Rear brake too powerful?

randomwalk101 · 08-01-2009, 11:06 AM

Okay, so rear brake has about 30% of the braking power...but you should use all this since it may lock up and your bike will wash out if you don't modulate it.

So the question is, why don't they make the rear brake less powerful so the rear doesn't lock up when you jam on it (panic situation or as such).

BigComfy · 08-01-2009, 11:08 AM

????????????

You want less powerful brakes? IDK but that's what I just read.... Upgrade rider plz

08-01-2009, 11:10 AM

On my gixxer, I virtually never use the rear brake either on the street or on the track. The only time I use it is if the road is wet or there is a lot of gravel.

On my chopper, I have to use the rear brake to help stop the bike. That's been true on other heavy bikes as well... aka Harleys. However, I don't simply jam on the rear just like I wouldn't suddenly grab the front brake. Front or rear, they both require modulation. It's not difficult.

-Curt

tiatool · 08-01-2009, 11:12 AM

If you are concerned about the rear locking up just move the position of the lever farther down so it will be harder to get to lockup point.

IMO you should only use the backbrake when/if you go offroad. I have debating taking mine off. LOL

spring r1 · 08-01-2009, 11:16 AM

i dont use my back brake..........its all engine & front brake might use it to hold the bike if stop on an incline

bumblebee · 08-01-2009, 11:17 AM

Yeah, rear brake is an unused feature on every bike I have ever owned. Not gonna say I never use it, but it is rare.
As said before, gravel, grass, really slick pavement, then I use it sparingly. Otherwise, even in a panic, it's not a "go to" thing for me.

bluewave18 · 08-01-2009, 11:17 AM

I dont agree with the 30%. I would say my rear accounts for closer to 10% of my braking. I do agree with moving it down to reduce locking it up in a pucker moment.

randomwalk101 · 08-01-2009, 11:19 AM

Well, that's the point...If it is too much, why don't they make it weaker to begin with so people (those who choose not to use it because of locking up)can use without fear of locking up.
If you're a super rider and cruising down the road at 50 or so and a car jump out in front of you and you can still keep it cool and modulate your rear brake then you're have perfected your skills....nothing to talk about.

So there's also ABS available on 09 models of HOnda 600/1krr for this reason...but a weaker rear brake is also a much cheaper alternative to those who don't have ABS?

No right/wrong..just want to hear some reason why it is what it is.

tmilheiser · 08-01-2009, 11:20 AM

i over use my back break, im good on the front but i tend to want to push on by rear so i have to think about it, i wish it was just anti lock...

bluewave18 · 08-01-2009, 11:20 AM

The front is too strong if you over apply it too.

randomwalk101 · 08-01-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewave18

I dont agree with the 30%. I would say my rear accounts for closer to 10% of my braking. I do agree with moving it down to reduce locking it up in a pucker moment.

It is capable of 30% of all braking power..it's in the literature.

bluewave18 · 08-01-2009, 11:21 AM

Its up to the rider to operate the bike properly

randomwalk101 · 08-01-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewave18

The front is too strong if you over apply it too.

yes but we're talking about the rear so leave the front alone

tiatool · 08-01-2009, 11:22 AM

Why not less powerful? Because the first time some jackass plows into the back of a car while using the back brake they are gunna get the t sued out of 'em. Brakes go up not down (much like racism

)

And because these bikes are really made for "offroad/track" use, where a more powerful back brake can be quite useful.

bluewave18 · 08-01-2009, 11:22 AM

It doesnt mean you use it for 30% of all of your stopping power. Your bike will run 150+, do you d it all of the time?

bluewave18 · 08-01-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomwalk101

yes but we're talking about the rear so leave the front alone

If your gonna be like that I will leave you to your crappy riding. I was making the point that the same could be said for the front. Its the operator.

AJFLo · 08-01-2009, 11:34 AM

It would be harder for me to "back it in" if the rear brake had lesser power

batman007 · 08-01-2009, 12:01 PM

i think they already made it less powerful. its only one smaller disk brake in the back, compared to the two larger ones on the front tire... think of the consequences if you had the two large disks in the back!!

solow · 08-01-2009, 12:02 PM

I think it is up to the rider to use the rear brake properly and when suited for a set riding style.

honorsdaddy · 08-01-2009, 12:05 PM

Rear brake should be used along with the front whenever you're coming to a stop under normal street use. I seem to remember reading somewhere that under 15mph, you should be using the back brake near exclusively. Front is almost TOO strong at slow speeds.

If you're in the habit of never using the rear, this can be a VERY bad thing, as your first inclination will be to grab the front only in a panic situation. We all know that Mr. Front Brake is definitely not our friend if the bars are turned a bit and we also all know that cagers do really stupid all the time - especially in a corner.

Ride however ya want - and feel free to disregard the input of just some dumbass old guy on a Hardley who certainly cannot POSSIBLY know what he's talking about. Just offering the input of my experience.

08-01-2009, 11:06 AM	#1
randomwalk101 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Feedback Rating: (1) Posts: 596	Rear brake too powerful? Okay, so rear brake has about 30% of the braking power...but you should use all this since it may lock up and your bike will wash out if you don't modulate it. So the question is, why don't they make the rear brake less powerful so the rear doesn't lock up when you jam on it (panic situation or as such).
	__________________ Go slow...You will live longer.

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08-01-2009, 11:08 AM	#2
BigComfy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: under a rock Feedback Rating: (3) Posts: 24,763 Experience: 1-3 months Trackdays: 9 Bike(s): Missing: Naked SV650, FZ1, Night Hawk Best Upgrade:Sv650 Suspension full credit (Motorcycles Unlimited)	???????????? You want less powerful brakes? IDK but that's what I just read.... Upgrade rider plz
	__________________ "I haven't seen the crash, but I think Marc needs to be penalized for two or three seasons! Until I stop racing!"-VR46

08-01-2009, 11:10 AM	#3
maxgs Guest Posts: n/a	On my gixxer, I virtually never use the rear brake either on the street or on the track. The only time I use it is if the road is wet or there is a lot of gravel. On my chopper, I have to use the rear brake to help stop the bike. That's been true on other heavy bikes as well... aka Harleys. However, I don't simply jam on the rear just like I wouldn't suddenly grab the front brake. Front or rear, they both require modulation. It's not difficult. -Curt
maxgs Guest Posts: n/a

08-01-2009, 11:16 AM	#5
spring r1 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: spring Feedback Rating: (2) Posts: 1,012 Experience: 1-3 months Trackdays: 2 Bike(s): 07 r1 04gsxr600 track ttr90	i dont use my back brake..........its all engine & front brake might use it to hold the bike if stop on an incline
	__________________ hold my beer and watch this.............

08-01-2009, 11:12 AM	#4
tiatool Pro Racer Mode Enabled Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gunspoint Feedback Rating: (14) Posts: 9,119 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): 08 Raven 05 Vstar 1100	If you are concerned about the rear locking up just move the position of the lever farther down so it will be harder to get to lockup point. IMO you should only use the backbrake when/if you go offroad. I have debating taking mine off. LOL

08-01-2009, 11:17 AM	#6
bumblebee Yeah I'm flippin' YOU off Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pearland Feedback Rating: (3) Posts: 13,580 Bike(s): '74 Suzuki GT380 '82 XS650 StreetTracker '17 Triumph Thruxton R '83 Yamaha Seca 900	Yeah, rear brake is an unused feature on every bike I have ever owned. Not gonna say I never use it, but it is rare. As said before, gravel, grass, really slick pavement, then I use it sparingly. Otherwise, even in a panic, it's not a "go to" thing for me.
	__________________ Asphalt is for racing... dirt is for growing potatoes. - J. Diester When seconds count... the police are only minutes away. Grow up and be a productive member of society already. Bevo- "I lack skillz"

08-01-2009, 11:17 AM	#7
bluewave18 Safety Third Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: S.E. Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 34,826 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): 08 Busa 03 XR 50	I dont agree with the 30%. I would say my rear accounts for closer to 10% of my braking. I do agree with moving it down to reduce locking it up in a pucker moment.

08-01-2009, 11:19 AM	#8
randomwalk101 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Feedback Rating: (1) Posts: 596	Well, that's the point...If it is too much, why don't they make it weaker to begin with so people (those who choose not to use it because of locking up)can use without fear of locking up. If you're a super rider and cruising down the road at 50 or so and a car jump out in front of you and you can still keep it cool and modulate your rear brake then you're have perfected your skills....nothing to talk about. So there's also ABS available on 09 models of HOnda 600/1krr for this reason...but a weaker rear brake is also a much cheaper alternative to those who don't have ABS? No right/wrong..just want to hear some reason why it is what it is.
	__________________ Go slow...You will live longer.

08-01-2009, 11:20 AM	#9
tmilheiser Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: houston Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 459 Experience: 1 year Bike(s): FZ6	i over use my back break, im good on the front but i tend to want to push on by rear so i have to think about it, i wish it was just anti lock...
	__________________ -tmilheiser

08-01-2009, 11:21 AM	#12
bluewave18 Safety Third Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: S.E. Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 34,826 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): 08 Busa 03 XR 50	Its up to the rider to operate the bike properly

08-01-2009, 11:22 AM	#14
tiatool Pro Racer Mode Enabled Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gunspoint Feedback Rating: (14) Posts: 9,119 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): 08 Raven 05 Vstar 1100	Why not less powerful? Because the first time some jackass plows into the back of a car while using the back brake they are gunna get the t sued out of 'em. Brakes go up not down (much like racism ) And because these bikes are really made for "offroad/track" use, where a more powerful back brake can be quite useful.

08-01-2009, 12:01 PM	#18
batman007 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: houston,tx Feedback Rating: (3) Posts: 532 Bike(s): 2006 R6S	i think they already made it less powerful. its only one smaller disk brake in the back, compared to the two larger ones on the front tire... think of the consequences if you had the two large disks in the back!!
	__________________ (8(l)

08-01-2009, 12:02 PM	#19
solow What type of gas is that? Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Dickinson Feedback Rating: (2) Posts: 375 Bike(s): 07' R6	I think it is up to the rider to use the rear brake properly and when suited for a set riding style.

08-01-2009, 12:05 PM	#20
honorsdaddy Professional Donor Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: My desk. Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 6,056 Experience: 9 years Bike(s): 2012 BMW K1600GTL 2013 Triumph Trophy SE (sold) 2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide(sold) 2007 Star V-Star 1300T (sold) 2007 Star V-Star 1100 (sold)	Rear brake should be used along with the front whenever you're coming to a stop under normal street use. I seem to remember reading somewhere that under 15mph, you should be using the back brake near exclusively. Front is almost TOO strong at slow speeds. If you're in the habit of never using the rear, this can be a VERY bad thing, as your first inclination will be to grab the front only in a panic situation. We all know that Mr. Front Brake is definitely not our friend if the bars are turned a bit and we also all know that cagers do really stupid all the time - especially in a corner. Ride however ya want - and feel free to disregard the input of just some dumbass old guy on a Hardley who certainly cannot POSSIBLY know what he's talking about. Just offering the input of my experience.
	__________________ Keeping the "fun" in "dysfunctional" since 1969.