Realize a harley dyna has more suspension travel than a sport bike. When I've ridden a sport bike.This suspension and transfer of weight is more linear than a harley do to less suspension travel. So on the harley there is a greater transfer of weight to the front tire in breaking. Just physics of the animal. Hope you understand a little more between sport bikes and harleys.
First time learning how to ride motorcycle
- Thread starter MetalSlug
- Start date
I started with a Honda Ruckus moped. Then upsized a few times: tried cruisers, dual sport, and maxiscooters. Found them to be quick and fun in their own way, but none of them were something I WANTED to ride.
So now I am back on a Vespa sized scooter. A 2012 Kymco Like 200i, despite its name it only has a 169cc engine. And it's a perfect fit for my errand runs or 70 mile work commute.
• Small nimble frame, which is fun on twisty roads or city traffic.
• Low center of gravity due to engine layout, which makes it even more flickable.
• 70-90MPG, 1.5gal fuel tank.
• 60MPH top speed, but I usually ride it at 40-45MPH.
• I pick the "No Highway" or "Bicycle only" routes on Google Maps, and that brings joyful scenery and fun experience to every ride. I learned roads that I never knew existed.
• I end up on roads less traveled by other people, which is much safer for me, as I get the whole road to myself.
• I got plenty of utilitarian storage for grocery/errand runs.
• On average it takes me 10-20% longer to get to my destination VS my car, but I arrive a lot happier on scooter VS a mostly boring car ride.
To each his own. Find what suits you best, and ignore the stereotypes. I notice great improvement in my mental health after I go for a ride, even on the challenging bad weather days. And if the fall is inevitable, then I'd rather fall at 45MPH on a scoot, then at 100-150MPH on a Harley, Ducati, Yamaha... Higher chances of survival
So now I am back on a Vespa sized scooter. A 2012 Kymco Like 200i, despite its name it only has a 169cc engine. And it's a perfect fit for my errand runs or 70 mile work commute.
• Small nimble frame, which is fun on twisty roads or city traffic.
• Low center of gravity due to engine layout, which makes it even more flickable.
• 70-90MPG, 1.5gal fuel tank.
• 60MPH top speed, but I usually ride it at 40-45MPH.
• I pick the "No Highway" or "Bicycle only" routes on Google Maps, and that brings joyful scenery and fun experience to every ride. I learned roads that I never knew existed.
• I end up on roads less traveled by other people, which is much safer for me, as I get the whole road to myself.
• I got plenty of utilitarian storage for grocery/errand runs.
• On average it takes me 10-20% longer to get to my destination VS my car, but I arrive a lot happier on scooter VS a mostly boring car ride.
To each his own. Find what suits you best, and ignore the stereotypes. I notice great improvement in my mental health after I go for a ride, even on the challenging bad weather days. And if the fall is inevitable, then I'd rather fall at 45MPH on a scoot, then at 100-150MPH on a Harley, Ducati, Yamaha... Higher chances of survival
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It saved me when a rear tire popped while in a blind turn at 50MPH. A butt puckering moment for sure, but thankfully countersteering instincts kept me upright until I stopped in the grass.
If the rear tire is in the air, any braking happening at the point is being done 100% by the front brake. That is irrefutable. If the rear tire is in the air, it isn't contributing any braking effect. Hopefully that is understood.
At this point I think you just like to argue.
I've ridden lots of cruisers. What I said is that I've never ridden a heavy cruiser that could do a stoppie.
For heaven's sakes, you are talking MotoGP racing. With the top 20 riders in the world, the best tires in the world and the best equipment in the world. How does that relate to Street riding? When was the last time you saw a rider deliberately raising the rear wheel going into a corner, in every corner on the street? That's something you do regularly, or is it like an armchair quarterback where it's easy to talk about but really can't be done by the person talking in the way it's used as an example.
Folks aren't making stuff up on the fly, you're looking for holes in a statement or information that was shared in good faith and are consistent in building a reputation for homing in on where you can be right, what's up with that?
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CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Yes take the class. Take an advanced class when you are ready. Most states require it to get a license anyway.
Bad habits form early, and some who think they know it all just continue the bad habits not knowing they are.
They will teach you about using both brakes correctly.
I took a riding class after already riding for 20 years. It was helpful as it makes one more aware of things.
Guy asks if he should take a new rider class and BITOG argues about professional racing and stoppies like any of it is relevant.
Edit. 
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I was not the one that claimed that unless the rear tire is in the air, you’re not braking 100%.
But sure, blame me for pointing out BS when I see it.
It's very important to get into the habit of looking the direction you want to go. Actually turn your head just before you turn. My instructor actually passed/failed you on this point and he hammered it relentlessly. It helps your body sync up with the bike and it's a good idea to put your eyes on the path before you turn onto it. Lots of people like to pull up to the intersection with their car centered on the road versus being in their own lane. A lot of folks also love to stop just after they've made a turn. When you see this ahead of time, you can adjust for it instead of having to make a panic move when it's almost too late.
Also, don't be afraid to lean with the bike.
Also, don't be afraid to lean with the bike.
Ride like you are invisible because that is what you are to most drivers. Absolutely lean with the bike make it a part of you when you ride and keep your eyes way out there. Rode all kinds for 27 years until I was walking on the sidewalk and fell on frozen fog and broke my left hip. My replacement joint was rated for 250lbs so I had to sell my 1500 Goldwing.
Winner ...
I was not the one that claimed that unless the rear tire is in the air, you’re not braking 100%.
But sure, blame me for pointing out BS when I see it.
So please enlighten us as to what percentage of the overall stopping power is being contributed by the rear tire/brake, while it is in the air...
I will quote your original claim again, that started this whole exchange, now you’re back peddling and trying to change its meaning.So please enlighten us as to what percentage of the overall stopping power is being contributed by the rear tire/brake, while it is in the air...
Nope, try again.
I think the problem is that you misunderstood what I said.
If the rear tire is off the ground, then the front brake is contributing 100% of stopping power. Which is what I said.
Bottom line is that you misunderstood what I said. Period.
You're creating your own misery. He was not making BS statements, that's going 0 to 60 pretty fast. It's a matter of the context. While that's open to interpretation, drawing a hard line in the sand and calling it BS is a bit, if not a lot, of overreacting and wanting to be right instead of understanding nuance. If only one tire is on the ground, it is doing 100% of the braking, no matter whether that is actually 70% of what the bike can provide with the front wheel only or whether it is actually 100%. It's not hard to understand, let's throw out the olive branch and tone it down eh?I was not the one that claimed that unless the rear tire is in the air, you’re not braking 100%.
But sure, blame me for pointing out BS when I see it.
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Don’t you mean 60-0 with the rear wheel up?
As far as extending an olive branch, didn’t you jump on me for bringing up MotoGP? You say it’s a matter of context, but you yourself missed the context of it, as I wasn’t the one to bring up stoppies and braking until the rear wheel lifts up.
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P.S. unless you're buying a new bike, replace the pads, fluid, and rotors, if they're tough or thin. After getting your brakes into optimum condition, go out in an empty parking lot and practice panic stops. Learning how to apply progressive pressure on the front brake is vital to an effective and safe stop. Some people don't learn the concept immediately, as evidenced by how many people dropped their bikes in my riding class. Slamming the front brake is a no-no and learning how to modulate it can make the difference between a quick stop and a lay down...something that, despite what you see in the movies, is not what you ever want to do.
Please don't be one of those guys that only uses the rear brake.
Please don't be one of those guys that only uses the rear brake.
Did you really write what you just said above after doing this two pages ago? Possibly I missed the context of both of the posts.Oh yes, confuse the new rider with the most advanced and most difficult riding techniques because... racing. Makes total sense
If you're only using the front brake lever, then it doesn’t matter if the rear wheel is in the air, on the ground or gone altogether, the front brake is contributing 100% of the stopping power.
Your arguments simply don’t make sense, but you insist I misinterpreted your post when it’s quite clear it’s not the case.
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