No Front Brake Chopper: Is It For You?

Whether or not you should remove the front brake on your chopper is a question almost every chopper rider will ask themselves at one point or another. But HOW do you make the decision?
In this video I'll give you the pros, cons, thought process and procedure for deciding on whether it's the right move for you and your chopper.
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Chapters
Intro 0:00-0:21
The Big Question 0:22-0:44
The Two Camps 0:45-1:23
Why We Do It 1:24-5:00
Why You Might Not Do It 5:01-6:36
The Agreement We Make 6:37-8:52
When To Remove It 8:53-11:05
The Jockey Shift Conundrum 11:06-14:16
The Thrill Of It 14:17-16:06
Your Next Lesson 16:07-16:39

[@PincheBuzo]

Heh " I was broke." That right there is the building block of most "deleted" mods on bikes. I felt that statement in my soul.

[@greasesgarage]

Right? An old timer out here in our area told us this spawned the jockey shift as when the trans parts would break and parts were either too expensive or just unavailable, guys would slap a shifter on there and just make it work

[@stevegappa2959]

been running a 21 spool for over 40 years without any accidents and thats a conservative 200,000+ miles. I think you summed up the subject pretty good, with your 1st point being the most important- plan ahead, and have an escape route. Defensive driving is key as well. When people ask me how I ride without a front brake, my answer is simple- I know I don't have a front brake.

[@greasesgarage]

Amen. Knowing the limitations of the setup is everything. Happy to hear you’ve put all those miles down without one, keep it up brotha!

[@LNSPLTBLVD]

Your bike is unsafe. How dare you. Put the front brake back on!

[@greasesgarage]

😂😂😂

[@OldeThunderCC]

Happens at gas stations for me. Old men like to mention I have a front drum on there but WHERES the brake cable? Then where’s the clutch lever? Wait you clutch with your foot? if you know you know… I might accidentally lurch 30 feet into traffic and die 😂 anywho hope all is well with you both! Keep up the great content!

[@DrTittieSprinkles]

God hates a coward

[@TheInfamousHotRodFarm]

Hell yeah my brother

[@godofcandies8834]

Whats your sprocket count front and back? since youre runnin a 4 speed with that 80ci bike?

[@kevinmacwatters1519]

I think you have a good and balanced approach to the question and I appreciate you taking the risk with the topic. It allowed me to consider the advantages and disadvantages.

[@greasesgarage]

I appreciate the comment 🙏🏼 thanks for being one of the good ones!

[@nunoaraujo7381]

To clean the handlebar, we can connect the two lines (front and back brake) to the right foot

[@laurentruesdale4088]

I was very young when i learned not use front brake. Saturday afternoon at the harley dealership, many decades ago. Too fast into the parking lot, back lot was gravel. I stomped the back and grabbed the front. Front wheel went sideways. I wasn't hurt. Ive never forgotten how embarrassed i was. The old bikers picked me and my bike up while laughing. They all said keep your hand off the front or just take it off. Ill never forget that day. Haven't used front since that day.

[@greasesgarage]

I saw this happen when I took my motorcycle license exam. It definitely happens fast. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the no front brake life

[@evltwin984]

Im convinced, thank you. FOR SALE - front brake for 2014 240hp turbo V rod. Hardly used

[@loosescrew9438]

I used to have a 74 Ironhead that didn't have a front brake. I ran it for a few years without issue.

[@ykmalachi]

I suck at riding and need all the help I can get.

[@Squatch_Rider66]

Great vid. I'm a front brake safety Sally but I figure you're an adult and you can make your own decisions about how to ride. Keep up the good work.

[@greasesgarage]

I appreciate you being one of the good ones! 🙏🏼

[@pedroandbettysbigrevival2766]

Solid, well rounded discussion. Well done!

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks guys 🙏🏼

[@kennyrogerson1757]

I just started watching your videos very very informant awesome job keep up the good work

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@technokids2492]

HES BACK BABY!!!!!!! KEEP EM COMING GREASE!!!

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you brotha!

[@stevenflauding9010]

The jockey shift on my springer "is" the reason for my front brake, hills etc.. Good video keep it up,- Thanks Lefty (Under the Blood M/M)

[@LOLjerel]

Great video New Hampshire is a great place to ride , Long island not so much The best rider is only as good the cars around them , Its up to you . Its good to have a back up ! Riding since 1975 . When there were less people on the road .

[@bryanweller8375]

Fantastic information! Subscribed 👍🏼

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@14era48]

Great video! Helped me decide I’m gonna leave mine for now as I’m in the process of converting my bike to jockey shift. Thanks!

[@greasesgarage]

A very wise choice! Good luck with the jockey shift, you’ll never go back once you try it 🤘🏼

[@davidson2004fatboy]

U DEFINITELY WANT a FRONT BRAKE WITH a JOCKEY SHIFT.

[@GKnee72]

I disagree as well, the back brake stops my bike just fine. I rarely use my front brake at all even though it works.. maybe a couple of times in 25 years when I had to stop instantly because of some stupid people not seeing or paying attention even though I've got loud enough pipes to hear me.. Been thinking about taking it off completely only for looks lol.. but it's nice to have a back up! Actually, I think it can be hazardous at times.. especially if you apply more pressure to the front brake in certain situations, it can be dangerous.. this is my first time seeing your channel.. I'm impressed with the knowledge you've shared and it's nice that you've givin both sides of of the coin..

[@greasesgarage]

I appreciate the thoughtful response. It’s nice to hear that someone else can see both sides of the equation too and stand by their choice with the understanding that we all get to make our own 👍🏼

[@johnny51984]

You weren’t kidding when you said that you were gonna make a video on this lol

[@pierre-x.8386]

I ride for 10 yrs now, and i have been without my front brake due to faillure of my line, i thougt "ok i give it a try", but i live in a big city with a lot of traffic, and i had twoo conclusions after this try. 1- As long as you dont need all your breaking power and can keep a pace it is fine, however in the trafic and with all the cars suddenly changing directions without warnings it is really trying the devil. For country calm road without too much of traffinc or rolling higway, why not but for city centers it is really not adequate. 2- I am not ready for that, call me coward or else, i dont care, but i was over stressed during this test and over the unlpeasantness i really was freaked out at every corner and stop with all the traffic and chaos, i like to be in a good mood on my bike, at was at the opposite of that. So respect to all who can masterise this way of riding, but i am not in it and i keep a front brake on my 6 over fork.

[@greasesgarage]

To each their own brotha, cool you tried it and no shame in doing what you prefer 🤘🏼 stay safe out there

[@jameshill8498]

One point you missed is the percentage of braking power on the front vs rear varies wildly based on style of bike. Sportbikes have such a forward weight bias that most of the stopping power comes from the front brake. Remove the front brake from a sportbike and you will die. Remove the rear brake and you will only notice it a little bit. Harley's like the old Evo Fatboys have a very rearward weight bias making the front brake less effective and leaving the rear to do the majority of the work. If you go to a long chop so little of the weight is on the front tire that the front brake becomes nearly useless anyway. So know your bike before the modifications begin.

[@greasesgarage]

Great point

[@DungeonCycles]

I bought a project bike with no front brake, and im too cheap/lazy to source one. Plus it looks tight. 🤙

[@chipmartin7608]

Another very informative and interesting video. One thing you forgot to mention: the legal status in your particular state. I happen to live in a state that requires a front brake, but I ride without one anyway, because I like the way it looks. I ride a foot clutch, hand shift, no front brake rigid shovelhead with a springer front end. Very impractical bike, but I love it. By the looks of your setup, you run a four-speed, is that correct? Love your channel; keep up the good work.

[@greasesgarage]

Hey Chip, thanks for checking out the channel 🙏🏼 as far as I’m aware there is no state in the country that will let you run without a front brake legally speaking, but some have exceptions for significantly older vintage bikes. I think it’s safe to say we’re all in violation by running without the front, but most officers I’ve encountered have been very cool about it and understand the chopper thing. No guarantees though. Good eye, it is a four speed cow pie trans, I traded my five speed to a buddy with a shovel who prefers the more modern trans.

[@cyborgjunior]

Got my shadow bobber no front downshifting no accidents at all

[@greasesgarage]

That’s awesome 👏🏼 🤘🏼

[@brettahlstrom9259]

I think people who live in busy congested areas can't conceive of a bike with no front brake because there are so many hazards where they ride. There's a lot of open road in New England where we live. There just aren't that many people around and actually can predict your stops. Anyway, thanks for another well-presented video. I look forward to the next one.

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks Brett!

[@edprince9079]

I had a chopper for a couple of years. No front brake. I sold it to a friend and he was taking a ride. He pulled off an interstate and ran a red light when the rear brake failed and he hit a car that had the green light. Luckily he wasn't hurt. I had told him to add pads to the rear brake as soon as he could. He didn't.

[@greasesgarage]

Sorry to hear that. Maintenance of the rear is so important

[@ducksoff7236]

@@greasesgarage Remember my comment above? LOL! Yeah one factor. WOULDN'T have happened. Bystander paid the price 🖕

[@theduffman441]

I couldn't imagine doing this on the Honda Valkyrie.

[@sleethmitchell]

i've run bikes with and without front brakes. i like front brakes but some builds just look better without them. my other hobby was old sailboats. they don't have any brakes at all. you plan ahead; simple.

[@greasesgarage]

The sailboat is the original sketchy chopper haha. What kind of sailboat did you have? I remember using those old sunfish ones as kid

[@MRJJJarhead]

Hi Grease, I've got a question for you. I'm not sure if I should convert my bike into a hardtail. At first I thought it's just a matter of comfort, but then I read somewhere that suspension keeps the tires on the ground, so hardtailing might lead to momentary traction lost and that leads to accident. Wonder if you've covered this topic on one of your videos,if not, I would like to hear your opinion on this one. Salutes from China

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks for reaching out! I’ve not covered this yet but I’ll get a video in the works on this topic I think it’s a great question 🙏🏼

[@Spicy_Weekend]

No front brake, or dual disc front end. No in between.

[@greasesgarage]

Logically this is how it should be right? Either you want all the stopping power or none of it. If you’re gonna have a hose and a master cylinder up there better get your moneys worth

[@bruceklein9008]

I feel the need to point out that if you run only a rear brake it is imperative to make sure it is in perfect condition. Better yet, all new.

[@DEATHMETALCYCLE]

My bike bursted in to flames when i tried to put a front brake on it.

[@greasesgarage]

😂😂😂

[@Lochlann13]

It blows my mind how angry this makes some people. Just like guys running single cable throttle setups: if you don't like it, no one is forcing you to remove your brake or use a single cable.

[@PincheBuzo]

People lose it over single throttle cables? Didn't know that was a thing. I just assumed dudes were keeping their ride old school.

[@greasesgarage]

The single throttle cable is a great parallel 😂 “Looks cool but when it sticks open it’ll be a lot less cool”

[@frederickking1660]

Looks like car tires too.

[@stevenflauding9010]

Steve McQueen "Brakes?, I never use them".

[@greasesgarage]

🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@joeg5400]

Not a safety concern for me, you just need to get used to riding like that. Personally for me as dope as no front brake looks I value being able to lean harder by compressing the front suspension too much to remove the brake. Definitely looks sick tho!

[@greasesgarage]

Totally understand, a choice for each rider to make for themselves 🤘🏼

[@OL-Tom]

If i rode a lighter bike. I probably wouldn't run a grunt brake. Right now i have a heavy bagger so I'm keeping it for now.

[@gduval]

This video fails to discuss the dangers of longer braking distances and possible low slide or high side crashes if you lock up the rear brake. At least Grease acknowledges stopping distances are increases. He just doesn’t say the distance more than doubles without your front brake.

[@Francey4782]

If it's more convenient due to the design of the chopper, such as a really raked out front end etc, l get it. Otherwise, it seems a bit idiotic to take away any of your stopping power especially if you plan on riding at any kind of speed. Also, l used to have a habit of using the back brake a lot, mainly coz l didn't completely trust the stability of the front end on the bike l had at the time, and it bit me in the arse on a couple of occasions. When city roads gets really slippery following a light shower of rain, the back end can slip out from under you if you brake a bit too sharply. That was just my experience though and nobody's ever agreed or disagreed with me about it. My reasoning could always be wrong. 😮

[@greasesgarage]

Not wrong at all brotha, you’re 100% right that it stops slower without the front. I don’t knock anybody for keeping a front brake on. Stay safe out there 🤘🏼

[@fernandogagliardo6618]

My dream is to have a fantastic chop like yours. But my question is another one... What about the legal aspect of whole story? I mean what happens in USA if you are involved in an accident with somebody else? Which road insurance would cover damages on you, on other cars, pedestrians, ecc.. when they discover that these bikes have been manipulated from removing structural safety devices like mirrows, turning signals and front brakes? What happens if police would stop you to have some inspect on your bikes? Thank so much you if you could clarify this to me.

[@greasesgarage]

Legally you are supposed to have a front brake unless it’s a bike that never came with one. Cops could ticket you for this (and a million other mods) if they choose to. Insurance here covers you regardless, but only the coverage level you pay for

[@fernandogagliardo6618]

@@greasesgarage Understand your point about US situation. Unfortunately here in Europe it's completely different. Ok cops can stop you for a million of reasons...totally agree... but running bikes without anything of safety (I think) could make them life a lot easier when they stop you. What do you think.. Anyway I love too minimal old school chops man! Yours great bike and great channel. Bye! 🖐

[@walterfechter8080]

I'll always run a front brake. I'm not in favor of mandatory front brake legislation. It's up to the builder.

[@michaelpecar1734]

I get that....if Your after the "clean naked" look on Your custom chopper , weighing 500 lbs or even less . I personally will move on with mechanical advancements and technology on My bike's , I believe it best to have every advantage possible while riding , but I've only been riding bike's for 56 years , what the f*#k do I know . To Each their Own p.s. only laid it down 3 times in my life , All on racetracks , not the street. 😊 Ya got to know Your limitations.

[@crl1357911]

Neither Harley or Indian had front brakes on their bikes until 1928. I rode my 27 chief cross country all back roads with no front brake. Does that make it a chopper? #choppahlyfe

[@jameshill8498]

Nope, just fu@kin cool. Lol

[@micksterboone4517]

Free country, do your thing.

[@csj9619]

Front brake or not: 1.) Never expect anyone to see you. 2.) Minimize lane changes. 3.) Remember you're on public roadways, not the track. 4.) NO flip-flops or bare feet. 5.) At sunrise and sunset, consider if drivers might be blinded by the sun. 6.) Have an escape plan. 7.) Don't ride like a jagoff.

[@greasesgarage]

I love #4. I only ride in boots. Never sneakers. Went down once at about 40mph and my boot toe saved my foot, good reminder that footwear matters. I like your list

[@GLH1213]

I seen bicycles with no brakes at all.

[@PincheBuzo]

Looks cool. Probably wont help when some cager pulls out in front of you. Its your ass, not mine. Do what you want and keep the rubber side down.

[@neodutch]

No front brake is wank. Posing fir posings sake.

[@Lanesplitter]

A front brake is essential for those that still believe the Earth is flat - might ride right over the edge! 😯

[@mississippidrifter5960]

On a interesting note I have a front brake and found out it doesnt work😂.

[@greasesgarage]

Nice! On my team by accident haha

[@martymcfly6098]

Shiiiiit. Take the rear off and just run the front brake. Much less forgiving for ham fisted riders.....

[@rickvia8435]

Ha Ha - "100% of my braking comes from my REAR brake". I was saying that 44 years ago on my 1st Sportster. It had no front brake (mechanical rear only), no speedo, no horn (except at inspection time - a squeeze bulb). It was a chopped beauty to behold that I rode for 6 years over unknown miles...

[@greasesgarage]

That’s awesome! And mechanical rear too, love it. Truth be told I could never get the drum on my xs to work well

[@rickvia8435]

@@greasesgarage I was constantly adjusting my chain so I got to know that drum really well.

[@sssp3071]

Take the back brake off too. People will think you're cool!

[@pjm204]

It's strange that chopper riders mod their bikes simply for looks and essentially all of the mods done make their bikes perform worse. IDGAF what my bike looks like, I want it to perform well.

[@greasesgarage]

I can totally understand your sentiment but I’m surprised to see you here on a chopper channel haha

[@pjm204]

@@greasesgarage that's the KZbin algorithm for you 😂

[@davidbolyard3065]

Hard pass

[@davidson2004fatboy]

BRAKES are FOR SAFETY !!! WHY WOULD U ELIMINATE ANY SAFETY FEATURE ? ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS !!! IF U RIDE 20 MPH, I GUESS IT'S OK. WHAT ABOUT HELMETS ? NO NEED EITHER I GUESS , ONLY YOUR HEAD ? WHY they SELL BIKES WITH 2 BRAKES ? LET ME HELP U OUT ! It's CALLED SAFETY !!! 2 WHEELS STOP BETTER ( FASTER ) than 1 WHEEL. BIG FACTS. WHEN STOPPING (PHYSICS 101) ALL WEIGHT is TRANSFERED TO FRONT END, ON ANY MOVING VEHICLE 2 WHEELS or 4 WHEELS ! WHAT PART of this DON'T U UNDERSTAND ? BECAUSE of this RIDICULOUS COMMENT, I UNSUBSCRIBE !!! BYE BYE

[@greasesgarage]

If this comment makes you unsubscribe, it was only a matter of time ✌🏼