Total Motorcycle Community Forums

hey guys, I'm a brand new rider and I though it would be interesting if we had a thread about close calls we have had with accidents. How it happen, how you avoid it, or if you really have been in an accident (hope your ok now).

As for me, I only ridden 20 miles and the closest I got to laying my bike down was I was riding around an area with no traffic and I approached a round a bout. I slowed down before entering it but I went down to many gears for the speed so when I let go of the clutch I had to much engine break and my rear tire skid for a bit. I just grabbed on to the clutch again to avoid me falling over like a noob. lol

glad you didnt go down another thing you should know is when going into turns you should use your rear break only and you should really be down shifting before you need to slow down or come close to a compleat stop also dont be scared when in doubt throttle it out! as for close calls well i have had my fair share thats for sure, i only went down once it was kinda stupid on my part worst part it wasnt my bike i went on a bike run it was really cold outside and we all ended up meeting at a 711 prob sat and bsed for an hour so my tires were cold the road was cold and when i went to pull out this guy across the street cut me off i went to throttle the bike hard to avoid getting hit instead my back tire came loose and the bike and me went flying down the road on its side i was fine but the bike wasnt so i learned my leason on traction that day lol just really get to know your bike and dont be scared to push your limites alittle bit just be smart on when and where. i never took classes or anything cause i have riden dirtbikes my whole life but i heard they can help alot. be safe and good luck with the new bike!

lipsticktomboy wrote:glad you didnt go down another thing you should know is when going into turns you should use your rear break only

Ummmmm......... no.

Unless you're talking about ultra-low speed parking lot turns. But taking a curve at any reasonable speed, use normal braking technique: both brakes together, or front only, depending on speed, type of bike, etc.

jstark47 wrote:

lipsticktomboy wrote:glad you didnt go down another thing you should know is when going into turns you should use your rear break only

Ummmmm......... no.

Unless you're talking about ultra-low speed parking lot turns. But taking a curve at any reasonable speed, use normal braking technique: both brakes together, or front only, depending on speed, type of bike, etc.

but he got it right about downshifting BEFORE getting to the turn

jstark47 wrote:

lipsticktomboy wrote:glad you didnt go down another thing you should know is when going into turns you should use your rear break only

Ummmmm......... no.

Unless you're talking about ultra-low speed parking lot turns. But taking a curve at any reasonable speed, use normal braking technique: both brakes together, or front only, depending on speed, type of bike, etc.

Actually holding the throttle steady and rear braking moderately to scrub off speed is the proper technique. Most guys crash from chopping the throttle and using the front brake when they realize the sweeping turn is tighter than they thought or they enter the turn too fast. By chopping the throttle and using the front brake, most novices stand up the bike, overpower the traction and crash. The rear brake is excellent for modulating speed, much better than the throttle or the front brake. I use this technique all the time in fast sweepers. Steady on the throttle and modulate and scrub off speed using the rear brake only.

HYPERR wrote:

jstark47 wrote:

lipsticktomboy wrote:glad you didnt go down another thing you should know is when going into turns you should use your rear break only

Ummmmm......... no.

Unless you're talking about ultra-low speed parking lot turns. But taking a curve at any reasonable speed, use normal braking technique: both brakes together, or front only, depending on speed, type of bike, etc.

Actually holding the throttle steady and rear braking moderately to scrub off speed is the proper technique. Most guys crash from chopping the throttle and using the front brake when they realize the sweeping turn is tighter than they thought or they enter the turn too fast. By chopping the throttle and using the front brake, most novices stand up the bike, overpower the traction and crash. The rear brake is excellent for modulating speed, much better than the throttle or the front brake. I use this technique all the time in fast sweepers. Steady on the throttle and modulate and scrub off speed using the rear brake only.

Sorry, but no. The rear brake is not excellent for modulating speed for a beginner. They need to learn to use the front brake - that's where the braking power and fine control is. Who is teaching "rear brake only" as fundamental techniqe for corner entry?

Staying on the throttle and using the rear brake is very effective in trimming speed in a curve at any road speed. Rear brake in a corner settles the suspension much the same as throttle does when picking up speed in corners and doesn't stand it up like strong front brake only does. I've done it for many years using front brake with rear when stronger braking is needed. Your rear brake can be your best friend when into a corner too fast.

You guys need to learn to use the front brake correctly. It's not an on/off switch, y'know....

jstark47 wrote: Sorry, but no. The rear brake is not excellent for modulating speed for a beginner. They need to learn to use the front brake - that's where the braking power and fine control is.

You actually think chopping the throttle and using the front brake in the middle of a turn is the better way to scrub off speed than keeping the throttle steady and modulating with the rear?

jstark47 wrote: Who is teaching "rear brake only" as fundamental techniqe for corner entry?

I never said anything about corner entry.

Im glad you ok lipsticktomboy. I am really enjoying the feeling of the freedom of riding a motorcycle. I was able to put into 10 more miles today. As for breaking during a turn, i was thought by MSF that I should straighten up first and apply both breaks for a beginner. I am already use to apply both breaks all the time . Anyone else have any close calls?