Do you use your Back brake?

I can't actually remember the last time I used the rear brake on a bike.
I use the engine to brake the rear.

Is this usual or unusual?

Carl

[tigersaw]

I use it a great deal, its on gently for the first half of every roundabout as I go round before I see the exit. probably bad technique, I was taught this way 30 years ago, dunno if it keeps a bit of load on the engine, settles the suspension or does nothing at all but old habits die hard.

I was taught to use the back brake quite a lot, especially at slow speeds. I then got into the habit of constantly using the back brake. However I have since been advised that it should be about 70% front and 30% back brake, so I'm still trying to get out of the habit of over using the back brake.

Anything below about 10mph and I solely use the Back Brake. I was taught this while learning and I have to agree in slow moving traffic it keeps the bike more stable. Plus in an Emergency stop the back brake comes on practically straight after the front brake has been applied. Again I was taught this while learning and it seems to be the best system.

I can see how people live without the back brake though. I guess I had a good teacher who left his mark on me!

Korben

I always use mine especially when filtering its the easiest way to weave your way through trafic while using the clutch aswell.

If its a case that I have to brake on a bend(which I try advoid like the plauge) I`ll only use the back brake.
Grab that front too hard while leaned over and bye bye bike

I sure do. all the time at very low speeds/traffic light/filtering.

Something to try...

...get some cones/markers etc. ride along at say 40-50 and at the marker hit the front brake. mark the distance you stopped in.

Do the same again but this time use front and back brakes - you'll be surprised just how much your stopping distance has shortened.

I never use mine, except when i'm stopped at lights and junctions.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by stuartyboy

I sure do. all the time at very low speeds/traffic light/filtering.

+ 1

Also when I've really really cocked up and need to stop quickly. It does help in those situations, but you need to practice using it effectively.

[Viney]

everyday. People who dont, obviously dont ride in london

Use it all the time.
Especially < 10 mph whilst filtering, maneuvering etc. (as others have said).

Also need to use it on track on the SV.
Have ridden a CBR600RR on track and didn't need to touch the rear brake.