rear end snaking when braking?

annndy · Nova Slayer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

I haven't been riding that long so I thought I'd check, braking down from about 40 today, wouldn't say harsh braking but was braking pretty firmly and the rear end felt kind of floaty like it was going from side to side. As far as I know I wasn't skidding, it didnt panic me or put me off balance just felt a bit strange.

Anyone else experienced something like this? Is it a problem with my bike (its a bit of an old heap) or just my riding? The tires would of been fairly cold too if that contributes?
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1991 Suzuki GSF 250 Bandit - 2001 Yamaha YZF R6 - 1998 Suzuki GSF 600 Bandit N

Dom_ · Points Mean Prizes Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

Probably locking the rear, if your heavy on the ront, then it doesn't take much to lock the rear, and it's lses noticable as it's only bouncing along the surface rather than properly skidding. Thats what i found anyway.

gavin · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Karma :

if you are mostly using the front it could just be too much weight transference unloading the back, possibly caused by not enough preload or compression damping up front, or knackered fork springs.

a shagged rear shock can also make this worse..........

ciaronr6 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Karma :

What bike? Disc or drum on the rear? Did it scare you? If not, maybe you just need to get used to the bike???

Andy C · Tree Seeking Missile Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Karma :

my rear end started snaking the other day, but it was at almost 100mph when my RS engine blow up and rear wheel locked up!! was scary!! cold tyremay have not help but i was scary sometimes i think
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

ZZRman · Nova Slayer Joined: 12 Aug 2005 Karma :

Only tip I can pass on is this, I use both brakes on a straight line stop, if you brake real hard on the front and I suggest it wise to pratice this every now and then, you'll find the rear lifts up, called a 'stoppie', wheelie is when you lift the front (I dont approve of wheelies at all) but if your rear is locking up it will pay to adjust the rear brake pedal down a bit, this way your foot has to go more of a angle to operate rear brake, you'l lalso find this gives you more control, dont use sintered pads on back brakes..oh and never use the bake brake on bends.... you will come off, in the wet be very careful, betterstill leave bike at home and use car