When do you cover the front brake?

[MikeyDude]

I was informed on another site that I 'should' be covering the front brake lever 100% of the time I'm going faster than I can walk, so I wanted to see if any of you guys do this...


How do you control the throttle?

[ZooTech]

I 'should' be covering the front brake lever 100% of the time I'm going faster than I can walk

Nope.

[jstark47]

I cover it when I'm approaching an intersection with a cell-phone yakking, SUV-driving moron poised to pull out in front of me who won't even look in my direction.

I control the throttle with pressure from the palm of my hand. Works fine with a little practice.

[VermilionX]

i cover it all the time when im riding side streets. on the freeway, not so much.

[Chris8187]

With my limited riding, I cover it when going through an intersection or when I feel something could happen. I don't see how it is possible to have it covered the whole time.

[VermilionX]

With my limited riding, I cover it when going through an intersection or when I feel something could happen. I don't see how it is possible to have it covered the whole time.

oh it's no big deal on my bike.

even on the freeway, i don't have to push it hard to hang w/ the flow of traffic or even faster than others.

i don't have to use too much throttle to go fast so that's why i can still cover the brakes.

[Sev]

... nice one Verm.

[MikeyDude]

Let me try and re-qualify my above statement... The front brake 'should' be covered always except when turning/cornering and in parking lot situations where the rear brake is appropriate.... With the idea being to use 2 or 3 fingers to cover the brake lever.

This whole thing came from what I posted in my "critiquing todays ride" thread about having an issue with rolling on the throttle when I reach for the brake lever to cover it. I have to say the concept makes some sense to me in that it puts you in an 'always ready' position. I've never noticed anyone ever doing it before, and in my past life I never did it. It just seems to feel odd...

*shrugs*

[JustJames]

Please be careful when you cover the front brake even on FWY on intersection. If speed you are going too fast you might skid the front wheel when panic stop. Ride with fish tail better than front skid, and with front brake cover you might not be able to swerv to avoid the accident.

Also there will be no covering front brake when making a turn or cornering. (I believe this is basic in MSF course).

I actually do covering front brake sometime. Most of the time when I spilt lane and speed not over 15-20mph where I can stop if needed.

[Sev]

I tend to have it covered when I approach an intersection alone (no cars going the same direction nearby) and there is a car waiting to turn left in front of me.

I don't really trust that car to wait for me to cross before turning left.

Either that or I try to have a car on my left when I go through.