Rear Brake only?

[SpidyJ]

Is this something cool that only Harley Riders do?

I don't get it.

Why would you want to use only your rear brakes?

[Hooter]

No this isn't only Harley riders?    There are riders on "all types of bikes especially newbies" that haven't learned what the front brake is for, control.

[Earl43P]

IMO, it's a dead give away that a rider is inexperienced and untrained. That's as far as I will go with the stereotyping, because I've found this mentality in a number of riders of various brands. In conversation, they cite that the bike will flip if you apply too much front brake. They also plan to "lay it down" rather than effectively brake and manuever to avoid an impact.

I know a guy who to this day brags how he slid (wearing leathers) xx far, spinning/flipping down the Interstate after "laying it down and getting off" to avoid hitting "whatever" was in his path.

The basic MSF course would train this out of them.

[hubcapsc]

Why would you want to use only your rear brakes?

Good Grief Man. To keep from going over the handlebars!

-Mike "sheesh..."

[RudyF6]

IMO, it's a dead give away that a rider is inexperienced and untrained. That's as far as I will go with the stereotyping, because I've found this mentality in a number of riders of various brands. In conversation, they cite that the bike will flip if you apply too much front brake. They also plan to "lay it down" rather than effectively brake and manuever to avoid an impact.

I know a guy who to this day brags how he slid (wearing leathers) xx far, spinning/flipping down the Interstate after "laying it down and getting off" to avoid hitting "whatever" was in his path.

The basic MSF course would train this out of them.

I sold bikes (and all other powersports products) for a couple of years.

I actually had a customer bad-mouthing a new 'Wing over the ABS brakes.

"How the hell are ya supposed to lay it down if ya can't lock up the brakes?"   

I had to excuse myself to walk away shaking my head.

[Alien]

This is pretty prevalent thinking among not only new, inexperienced riders but some older very experienced ones as well.  In some circles, putting a front brake on a chopper will get your manhood questioned and you'll be labeled a poser.  Ask me how I know.  Either way, it's ridiculous.  I use both brakes because I enjoy being alive but if I could have only one, it would be the front.  When you think about how heavy a Valkyrie is, plus the weight of a rider, plus speed, it's really amazing how hard you can stop with proper braking.

As far as "laying it down" goes...Well, I'm no quitter.  I'll keep on riding and doing everything I can to avoid that accident right up until the moment of impact.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Serk]

Bandit was the only rider I've met who made a convincing argument for his use of rear brake only...

[old2soon]

Last week I decided to ride the Phatt Ghurl to my appointments at the V A Hospital in Poplar Bluff Mo. Full up daylight main headlights on high beam and my road/fog lights are on. At a traffic light bozo in a pickup decided to make a left in front of me.  Had I ONLY been using my rear brake I would have had a snack of the right door of said pickup!  As it was I did manage to lock the front enough for the front tire to chirp a bit.  Had I used ONLY the rear brake I MIGHT have been in the Hospital OR a P G R mission with Full Military Honors for my remains  When I do ride with others and I see them using ONLY rear brake and we talk about I when stopped I get the "lay it down" litany!  One of the many reasons I prefer riding sweep on a large ride.  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Why would you want to use only your rear brakes?

Good Grief Man. To keep from going over the handlebars!

-Mike "sheesh..."

[Patrick]

Front brakes are expensive doncha know.

It takes a little extra thought and concentration to use them too. Sometimes apparently thats hard to do.

[BobB]

I'm normally using both brakes, but there are two circumstances where only the rear brakes should be used.  The first is "trail braking" when one has entered a curve to fast and is already leaning the bike.  The second is when manovering at very low speeds while slipping the clutch.  The second use is a sign of experienced or well trained riders, not beginners.  The beginners are duck walking their bikes under these conditions.  The two circumstances are the reason I don't like linked brakes...

[The emperor has no clothes]

Front brakes are expensive doncha know.

It takes a little extra thought and concentration to use them too. Sometimes apparently thats hard to do.

It does ? It has always seemed automatic to me. I can't say I even "think" about braking, just do it.

[Jess from VA]

An old wives tale............ for old wives. 

[Oss]

Laying back with the highway pegs its all I can do to get my feet ONTO the back brake in normal traffic and conditions

Usually its front brake unless a true emergency then both

In parking lots and Below 20 I will use the back brake only more often than not

[BobB]

It takes a little extra thought and concentration to use them too.  Sometimes apparently thats hard to do.

I was originally taught to use only the rear brake and learned the hard way to ignore that lesson.  One cannot ignore the front brake and think to use it when absolutely necessary.  That does not work in panic situations.  One must train their braking reactions by using both brakes nearly all the time...

[msb]

I'm normally using both brakes, but there are two circumstances where only the rear brakes should be used.  The first is "trail braking" when one has entered a curve to fast and is already leaning the bike.  The second is when manovering at very low speeds while slipping the clutch.  The second use is a sign of experienced or well trained riders, not beginners.  The beginners are duck walking their bikes under these conditions.  The two circumstances are the reason I don't like linked brakes...

Ditto.... needing to brake in the middle of a curve is one instance where the "back brake only" technique is useful, as is  low speed maneuvering. Otherwise, using the front for control and stopping power as well is definitely the proper technique

[Wizzard]

Bandit was the only rider I've met who made a convincing argument for his use of rear brake only...

Yep,, he rides better with one arm than most with two

[Fudd]

I'm normally using both brakes, but there are two circumstances where only the rear brakes should be used.  The first is "trail braking" when one has entered a curve to fast and is already leaning the bike.  The second is when manovering at very low speeds while slipping the clutch.  The second use is a sign of experienced or well trained riders, not beginners.  The beginners are duck walking their bikes under these conditions.  The two circumstances are the reason I don't like linked brakes...

My reasons also for not liking 'linked brakes.'

Putting them on bikes was the engineering fix for having too many riders using rears only to get them to the scene of the crash.

[3fan4life]

I tend to use the rear a little more than the front, but not exclusively.

The only time that I avoid using the front brake is if I am on a dirt/gravel road.

[Chrisj CMA]

I tend to use the rear a little more than the front, but not exclusively.

The only time that I avoid using the front brake is if I am on a dirt/gravel road.

The main thing IMO is this.  When something happens and you need to stop now.  Is the rear brake the first thing, if it is, you should retrain your reaction so fronts are first.

[J.Mencalice]

Isn't the traditionally taught procedure for routine braking still being taught: begin with the rear and then progressively engage the front brake to ensure a straight, smooth, and gradual stop (dry road) as in the old drum brake days?
Emergency grabbings usually starting with the front dive and a locked rear (non-ABS)?

Have these "rules" changed over the years with the advent of disc/ABS/integrated systems?
Am I still living in the Flintstone Biker Era? :

I always figured that if they didn't want you to use them, they'd never have put them on in the first place. but I guess you'd get an argument on that from someone who never uses their "blinkers", right?

I remember my sister's first exposure to an "English racer" bicycle back in the early 60's.  She crashed after trying to find the rear coaster brake and didn't squeeze the levers when we screamed "Pull the handlebars!"

[Patrick]

It takes a little extra thought and concentration to use them too.  Sometimes apparently thats hard to do.

I was originally taught to use only the rear brake and learned the hard way to ignore that lesson.  One cannot ignore the front brake and think to use it when absolutely necessary.  That does not work in panic situations.  One must train their braking reactions by using both brakes nearly all the time...

Yep, true. When I first started at 11 there was only one brake to use, can't use what you don't have. But over the years most of us have learned to use both without much thought. But, that wasn't so in the beginning. Using both brakes correctly is definitely part of a learning curve.
I said what I did because there are some folks that do not ever use the fronts and some folks that may never get the hang of it. We all know folks that can't walk and chew at the same time.
Thats part of the reason I always ride drag. I want to see/watch who I'm riding with. But then, I like doing things last. I like to shoot last and whack last in golf.

[czuch]

Big long sweeping stop off the freeway is usually front brake only. Straight line braking is the same. Panic, both BIG TIME. The front are easier to change pads. Howzat for cheap.
I too, was tought by my Uncle, back brakes only.
He was a dyed in the wool Harley guy, and actually died that way too.

[da prez]

I work on H D's to support my Valk habit. New and old riders both tend to use only the rear brakes.   If questioned ,they will tell you that you will go over the handle bars. I have been on bikes for a long time and have never flipped over the front wheel from braking. I replace more rear pads than front. We probably  have about six rear sets in stock to each front. If they  go to driving school , they will argue with the instructor as to the proper way to stop. Some people just can-not see the forest because of the trees.

                                                    da prez

[Chrisj CMA]

Isn't the traditionally taught procedure for routine braking still being taught: begin with the rear and then progressively engage the front brake to ensure a straight, smooth, and gradual stop (dry road) as in the old drum brake days?
Emergency grabbings usually starting with the front dive and a locked rear (non-ABS)?

Have these "rules" changed over the years with the advent of disc/ABS/integrated systems?
Am I still living in the Flintstone Biker Era? :

I always figured that if they didn't want you to use them, they'd never have put them on in the first place. but I guess you'd get an argument on that from someone who never uses their "blinkers", right?

I remember my sister's first exposure to an "English racer" bicycle back in the early 60's.  She crashed after trying to find the rear coaster brake and didn't squeeze the levers when we screamed "Pull the handlebars!"

I went to at least three basic courses and the advanced riders. I do not remember being taught to use the rear first.  What I do remember is that 70% of your stopping power is from the front.

Try this, get on a sfe straight road and try a panic stop rear first and then front first.

If you are honest about the effort and the results, you will take the necessary steps to make sure your reaction is to the front brakes.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Isn't the traditionally taught procedure for routine braking still being taught: begin with the rear and then progressively engage the front brake to ensure a straight, smooth, and gradual stop (dry road) as in the old drum brake days?
Emergency grabbings usually starting with the front dive and a locked rear (non-ABS)?

Have these "rules" changed over the years with the advent of disc/ABS/integrated systems?
Am I still living in the Flintstone Biker Era? :

I always figured that if they didn't want you to use them, they'd never have put them on in the first place. but I guess you'd get an argument on that from someone who never uses their "blinkers", right?

I remember my sister's first exposure to an "English racer" bicycle back in the early 60's.  She crashed after trying to find the rear coaster brake and didn't squeeze the levers when we screamed "Pull the handlebars!"

I went to at least three basic courses and the advanced riders. I do not remember being taught to use the rear first.  What I do remember is that 70% of your stopping power is from the front.

Try this, get on a sfe straight road and try a panic stop rear first and then front first.

If you are honest about the effort and the results, you will take the necessary steps to make sure your reaction is to the front brakes.

Regrettfully I've never had any formal MC training. I bought a Suzuki 90 when I was 13 and learned thru many trials and tribulations . But it didn't take long riding on the street to figure out the front brake was the way to stop quickly under control. I think if anything I probably don't use my back brake enough. 

[Bighead]

75-25 rear/front for me.
I have a buddy a long while ago that had the same shadow as me and he said man I hate the brakes on this thing something is wrong with them the rear keeps locking up and I have nearly laid it don several times ,I have to take it to the shop and have them look at it. I told him to bring it by the house and I would look at it before he spent a bunch of money. So he did and we removed the rear and checked out the pads and they were fine so put the tire back on and made sure the adjustment was good so I said let me ride it and see what is happening so I am going up and down the street and he is watching and the rear never slid even when I was hard stopping and he said I don't understand let me on that thing he takes off and first stop rubber was burning sideways sliding out of control he came back and I said how much front brake are you useing he said none why? I said start useing the front and the rear will stop sliding to this day when I see him he says he isn't sliding around anymore

[R J]

Bandit was the only rider I've met who made a convincing argument for his use of rear brake only...

I thought Bandit had a front brake lever under the clutch lever.

I know he is a VERY GOOD rider for only 1 arm.

I'd ride anywhere with him, anytime.

1st time I saw him riding was at an InZane, don't remember where, but it had to of been back East.  Like Poddy Koo Pa.

He came riding in for the slow ride, wow, talk about control over the Phat Gurl, he was in full control.  

[hubcapsc]

Bandit was the only rider I've met who made a convincing argument for his use of rear brake only...

I thought Bandit had a front brake lever under the clutch lever.

I know he is a VERY GOOD rider for only 1 arm.

I'd ride anywhere with him, anytime.

1st time I saw him riding was at an InZane, don't remember where, but it had to of been back East.  Like Poddy Koo Pa.

He came riding in for the slow ride, wow, talk about control over the Phat Gurl, he was in full control.  

I've seen him doing full-lock figure-8s...

-Mike

[Willow]

I thought Bandit had a front brake lever under the clutch lever.

He doesn't.  We used to joke about his good-as-new front rotors.

He is good.  He's been without that arm since about seven.  His parents never let him think of himself as handicapped.

[3fan4life]

I tend to use the rear a little more than the front, but not exclusively.

The only time that I avoid using the front brake is if I am on a dirt/gravel road.

The main thing IMO is this.  When something happens and you need to stop now.  Is the rear brake the first thing, if it is, you should retrain your reaction so fronts are first.

I have NO PROBLEM grabbing a "Handful" of front brake when I need to. 

[Dorkman]

I'm normally using both brakes, but there are two circumstances where only the rear brakes should be used.  The first is "trail braking" when one has entered a curve to fast and is already leaning the bike.  The second is when manovering at very low speeds while slipping the clutch.  The second use is a sign of experienced or well trained riders, not beginners.  The beginners are duck walking their bikes under these conditions.  The two circumstances are the reason I don't like linked brakes...

Ditto.... needing to brake in the middle of a curve is one instance where the "back brake only" technique is useful, as is  low speed maneuvering. Otherwise, using the front for control and stopping power as well is definitely the proper technique

Double Ditto.  Easiest way to dump a bike at low speed in a parking lot or dirt/gravel, in a slight turn is to stab the front brake.  New riders sometimes learn this lesson . . .

[art]

Try this. I was returning to Prescott ,Az. from socal some 11 years ago and practicing panic stops from various speeds. I decided to go 0-100 to 0 and time it. I had a clock on the handle bad clamp. Being out in the desert on a two lane deserted road I went for it. Second hand on the clock struck 12 and off I went. I got a little dizzy on take off since I normally have low blood pressure. I continued at WOT and perfect shifting to 100 and hit the breaks hard. No slipping and stopped with 19 seconds on the clock. Now everybody knows the 1/4 mile times for a stock valk 12-13 seconds. Anyway from 100 it was around 6 seconds to stop from 100. That's good braking for an 900 lb bike and rider. I dare anyone to try it.

[NW roller]

Some here know what I do for a living. Presidential motorcycle escort unit. I was alittle  bothered by when I read someone uses there rear brake in a turn if they go into fast. Some advice if you go into the turn properly (outside-inside-outside) if you think your going to fast and wont make it stand the bike back up and brake hard on both brakes. the bike is level and facing straight although in a turn should slow you down enough to look out the turn lean back over and make it. While riding in parades or doing the cone courses front brake not touched when bike is going less the 20 mph. Our 2013 HD have anti lock brakes and it is wonderful.  During training the brake and escape course was a breeze with the anti lock brakes. One more tip if you do lock the rear brake up keep it locked up till you stop. Letting it go and the wheel grabbing  traction again and a person having their handle bars cranked over steering through the skid is what causes a high side. Over the bars you will go. Also stabbing the front brake with the handle bars turn will toss you over them. Yes I have done both learned the hard way luckily while I was in training. Never rode till I joined police dept.

[hubcapsc]

stand the bike back up and brake hard on both brakes.

That's what they teach at the MSF course 

Avoiding catching traction from a slide while the bike is cocked sideways
is good advice too...

Yesterday I was thinking about how we'll probably all go down eventually
if we keep riding, and I haven't had my turn yet. But being on the bike was
where I wanted to be, even while "dodging slalom poles through the icy
twisties" on 215...

-Mike