Several years ago a guy fell down in front of me on an exit ramp because he touched his front brake while on the ramp. He just got some scratches and bruises. His is speed was no more than 20-30 mph.
First time learning how to ride motorcycle
- Thread starter MetalSlug
- Start date
Several years ago a guy fell down in front of me on an exit ramp because he touched his front brake while on the ramp. He just got some scratches and bruises. His is speed was no more than 20-30 mph.
You need to achieve a legend status. Keep practicing.
I can guarantee he didn't just "touch" the front brake. He probably grabbed it abruptly. He may not even realized it, if he never practiced progressive braking and using one or two fingers on the lever, his body just reacted.
I've used my front brake in many situations while leaned over. But you do need to be super conscious of your actions and of course, I always ride well under by bike's limits.
Last edited:
There is so much misinformation posted here.I don't even know where to start. First of all, nobody on this board, nobody has front braking systems with the stopping power especially on a harley that I have. That's
Berenger calipers on ceramic rotors. On an inverted ohlins front end. That's ten thousand dollars cost. Every turn I make especially transitions on freeways at speed i am On that front brake. Transfers weight to the front tire. It is called trail breaking. Look it up. Many times until the apex and then I throttle out. As long as the road surface condition is good.
Next thing CC's of the motorcycle and lack of Horsepower.We'll get you killed. When you enter an intersection and a vehicle was to run the intersection.You want to have the power to throttle ahead of that vehicle..
Small Japanese motorcycles. are cheap there's a reason for that horse suspension. Lack of power and many times just poor geometry. Best thing to learn to ride a motorcycle. Is to ride with someone that won't put you over your head until you learn your skill set.
When I cross to the u s on seventy and eighty. I see where the danger lies. Such as hog rider groups. Is staggered and fifty feet apart. Traveling slow so they are being overtaken by vehicles. Absolutely no. When the motorcycle group is that far apart it leaves openings for vehicles to enter between the motorcycles break and exit or change lanes and that close the danger . When you see clubs running fast and tight.That keeps the vehicles from entering your group.
Berenger calipers on ceramic rotors. On an inverted ohlins front end. That's ten thousand dollars cost. Every turn I make especially transitions on freeways at speed i am On that front brake. Transfers weight to the front tire. It is called trail breaking. Look it up. Many times until the apex and then I throttle out. As long as the road surface condition is good.
Next thing CC's of the motorcycle and lack of Horsepower.We'll get you killed. When you enter an intersection and a vehicle was to run the intersection.You want to have the power to throttle ahead of that vehicle..
Small Japanese motorcycles. are cheap there's a reason for that horse suspension. Lack of power and many times just poor geometry. Best thing to learn to ride a motorcycle. Is to ride with someone that won't put you over your head until you learn your skill set.
When I cross to the u s on seventy and eighty. I see where the danger lies. Such as hog rider groups. Is staggered and fifty feet apart. Traveling slow so they are being overtaken by vehicles. Absolutely no. When the motorcycle group is that far apart it leaves openings for vehicles to enter between the motorcycles break and exit or change lanes and that close the danger . When you see clubs running fast and tight.That keeps the vehicles from entering your group.
There's a lot of misinformation out there about how to use the brakes. At one of the racing schools I've helped out with, they teach proper trail braking techniques. Techniques that the fastest riders in the world use. I trail brake into every corner, because if you're in a race it is the fastest way around a track, it also maintains the best control. Of course on the street you're not trying for a lower lap time, but you absolutely want the best control.
Here's Nick Ienatsch talking about trail braking:
Here's Nick Ienatsch talking about trail braking:
Here are a few videos of a buddy ( he was one of the original founders of the Yamaha Champ School, which Nick mentioned) who I've ridden and raced with, teaching his students about braking techniques he uses.
Great video. There you go.everybody is an expert till you meet one.
Oh yes, confuse the new rider with the most advanced and most difficult riding techniques because... racing. Makes total sense 
Oh yes, confuse the new rider with the most advanced and most difficult riding techniques because... racing. Makes total sense
Better to learn good practices from the start, than a bunch of bad habits that need to be overcome later.
02SE want to see some great racing? Watch" King of baggers" racing. All harley baggers racing.
You don't start off with advanced techniques, even the pro riders started off with basics. You guys are just full of yourselves. Not doubting your riding skills, but perhaps your advanced skill level is heavily affecting your view of what new riders should prioritize.
Trail braking is not it.
Here we go again. What are you talking about. After a twelve hour class for new riders with only ten hours riding experience. This is what it's exactly taught in the advanced class. If that is confusion.You have no reason to be automotorcycle.. Obviously these educational riding schools have no idea what they're doing according to you.Oh yes, confuse the new rider with the most advanced and most difficult riding techniques because... racing. Makes total sense
As I mentioned in my first post in this topic, I'm a Former MSF instructor. That is the basics. My only concern is that the OP learn the basics, and then continue to learn to become a very proficient and safer rider.
There was some advice in this thread to get all your braking done a straight line, as being on the brakes can cause the bike to want to stand up, and run wide. On each of our streetbikes, trail braking results in more control while heading toward the corner apex. You don't have to be racing or even riding fast, to appreciate more control. This was noted by Nick Ienatsch in one video, as he was quoting Kenny Roberts.
I recall a class that was helping teach. One guy came to the class with 30 years of riding experience. At the end of the class he stated that he thought he had 30 years of riding experience, but what he had was one year of bad habits, 30 times.
I've watched them in person. They're certainly having fun.
I have no contention with what you’re saying, other than claiming that trail braking is the basics. Not sure how you can come up to this conclusion given you were an instructor.
We should all be improving our skills and learning from people that do this professionally. My only point is that OP is not there yet and let’s not confuse him too much.
May I ask to confirm your expertise. what are your motorcycle instruction credentials? Who issued your credentials? Who has paid you and insured liability that you are giving proper instruction.
I said the MSF was the basics. I then said in my post you quoted: "My only concern is that the OP learn the basics, and then continue to learn to become a very proficient and safer rider."
Ok, that makes sense, thanks for clarifying. Looks like we’re in agreement after all
It's Harley versus Indian... have you been paying attention while watching it? Lol. Just having some fun but it's not "All Harley baggers racing".
You are absolutely correct Bonz . I can't look at those indians lol. Great bikes though. I'll be at Atlanta in April depending on how my two engines run at Daytona. Hope you make a race.
Similar threads
