Front or Rear Brake - Which one to avoid the crash?

[@MikaelLewisify]

I can’t believe this is even up for debate by anyone. Thank you for clarifying for those who don’t know.

[@robertmann6890]

Dragging the rear break has been a game changer for me on U turns. Also love the high visibility gear in the video. I wear a bright orange jacket myself. Also noticed the blind spot mirrors. I have a split vision mirror which looks cool but doesn’t help with blind spots. I put blind spot mirrors on them. What a difference.

[@cheifreal]

Same here, now I just wip any bike I'm on around not even thinking bout it. Ride on man.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

I can u turn easy zero brakes once I reach turning speed, sounds like you need to slow before even attempting turn if you are braking in u turn

[@GadgetMart]

@@RT22-pb2ppSounds like you know nothing at all about riding.

[@TheScrumdown]

YES. Depends on the situation which one is used, how hard or not at all.

[@topherdalrymple6535]

I use both front and rear brake all the time. When i first got my bike i took it out on the paved back roads and practiced emergency braking until i ingrained it in my memory.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

practice and finding limits in safe area key

[@ridelikeaproarkansas7511]

Great content Kevin. Practicing braking will save your life on the road.

[@Apollo949]

Although you've covered this subject before it's an important reminder for staying safe.

[@stephensowell9578]

Thanks for that; I'm a front breaker, maybe because my first motorcycle had no rear brakes. It was an Allstate 65 w/suzuki rear wheel. I was 12 and paid $15 for it, only off-road. Lately, I started using rear brakes more. Your video today defined the terms of what I want to accomplish. I dragged the rear slowly and on wet pavement and realized the back and front made more braking power. Watching today will motivate me to perfect this part of riding safely.

[@AimeeFellwock1122]

New rider.. Still learning but I try to use both brakes most of the time. I do drag the rear at slow speed turns, which helps alot. I still struggle with diving the front end with the front brake at the end of a stop. Rookie move!

[@MyLife-og2kr]

Had a problem with diving the front end when it comes to stops. All I gotta say is slow controls. You might even need to start to stop sooner than you normally would to make the stop smoother. Feel your motorcycle. Be your motorcycle. Lol

[@chiefjoseph8154]

My story: Group ride, man to my front left (staggered) position went down @ 70 mph. I don’t remember how I stopped or why I didn’t go down. I’m giving credit to the class I took for advanced riders. It all happened in a split second. (The rider walked away with minor injuries) ATGATT.

[@michiganborn8303]

Main reason why I won't do groups.

[@cloudhand8]

😢

[@46rrodriguez]

wow you don't remember what you did in the emergency. Looks like your guardian angel took over your mind to save you you were lucky. I remember all emergencies very well mostly the one when oncoming was heading on me

[@RT22-pb2pp]

yes it has to be instinct not a thought process riding classes best thing any rider even olkde r seasoned riders need to take I took beginner race class after riding for yrs, best time and money ever spent

[@46rrodriguez]

@@RT22-pb2pp it's not instinct it's muscle memory developed over the years of the riding. The mind must be present it's like slow mo process you wouldn't believe how much time you have in couple of seconds and you can buy more time with hard braking. I think the people who say the whole life flashed in front their eyes didn't do much to save themselves. Every circumstances are different but we can't rely on the luck we have to help the luck

[@DavidPritchard-i7x]

The only trouble with trail breaking in this area is that there are lots of poor road surfaces, farms with farm mud and muck, gravel (usually in the corner), so after a recent minor crash (no serious injuries), I am very wary of using trail braking. Probably ok on clean, well maintained roads. The front brake adds traction when moving into a corner UNLESS you don't have a solid, flat road surface. I know this has been a heavily disputed topic in the past and I respect other folks point of view but the old method of taking a corner at a slow enough speed may be safer in some circumstances. In recent years the roads here in Cumberland UK have been neglected, so the surfaces have all sorts of ridges, pot holes, dangerous undulations, badly placed or maintained "road furniture" (drains, man hole covers) so perhaps this isn't a typical example but I can understand now why the older technique was employed in training schools. It is worse on a scooter than a motorbike with larger wheels.

[@thedude2601]

Good vid. I step on the rear first hoping for the antilocks to kick in, drop a gear and roll off the throttle while maximizing the front brake. Thanks!

[@michiganborn8303]

Even though my '20 Road Glide Special has linked brakes, I still use them both out of habit of riding older bikes that didn't have it.

[@fransjoe]

I use both brakes all the time, once I get to 5 mph or less, I let go of the front and finish my stop with the rear

[@cheifreal]

Ive used both brakes since i was 5 on a honda monkey 50cc back in 1978. Dad taght me to use both. I learned hard way when not to use the front. Trial and error was/is my best teacher. That beeing said listening and practicing what this channel and some others has made me a much safer and therefore better rider. Ive been riding 45 years come nov 13 and learning more in last 5 years than i learned in the previous 40. Feel much more confedent than ever. When i was young i was cocky and indestructible in my grandiose mind making me dangerous.

[@rowlinstoned3715]

Amen! Emergency comes and u grab both brakes because muscle memory keeps u alive! Great video man. Too many riders never touch front brakes.

[@DonkeyGap750K3Gixxer]

I ride a gsxr so im often on sport bike forums and I often hear guys saying they very rarely if ever use the rear brake & no one ever had to tell me to use both brakes & I learned how much pressure to apply or not to apply simply by the way a bike responds-please wear full quality gear & be blessed & safe🤙

[@markosborne9558]

a very excellent lesson. I only use 2 fingers for front brake lever. you dont want to panic and grab a handful. build the habit and be conscious of how you use it and how much you apply. New sport bike buyers, spend a bit more for ABS version. In a hard stop, the Non ABS stand on the front wheel. I've been riding since 1972.

[@murraehaynes3182]

Nicely stated…trail braking also shortens rake and trail, letting the motorcycle turn quicker

[@masonmax1000]

indeed. anyone that disagrees doesn't know what they talking about

[@LTVoyager]

@@masonmax1000Or they ride a BMW with telelever and paralever ER suspension. 😁

[@clay1883]

100% agree that linked braking (and/or ABS) does not negate the need to use BOTH brakes to stop. Linked braking systems only apply one piston of the rear brake when using the front lever, and only the left front caliper when using the rear pedal. (referencing '01 thru '17 Wing). BUT...I hear you talking about dragging the rear brake for slow speed and turns but you don't address the linked brake system. In my opinion, the linked brake works against you for this. Just as you said, using the front brake with the handlebars turned is a quick trip to the asphalt.

[@UnderestimatedA1]

A1 did my first motorcycle oil change the other day good times

[@TennRides]

I agree, practicing correctly will help build muscle memory and we will react the way we have practiced. I hear so many people say, "Practice makes perfect." That is NOT true. Practice can make permanent, but perfect practice makes perfect. When we practice the way we want to, and should, react in a situation, when it happens we will react however we practice, good or bad.

[@thatguy8005]

This depends, riding bikes I always did power slides with the rear break. If I need the rear end to swing, I’ll use the rear break. If I’m trying to stop, I’ll use most front some rear.

[@bubbaj6929]

Slow mph speeds the rear brake is beneficial with turns while modulating the throttle and clutch.

[@chonkyb3134]

Good training; thanks…

[@thomasheer825]

Simply how many times do you hear "I laid it down to stop quicker". Was a MSF instructor and without a doubt they ALWAYS laid it down on the Right Side, gee the rear brake peddle is on the Right Side. Think about it. Use both brakes all the time, and with the Goldwing that is automatic as on the GL1500 you have one disk, on the front tied directly to the rear brake. But on that tank you need all the stopping power you can get.

[@boydjohnson5062]

So much to practice and learn. How will I EVER get there?

[@kvguitarist]

In low speeds, only rear never front. But in good speed or high speeds, always combined braking - begin braking with rear, but end with front. Meaning gradually release rear brake while gradually pressing in the front like a firm handshake. (even in panic situations hence practice is absolutely necessary) Panic situation is NOT EQUAL to Panic braking. Rather the contrary, panic situation always requires fast reflex but controlled braking.

[@robertarton6141]

I have learned so much from You and Dan Dan the Fireman 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@kcpl8er]

Always watch for sand and gravel in the road , front braking in sand or gravel can cause a tank slapper

[@seay302]

Both equally!

[@JetCooper3D]

Perfect explanation. Appreciate your guidance and wisdom. Thank you.

[@darrinleazer6784]

If you use your rear brake to much and even use your front brakes only you stand causing the brake calipers to get extremely hot, which can eventually warp the brake calipers. I find that out the hard way, and when I got to my friend's place, the rear brake caliper was absolutely so hot, you could not put your hand on it. He told me that if I kept using only one brake it would eventually warp the brake calipers. So' it's always better to use both front and rear brakes at the same time. Which I have always heard that it helps the brakes to wear down even.

[@wuffa4503]

you mean the rotor,,the rotor warps if gotten too hot,,not the calipers

[@darrinleazer6784]

@@wuffa4503 yeah' I went back and saw that. Appreciate you correcting me

[@jamescampolo7824]

I use my front and rear brake with attention to the condition of the surface of the road.

[@LTVoyager]

I use both brakes all of the time whether I want to or not. My linked brakes ensure that. 😁

[@johnmagnus1016]

Sometimes when you use all front and rear breaking you have at highway speed and a pickup truck darts across the road in front of you it's not enough. Totaled the Uulcan and put me out of service for 11 months. Don't know how any other braking procedure could have avoided this issue!

[@derekm6236]

Don't the one brake brigade (particularly the rear brake only), realise that their car or truck uses both front & rear every time they brake??

[@stevemoore9951]

GREETINGS FROM THE PPRC GREAT INFORMATION ON BRAKES.🇺🇸🇺🇸🏍️

[@123edwardzpad]

I really, really, really, like your videos. Thank you.

[@MCrider]

Happy to hear that!

[@bubbaj6929]

On most motorcycles, the front brakes gives you 80% of your stopping power. A seasoned rider will use either to prevent an accident. It all depends on the situation. Parking lot, road, or highway.

[@davidbeattie4294]

I'm going to disagree with use of the rear brake in a panic stop. The front brake is your primary stopping tool. In an emergency you will be applying the front brake hard, unweighting the rear end making it extremely easy to lock up the rear wheel, instantly losing control. Learn to get the most out of the front brake and train yourself not to jab for the rear wheel lock'em up peddle. Find a safe spot and practice. In an emergency you want to focus on doing two things only, applying maximum stopping power to the front brake and steering to avoid the problem. The rear is fine for low speed, gentle stops and parking lot control. Keep the shiny side up!!

[@STho205]

Track sport bikes: front brakes HC Cruisers: rear foot pedal brake Dirt bikes: one or the other depending on which cool slide will impress the witnesses. Standard or naked bikes: both brakes all the time

[@MCrider]

All bikes: both brakes unless stipulated in this video.

[@STho205]

@@MCrider you don't get satire do you K? That's the stereotypes. BTW you are really only talking to the standard bikers as from comments they are 95% of your audience. The others watch Motostars, Motojitzu, Yammie, Shadetree Surgeon or dirt bike technique and stunt vloggers. Preachjng to the chior.

[@OilCanHarry2U]

It’s pretty hard to pick up satire in the comment sections of KZbin…you provided no context.

[@harryhowell5644]

Harley Davidson touring bikes have linked brakes, so it applies both front and rear after 30 mph. It also has anti lock brakes😮

[@filtonkingswood]

What do you think about linked brakes?

[@paulstanley3265]

Well my link breaks on my scooter works good but if you want to stop fast you have to use both breaks

[@bubbaj6929]

The best situation is more an elimination of eye focus not not braking. Eye fixation leads you to an accident.

[@NeilFLiversidge]

Your videos are great. I'm 60 and have ridden on-road since I was 17, off-road from age 7. You give the technical reasoning behind the stuff I've been doing all my life without any thought as to the physics behind it. I never knew trail braking was called trail braking - I've just always done it!

[@marathon8649]

My sportster rear brake is very soft, I think it's by design.

[@grabbag6314]

Probably the reason a lot of bikes have drum brakes on the rear, like my Suzuki c50t

[@RossGoneRogue]

​@@grabbag6314 I have to mash my rear to make it lock up as well with a rear drum. Makes me wonder a bit why some of the metric cruisers have started making disc brakes in the rear. Example being the Shadow has always had a rear drum, but the new models have a rear disc now; maybe it's because they have ABS now.

[@grabbag6314]

@@RossGoneRogue🎯

[@omarsalgado9715]

It sure feels soft, nonetheless it can lock up the rear tire.

[@grantodaniel7053]

​@@RossGoneRogue The rear disc brake on my '15 Victory Vegas tended to lock up fairly easily, but I feel it's better to have a more powerful brake and just be more gentle with it. 👍🇦🇺

[@jmead6121]

both but ,,depends

[@intrepid01QC]

Always both brake for me ... and only the rear when I play in the cones

[@loopertrooper6671]

Had a Harley rider tell me I was an idiot for using my front brake. He said if I used my front brake I would ‘flip over and crash in the dumbest way possible.’ Said he ‘never replaced front brake pads in his entire life.’ They’re out there.

[@1767SR]

The early comments on this video certainly reinforce the fact that that this topic needs to be covered.

[@LTVoyager]

Very true. The lack of understanding the physics of braking is exceeded only by the lack of understanding of the physics of counter steering.

[@1767SR]

@@LTVoyager and both are only exceeded by the percentage of people who insist on using the word “break” in place of “brake” 😆

[@LTVoyager]

@@1767SR 😂 I agree, but have given up on that one. The general literacy level of our population seems to decline every year.

[@OilCanHarry2U]

I like brakes.

[@DustinJones-s4y]

Front brake for emergencies only. Unless you like to crash.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

So many bikes come with antilock brakes so this won't be an issue anymore

[@critterIMHO]

With today’s excellent ABS systems, why not just link the brakes and get maximum stopping power every time.

[@VState60]

Front brake is all that matters at speed. But great video & topic!

[@MCrider]

It is still only 70 to 90% of your stopping power...not 100%

[@LTVoyager]

Nope, speed doesn’t matter. Deceleration rate is what matters as to how effective the rear brake will be.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

Both are fine if you know when and how to use them, if not both will kill you just like throttle, double edge sword. My advice quit watching stupid videos and take a riding class NOW

[@fredstraw]

I hardly use breaks on my bike or car no need to if you read the road ahead

[@beepbop6697]

Sure, depends on pace and road conditions, separation from traffic, hazards, etc. I can ride 100+ miles without touching the brakes. However, when you must brake, you need to know the proper techniques, and how to brake in the various situations, and practice those techniques: coming to a stop, emergency braking, slowing in a curve if you entered it too fast, u-turns, ...