How much do you use the rear brake?

I use it when I've come to a total holt, as a cover to make sure I'm not rolling anywhere, and I use it when riding on slimy, greasy roads, but only very carefully.

I never think to use the rear brake, sometimes at traffic lights/hilly junctions etc so i dont roll anywhere but other than that i just never think to use it, everytime i get on the bike i always tell myself to use the rear to try and get into using it but i always find that once ive set off ive forgot about it.

[Biker Biggles]

With everything set up right,and a grippy front tyre,on a grippy dry road,and a well above average rider on a non cruiser type bike you stop quicker using just the front.In the real world best results are obtained using both brakes,biassed in various amounts towards front in most conditions.
Its all about how much weight and hence grip remains on the rear tyre.If you have ideal conditions all the weight is on the front so there is no grip available for rear braking.Us mortals on greasy roads need both.

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

With everything set up right,and a grippy front tyre,on a grippy dry road,and a well above average rider on a non cruiser type bike you stop quicker using just the front.In the real world best results are obtained using both brakes,biassed in various amounts towards front in most conditions.
Its all about how much weight and hence grip remains on the rear tyre.If you have ideal conditions all the weight is on the front so there is no grip available for rear braking.Us mortals on greasy roads need both.

Sorry, i cannot see how that can be possible, my instuctor showed me the difference between the brakes and how effective they are, the shortest stopping distance was acheived with both brakes.

If the front is loaded, admittedly the rear will be lighter, but unless its off the ground it has got to be quicker with both brakes being applied, its physics.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by specialone

Sorry, i cannot see how that can be possible, my instuctor showed me the difference between the brakes and how effective they are, the shortest stopping distance was acheived with both brakes.

Thing is, its requires technique to do that. You cant just jamb on both brakes, you'll either go over the bars, or lock up the back wheel.

There was an article in T.W.O. ages ago which basically said, that most riders will stop quicker with just the front, because when they try to use the back as well it confuses them or they focus to much on using the back and dont use the front as effectively. Especially beginners.

You are right you'll stop quicker with both, but it takes practise you learn to use them together effectively.

Which is what I think Biker Biggles was getting at.

I dont understand why people say they only use the front - surely both is going to stop you quicker? More braking force and all that.

Esp for track riding, everyone always just seems to advocate the front.

Someone please elaborate?

I use mine how I was taught.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by hongman

I dont understand why people say they only use the front - surely both is going to stop you quicker? More braking force and all that.

Esp for track riding, everyone always just seems to advocate the front.

Someone please elaborate?

I use mine how I was taught.

Its the risk of being spat off if you lock up the rear on track and all the weight goes forward under race braking

Originally Posted by TSM

more of guidence rather than it should be

no mate-traffic examiner was forever shouting in our ear if we were using front brakes under 20-they look for that during your test-by all means once course was over majority revert back to front brake useage most of the time, but as a police biker i find the slow speed manouvaribilty(sp) control while using the back brake vastly improved and alot smoother when bringing to a halt(using front until down to 20 then rearafter).
each to there own

[Biker Biggles]

Originally Posted by specialone

Sorry, i cannot see how that can be possible, my instuctor showed me the difference between the brakes and how effective they are, the shortest stopping distance was acheived with both brakes.

If the front is loaded, admittedly the rear will be lighter, but unless its off the ground it has got to be quicker with both brakes being applied, its physics.

That is right,for most riders in most conditions both brakes will slow you down quicker.But under ideal conditions like on a track with a good rider putting maximum force through the front brake will reduce the rear tyres contact weight on the road to the extent that it will provide no braking traction.You can see it on race bikes as they lift the rear wheel off the road under heavy braking.Even when the wheel is still on the road it cant be braked because it has no effective grip.

[L3nny]

I think they put the rear brake on my bike as a bit of an afterthought. It does absolutely nothing above 20 mph. The front brakes however are amazing and can do some serious nad damage when used properly!!

I think of the rear brake like a handbrake on a car, just use it for hill starts etc.