Emergency braking

Griffin said:
No one I ride with, no. People I've talked with, particularly new cruiser riders, have said they've been told by their "experienced" friends that the front brake is a hazard and should not be used. They are also advised to lay the bike down to avoid a collision (which is insane, but there ya go).

There are some interesting analyses of cruiser crashes that hypothesize that many (most?) are caused by locking the rear brake. Something that's very easy to do in an emergency.

Sometimes I've given these new riders some food for thought (I explained physics to them) and advised that anytime you are slowing something down, weight transfers to the front. Braking is an element of friction which is increased with weight, ergo, front brakes are far more effective, on ANY vehicle (well, except perhaps dragsters), than rear brakes.

But, as is evidenced in this thread, facts and physics are useless in convincing people that "know" what they're talking about.
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I believe most of the braking power comes from the rear on a cruiser, and they are less likely to lock up. Cruisers and sportbikes are different.
 
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No. More true of scooters with the engine in the rear, however.

Then again a 500lb Harley bro in a me-too jacket and chaps might be the decider on that one.
 
Shaman said:
No. More true of scooters with the engine in the rear, however.

Then again a 500lb Harley bro in a me-too jacket and chaps might be the decider on that one.
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Need clarification pls, does the Harley bro weigh 500lb or does the Harley weigh 500lb. Or does it matter?
 
Sushii said:
I believe most of the braking power comes from the rear on a cruiser, and they are less likely to lock up. Cruisers and sportbikes are different.
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Are the brakes bigger on the back or the front? Do you understand physics? Weight transfer?
 
BNKN said:
Need clarification pls, does the Harley bro weigh 500lb or does the Harley weigh 500lb. Or does it matter?
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A 500lb Harley? How much would you need to cut off it to achieve that?
 
cbcanada said:
+1

exactly, i just hope there is not some newbie riders reading this and go out in the spring time and stomp the rears.
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If the newb is riding a heavy cruiser he'll be just fine. The rear wheel carries a lot of weight throughout braking, and the rear binders are essential for the shortest stopping distance.
 
Rear brakes are the devil! Stay away from them or you'll crash in a fiery ball of metal!
 
The scary part is that some experienced riders actually think that too ^
 
mmmnaked said:
If the newb is riding a heavy cruiser he'll be just fine. The rear wheel carries a lot of weight throughout braking, and the rear binders are essential for the shortest stopping distance.
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cruiser + new rider doesn't equal safe/fine.

Inexperience/stupidity/rider error + any motorcycle = disaster.
 
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