How much do you use the rear brake? - my video confession

[Blue_SV650S]

Now this has intrigued me for a while as many people say they never use it ... it was only when watching a video of myself from behind did I realise that I was using the rear brake ... and indeed a fair bit!!

Today I purposely pointed a camera rearward (mounted on front indicator) I was actually intrigued to see what it would look like rear-view, but something that really struck me is just how much I DO use the rear brake!!

So do you fall in the no rear brake school??? ... if you think you do ... like me, do you KNOW you do?!!?!?

Got a vid ... uploading as we speak and will post in due time!!

EDIT: As promised - the vid!!

Granted its not a very exciting vid, but just pay attention to how much I use the rear brake and the different levels of pressure I am using ... to be honest before I saw that 'follow' vid, I wasn't even aware I really used the rear ... makes me wonder how many people think they don't but they DO .... a bit like counter steering?!!?!?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8ThXGg45cA&fmt=18
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The purpose of life is to fight maturity.

[The Shaggy D.A.]

I mostly use mine just before I come to a stop, easing off the front brake at the same time so that the weight comes off the nose for a smoother ride.
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Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[johnsmith222]

I've heard loads of bikers not using their rear brake.

I use the rear when the road surface is questionable, slow control, stopping etc.

If I've entered a bend too quickly and I need to brake then I only use the rear as I'd rather that slid than the front.

I do agree with you that alot of people say they don't use the rear.

[mooserx]

mtorcycles have a rear brake????
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TL1000r-handful.

[Blue_SV650S]

Vid (and a few extra comments) added to the OP
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The purpose of life is to fight maturity.

[brooky]

The only times I actually use the rear brake is in unfavourble conditions or if I've entered a corner a little too hot I dab on the rear to get a better turn in, pull on the front and you'll just sit upright.

Jake
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Suzuki GSX-R 750 K6.

[alone]

I never used to use it at all, but recently I've started to find it more useful - Part of it is down to making fun with the ABS system. Anyone know if it's bad to make it kick in for no reason? - wait, I'll take this to a new thread!
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Bikes; '06 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 (for sale) - '95 BMW R1100GS

[Tonka]

I use my back brake quite a bit and have done since I first learnt - think it was grabbing a fist full of front at low speed and coming off that made me a happier engine braking and using the back tbh.

May be it's a by product of the type of bike you ride - engine braking on the V-twins?
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'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

[The Artist]

Due to having shocking shit front and rear drum brakes, I make what use I can out of them. Not much tbh.

[rac3r]

I use the rear in traffic or in a bend if I have to. I also use it when I have to brake hard (with the front brake obviously )
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Rottweiler]

never did untill recently
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were: piaggio nrg..ybr 125
now: cg 125

[hellkat]

I still tend to over-use the front brake, but since I came off and broke my thumb (which mr hellkat ASSURED me was because I was braking too much with the front) ... once he taught me how to use the back as well, I now try and remember to use it more often.

Too tempting to just grab a handful, though.
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Hi, are you sure you're not gilding the lily abit with your statement

[ajb]

Slow speed control / in corner if need be and I always use both when braking for real. I compared using just front, and then front+rear and just using the front didn't feel like the bike was half as stable as using both, it's there for a reason I suppose.
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CBR125R '05 > CB500 '00 > CBR600F '99

[paulcdb]

[C_nsr125]

I just use the back brake on some corners depending on how I have took the corner. I also use it when stopping at traffic lights, press on the front brake, then ease the back brake on also, depending on what speed am doing, never give a full fist of the front brake haha

carlos

[Blue_SV650S]

[Flip]

When I started riding I used the rear brake 50/50 with the front then I was told not to bother so I stopped. At some point I started doing it 50/50 again although I now only brake for junctions etc. I use engine braking most of the time.

[dodger]

I always use the rear brake. I find it especially useful when you overcook a corner slightly.

Infact, I rely on it so much I have been thinking about modifying it to accept a front disc of a smaller bike... I heard that Nicky Hayden uses the front disc of a 250cc Moto GP bike for his rear disc?
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My Bikes: Piaggio NRG| Aprilia RS 125| Suzuki GSX-R 600|Yamaha Fazer Ducati 848
Europe 2008

[Blue_SV650S]

[Flip]

[Blue_SV650S]

[Flip]

[Blue_SV650S]

[Flip]

I fell asleep watching TV, just woke up and I'm a bit dazed. Ignore me