trained motorcyclist and you can use the rear brake as well without having to concentrate on that, splendid. Not many people however are that "skilled" and therefor advanced training sessions are a blessing for those who still hesitate to train themselves without guidance.

For the ABS/linked brake clan: never mind, the bike will solve most of your problems. That doesn`t mean you don`t need to practice too I ride a Honda STX1300 ABS for a living, this thing just makes braking a breeze, you never seem to be able to mess up. That`s where you go wrong one day...

BTW: in emergency situations: if braking won`t solve the problem try to avoid impact with the problem :
- stop braking as soon as possible and try to swerve around the problem. Braking longer will only achieve a minimum amount of length to reduce speed which most likely will only reduce your impact speed. I rather swerve around the object with 50 mls/h than collide with it with 30 mls/h.
- The longer you apply the brakes in that situation, the harder it will be to let go of the brakes...
- the sooner you start to swerve around the problem by countersteering preferably, the less your leaning angle will be

If impact is unavoidable... JUMP!

 

[(RIP) maverick]

My braking has improved alot since I started using a full hand grip instead of the lazy two/three finger grip on the front break lever.

Normally use both about 70% front and 30% rear as I was tought with ordinary bikes with brakes not even worth mentioning.

 

[Spanish Bob]

Start reading the basics, you guys - one day you will jump on a Bike without ABS or whatever.

Use both Brakes at the appropriate times - that is what they are there for.

use the rear brake for ALL slow speed manouvers - NEVER use the front Brake.

Use the rear brake for "scrubbing off" speed in that danger area going into corners, (IF you have approached it too quickly) - DO NOT use the front Brake - (you can with modern ABS etc - but it is bad riding techniche).

Read "Roadcraft"


Para

Oh my gawd Paragon - you ARE the voice of reason. I might just sell you my book on the R100RS....

I think I am a pretty mediocre rider, but the little I do know comes from Roadcraft and the common sense my mother, god bless her gave me (my dad is as daft as I am ).

I still remember a post from some muppet whose "mate" had told him that the rear brake was for hanging your sunglasses on.

 

[Spanish Bob]

My braking has improved alot since I started using a full hand grip instead of the lazy two/three finger grip on the front break lever.

Normally use both about 70% front and 30% rear as I was tought with ordinary bikes with brakes not even worth mentioning.

Africano del sur CUIDADO!!!!

the grab a handful mentality works on any airhead (except my R100RS which had no brakes at all) - DO NOT try this on yer oilie.... unless you like the rough stuff up close and personal - one/two fingers, gives you everything you´ll need.

when are you coming to bcn?

bob