Hand-brake vs Rear-brake

[RidingAgain]

I've heard many diff ways to brake a bike. Some say 70% front, the rest rear. Any pointers? On my new bike, I tend to grab the front brake HARD when I try to stop (I guess I've been out of it for a while). I'm scared it's gonna fall over. I think I'm psyched out by it and not psyched up about riding it. I sure could use some help. I used to could dance on my 450 Nighthawk. This thing is much heavier.

[hbark]

You may want to consider taking a course with the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)? They teach the basics. One thing they drill into you is to always use both brakes at the same time, and that the front brakes provide about 70% of the braking power.

I'm sure others on here will disagree but this is what the standard is.

Practice, practice, practice. Go to schoolyards or parking lots when they're closed and empty. The more you ride, the more confident and comfortable you'll be.

[RidingAgain]

My biggest thing, besides braking, is starting out. I keep wanting to wobble and turn the handle bars. I'm trying to get used to it, but I hate to wipe out leaving the driveway.

[GiveItToMikey]

Always a good idea to take a motorcycle safety course. Short of that, or in conjunction with it there's tons of (mostly good) braking videos on Youtube by professionals and it don't cost nothin'.

Most of your stopping power is definitely in your front brake. Physics dictate that.

(Empty) Parking lots are great places to build skills.

What is this 'heavier thing' you currently ride?

Better yet -- post a pic.

Welcome and brake safe!

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[ibwaki]

Originally Posted by RidingAgain

I've heard many diff ways to brake a bike. Some say 70% front, the rest rear. Any pointers? On my new bike, I tend to grab the front brake HARD when I try to stop (I guess I've been out of it for a while). I'm scared it's gonna fall over. I think I'm psyched out by it and not psyched up about riding it. I sure could use some help. I used to could dance on my 450 Nighthawk. This thing is much heavier.

Just give it hell until you flip over! Ok dont do that just kidding. Take your time and learn your bike, and you will have lots of fun.

[RidingAgain]

I bought a Shadow Sabre VT1100c2, versus my 450 Honda Nighthawk. 300 pounds difference. Ain't rode in 15 years and trying to get back into it.

[SuperboyX]

I use mostly my front but still use the rear as well. About 80% front. On my last long road trip with the guys one of them ran into the others because he had a bad habit of using mainly his rear brake. His bike is a HD RoadKing which weighs quite a bit and when braking the weight gets transferred to the front. The bike just skidded right into the group which was stopped (not paying enough attention and only rear brake). IMO the rear is no where near as powerful as the front.

[Volcharger]

A big BIG definite on signing up and going to the BRC. Youre starting over. That 1100 is a different beast as you see. Not too long ago i began the same story you are starting. I went to the MSC and it made all the difference. It will answer alot of your issues youre talking about. When they are done with you, you will be refreshed and confident. And as the man said, pking lots, naborhoods, keep it small then venture out as your skills on that bad boy improve.
Dont skip the steps, so you can be around a long time riding.

Congrats on the ride and Safe riding!

[gat803]

Originally Posted by hbark

You may want to consider taking a course with the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)? They teach the basics. One thing they drill into you is to always use both brakes at the same time, and that the front brakes provide about 70% of the braking power.

Practice, practice, practice. Go to schoolyards or parking lots when they're closed and empty. The more you ride, the more confident and comfortable you'll be.

This ^^^

[Iconage]

I'm riding an 1100 sabre as well. I use both brakes, but tend to use my back brake first, and then my front brake with it. Maybe that's just old habit. As far as the braking potential goes... front brakes are where it's at. Fronts provide 3/4 of the bikes over all stopping power. As for not being as wobbly... from stopped start with both feet down, this makes you more balanced, go straight until you feel like your able to pick up your feet. Dont rush, and be sure to ride within your limits. Gl and welcome to the forums.