Rider MOT/Service - are you left foot or right?

[Bri w]

Recently back to bikes after several year break So thought, what the hell why not go for a few refreshers.

And the instructor says;

"Good use of lifesaver and good observations."

"Typical old biker who never uses the rear brake cos you grew up when rear brake's were cr@p."

"You always use put your right foot down at junctions. Use your right foot for the brake and always put your left foot down." Aaaghh, i just can't get the hang of it.

Are you a right footer or a left footer?

Being short and a fan of taller bikes it usually depends on 'external factors' . And then I usually jiggle around like I need a wee

But I rarely use the rear brake when stopped unless on an incline or somesuch. I prefer to be ready to knock it into gear.

So are you supposed to shuffle your feet when you want to put it into gear or leave it in gear for the duration of the halt?

Use rear brake, snick it into neutral ,then once stopped use front brake top hold the bike steady IMO.

Originally Posted by petevtwin650

So are you supposed to shuffle your feet when you want to put it into gear or leave it in gear for the duration of the halt?

Use rear brake, snick it into neutral ,then once stopped use front brake top hold the bike steady IMO.

Thats what I got told to do but then recently have been told I'm doing it too early and coasting into the stop so now have to re-train myself to put it in neutral at the last minute, or put my right foot down.

Bri W - sounds like you are having lessons with someone who teaches DAS, as that's how I learnt to do it for my DAS test - whereas in advanced training they're trying to get me to do what you are doing!

is that what they call the Hendon shuffle?

i believe they teach to rest on the foot brake now due to rear end collisions at lights. means that you role forward rather than get an exhaust where you really should not!!

Das - teaches you to cover the rear brake
Advanced - Teaches you to cover the gear and hold on Front brake

Ideally you should be coming down through the gears as you slow down stopping using your rear brake putting your left foot down. Knocking it into neutral and then putting your right foot down.and holding the front brake

the main reason being so that if anyone does decided not to stop you can knock the bike into gear quickly and get yourself quickly and safely out of the situation. and if you don't think you have got enough time - believe me you do I've had to do it a red light!

You should do what is comfortable to you. A lond day noramlly means i put both down. however be mindful of your situation and at all time your safety.

[ogden]

I was taught to cover the rear brake while stopped. But I was also taught that the speed limit out of town is 60mph so lets not dwell on that too much.

I usually have my right foot down for the simple reason that it's less of a stretch to the ground. That might sound daft but when you consider the camber of most roads, the ground on the left will usually be further away than the ground on the right and sometimes it can be quite noticeable.

It also means I don't have to shuffle my feet before knocking it into first to win the traffic light grand prix.

[Bri w]

It is a CBT/DAS guy doing the refreshers. I've always feathered front brake(two fingers) and throttle whilst going down the box. Kept it in 1st at the junc unless there's a queue of traffic when i'd snick into neutral.

Not sure whether to perservere with a change or stick with what i'm used to, which has always worked for me.

Thank god i already have the full bike licence - he said i wouldn't pass the test without using back brake for slow speed control/manouvering.

Originally Posted by Bri w

It is a CBT/DAS guy doing the refreshers. I've always feathered front brake(two fingers) and throttle whilst going down the box. Kept it in 1st at the junc unless there's a queue of traffic when i'd snick into neutral.

thats the idea if you don't think you'll wait long

Not sure whether to perservere with a change or stick with what i'm used to, which has always worked for me.

try to incorporate the back brake it keeps the bike more stable at lower speeds but habits are hard to break - not sure how easy it is to control the back on a spill compared to front no doubt someone will tell me

Thank god i already have the full bike licence - he said i wouldn't pass the test without using back brake for slow speed control/manouvering.

The back brake is eaiser to use for control at slow speeds - i got taught to do both and i just found it easier as you can control the throttle /clutch smoother - but thats me

..