First long ride and a few thoughts

Originally Posted by specialone

Sorry dude, I completely disagree, if your rear tyre is on the ground, it has to help shed speed off quicker than just front brake alone.

As a fairly new rider, in an emergency on an SV without ABS, I'm certain I'd stop in a shorter distance concentrating on braking progressively and firmly on the front brake and forgetting the rear than I would trying to moderate 2 separate brakes; especially considering the rear needs the pressure to be progressively reduced as the weight transfers forward. Not to mention locking the back brake puts you in a skid which at worst could send the bike down the road and at best will extend your braking distance as you try to get it back under control.

Even on a modern bike with ABS getting too attached to the rear brake is asking for trouble IMHO.

[BanannaMan]

Originally Posted by SvNewbie

As a fairly new rider, in an emergency on an SV without ABS, I'm certain I'd stop in a shorter distance concentrating on braking progressively and firmly on the front brake and forgetting the rear than I would trying to moderate 2 separate brakes

That would be dead wrong mate.
Having a rear brake is not a manufacturer's flaw.
If you can't use it properly you need to work on your riding skills.
It's on there for a reason!
Not being able to use it only lengthens your stopping time and puts your life and others more at risk.


Try using both brakes all the time until you get used to it.


If your brake fluid needs changing this will also contribute to the ease of the brakes locking up.
Especially the rear. If your brake fluid is any colour other than almost clear, it needs changing. (front and rear)
Makes unbelievable difference in brake feel and stopping power.



Although I'm certain one day all bikes will have abs, I like being able to slide the rear tyre.
Sliding the rear around and then heading off in another direction has saved my life more than once on the street.

Do instructors not teach you how to do emergency stops any more?

You should absolutely be using both brakes, with more bias to the front in dryer conditions - roughly 70/30. ABS doesn't change that, except for giving you a safety blanket. If you're not confident doing that, then you need to go somewhere quiet and practice until you're happy.

Originally Posted by orose

Do instructors not teach you how to do emergency stops any more?

You should absolutely be using both brakes, with more bias to the front in dryer conditions - roughly 70/30. ABS doesn't change that, except for giving you a safety blanket. If you're not confident doing that, then you need to go somewhere quiet and practice until you're happy.

Exactly mate, it was how I was taught anyhow, in fact, my instructor demonstrated on the car park the stopping distances using front only, rear only then both brakes, putting cones out where the bike came to a stop, quite surprising the difference actually.

Oh dear! This thread is slowly turning to another major debate.

My instructor certainly taught me to use both brakes, but always stressed that the back brakes only required a light touch.

As a new rider, you'll definitely lock up at least once; at least in my own experience. Happened to me on the M1 when I had to stop quickly a few weeks after passing my test; believe me, it hasn't happened to me since then.

It's all about getting to know your bike and your bike's limits.......also knowing your own limits; these things bring confidence.

I ride in London, so I use the back brakes a lot while filtering at slow speed; however when I get on the motorway, I consciously remind myself to use less pressure on the back brakes........and it's slowly becoming second nature.

[Fallout]

I'm not disagreeing with anyone on the value of the rear brake, but its all bike, rider and situation dependant. In an a emergency stop I want to stop as quickly and safely as possible. I agree the rear brake would help slow you down quicker, but do I really want to be fannying about with applying the right amount of pressure to get maximum slow down without locking the rear and crashing? No I don't. In the moment of panic, I don't want to complicate the situation with another thought process, especially one which could make matters worse if i get it wrong. I'm sure you could practice emergency stops from different speeds and on different surfaces/conditions and make the correct amount of rear brake usage second nature, but now many riders are actually going to do that?

I use the rear brake on the Tiger for lots of situations. It doesn't go unused and it definitely has a purpose, especially for fine control and riding on loose surfaces. I just think anyone who hasn't learnt the limits of the back brake would be better off ignoring it in emergencies until they have. The whole 70/30 thing is a meaningless figure since that obviously changes the more weight is up front (under heavy braking), or when you have a pillion, if you're going up or down steep hills etc.

Getting it right is a skill in itself and its a skill I personally don't have down well enough to call upon in a panic braking situation on my non ABS bikes.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by KobayashiMaru

[*]When going slower my wrists hurt after a while. I'm 6"1 but I am a new rider so I may get used to it. When I'm past 50mph it's not a problem.

You have probably forgotten to grip the bike with your knees/ thighs and therefore holding on too tightly with your hands. Grip the bike and relax the hands wrists so you are only applying say 2/10ths grip on the bars. Your stomach muscles will hold you leaning forward until you are going fast enough for the air pressure to take over. It will come with time.

Pete

And excellent weather for it all at the moment too!

Originally Posted by KobayashiMaru

I need a louder horn. Do they do Stebel's for bikes?

Yup, the stock horn is weedy and yes, they do - sort of!
Clicky
Needs some modification of the horn, some tube, a relay etc. but really, really worth it. And when it's done you'll be saying "my that's loud"... or words to that effect.

Have fun!

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by KobayashiMaru

• A few corners, normally slower ones I found myself washing wide. If it was a car I'd say under steering. Need to think about this.

this is possibly 'corner fixation' and quite common for new riders. go do a google search and have a read.


take it easy and learn the slow stuff first then progress your skills. the biggest cause of crashing is riders that are not capable but think they are and when presented with a situation don't know what to do and panic.

Thanks I will do. If I was to get the fluid changed along with braided hoses and better pads, how much would it cost at a garage to do? Reckon I could change pads myself but don't really want to start messing about with brake fluid.

I'm off all next week, Monday looking good weather wise so I'll be venturing further North to explore the roads there a bit more. Used to do the EVO triangle and Horseshoe Pass regularly at one point. At least once a month I'd take the vRS up for a run. Will be nice to see what it's like on the bike.