Front Brake - Rear Brake?

Just been on SVRider.com and found an interesting thread about front versus back brake.

As I am new to riding and still trying to get some confidence I would welcome some advice on what the general opinions are on brake use. When I did my DA, the teaching was to use the front brake for everything (including emergency stops) except slow speed and U-turns.

I must admit, since getting the SV I have got out of the habit of using the back brake, which I know I must re-learn. I am just looking for advice on what sort of percentage people use and also how much engine braking people use.

Also, I would like advice on any pitfalls on using brakes. I already know about not using them in turns. Learnt that one on my DA

Link to the SVRider.com thread attached below.

Thanks for your time.

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=81370

Instructor told me to use back then front. Never front on its on. Good idea to start using back more its more forgiving than the front.
Just remember to use them, check wear regularly and don't scrimp on replacements. YOU NEED UM!!!!

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Stradders

When I did my DA, the teaching was to use the front brake for everything (including emergency stops) except slow speed and U-turns.

Thats what I was taught and thats how I ride. If you're new to riding I'd stick with what your instructor taught you and get some miles under your belt and then start experimenting and find something you are comfortable with.

You will stop faster if you use the front and back brakes together though.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Thats what I was taught and thats how I ride. If you're new to riding I'd stick with what your instructor taught you and get some miles under your belt and then start experimenting and find something you are comfortable with.

You will stop faster if you use the front and back brakes together though.

Spot on.

I use the back brake a fair bit actually, more in the wet as it holds the bike more composed. I tend to use it a lot for slow speed filtering, anybody who has tried this will understand, plus the higher revs makes you heard a bit more.

In the dry, well thats mainly to keep the front wheel down on the 750 but it is very handy for high speed tight turns and of course to help straighten up when aiming for an apex on fast approaches.

Originally Posted by SHStroller68

Instructor told me to use back then front. Never front on its on. Good idea to start using back more its more forgiving than the front.

I would immediately disregard what your instructor said- but the back brake is useful to me, I have to try and actively use it more, I'm just to just balancing everything on the front.

Originally Posted by SHStroller68

Instructor told me to use back then front. Never front on its own.

Hmmm... for novices to moderately skilled riders I would say the following is more applicable, as advised by the police out riders (not your dozy motorcycle copper).

In the wet - Yes
Slow speed - Yes
In the dry at moderate to fast speeds - No, use the front as it is the primary brake.

Originally Posted by SHStroller68

Instructor told me to use back then front. Never front on its on. Good idea to start using back more its more forgiving than the front.
Just remember to use them, check wear regularly and don't scrimp on replacements. YOU NEED UM!!!!

I am amazed you passed with an istructor that dumb!! Why do you think the front of the bike has the two big discs and two calipers?? because they are meant to be used more than the rear.

Wasn't there a thread last week or two about all this???

Originally Posted by Stradders

Just been on SVRider.com and found an interesting thread about front versus back brake.

As I am new to riding and still trying to get some confidence I would welcome some advice on what the general opinions are on brake use. When I did my DA, the teaching was to use the front brake for everything (including emergency stops) except slow speed and U-turns.

I must admit, since getting the SV I have got out of the habit of using the back brake, which I know I must re-learn. I am just looking for advice on what sort of percentage people use and also how much engine braking people use.

Also, I would like advice on any pitfalls on using brakes. I already know about not using them in turns. Learnt that one on my DA

Link to the SVRider.com thread attached below.

Thanks for your time.

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=81370

stick to what he taught you.

[Biker Biggles]

Dont know if it is different now but it used to be that you failed the test if you didnt use both brakes for the emergency stop.
Maybe I misunderstood what your instructor meant?
As for the question,the front brake is for stopping power,and the rear helps a bit,but is mainly for control and stability.I would advocate using both brakes,thus training yourself to ease on both controls without grabbing or stamping.As this becomes second nature progressive braking happens naturally and you dont have to think too much about it.