Fingers on brake?

[CrazyKell]

How many fingers do you use on the front brake?

I've always used all 4 fingers on my front brake.

Some people use 2. :idk:

I was taught by a safety instructor that it's better to use 4 because in an emergency you'd probably grab with all 4 anyways so you'll be used to it.

But friends went to a track school and they were taught 2.

So why do you use what you use?

[spierce]

two the ladies love it...

[Ninjakel]

I use 2 on the brake and 2 on the clutch

[Sixxxxer]

I'm a Two Fingered man.

[speedylocksmith]

2 and no more. In a panic situation, you're likely to grab a "handful of brake" and EASILY lock up the front if you grab with 4 fingers.

[CrazyKell]

Why do you use only two? (question open to anyone)

[marko138]

2 finger culde sac jones.

[Sixxxxer]

Why do you use only two? (question open to anyone)

Just something I do Without thinking really...When I'm on the Street I ride with my two fingers covering the brake...They say your not supposed to...But Hey So Far So Good.

[spierce]

see speedy's post and still able to grip bars so u can rip turns

[xx CURVE xx]

2 for the pink one for the stink

[speedylocksmith]

Why do you use only two? (question open to anyone)In a panic situation, you're likely to grab a "handful of brake" and EASILY lock up the front if you grab with 4 fingers

[BobTheBiker]

I just use two fingers on the brake, four on the clutch. its how I've always ridden, and always will ride.

[CrazyKell]

2 and no more. In a panic situation, you're likely to grab a "handful of brake" and EASILY lock up the front if you grab with 4 fingers.


But in a panic situation wouldn't you grab with all 4 no matter what so wouldn't it be better to know what that feels like? :idk:

[marko138]

Easier to blip throttle with two on the brake. I also used to use 2 on the clutch...but the Buell doesn't like to shift unless the lever comes all the way to the bar...so now I use 4 on clutch.

But in a panic situation wouldn't you grab with all 4 no matter what so wouldn't it be better to know what that feels like? :idk:
Thats not necessarily true. You can train yourself to only use 2 in emergency situations. You just have to practice.

[CrazyKell]

Maybe I should practice this. Sometimes I use 2 but mostly 4. I'm just so used to it now that I don't really think about it anymore. :idk:

Remind me when my bike comes out of storage in April (if I'm lucky). :whistle:

[shmike]

But in a panic situation wouldn't you grab with all 4 no matter what so wouldn't it be better to know what that feels like? :idk:

In a panic situation, you will do whatever comes natural.

If your body is trained to use two, you will probably react with two.

I have seen pictures of myself on the track with a finger (or two) covering the front brake and clutch. I didn't even realize that I was doing it. It was a habit carried over from lots of time spent on the street.

[Sixxxxer]

Easier to blip throttle with two on the brake. I also used to use 2 on the clutch...but the Buell doesn't like to shift unless the lever comes all the way to the bar...so now I use 4 on clutch.


Thats not necessarily true. You can train yourself to only use 2 in emergency situations. You just have to practice.

i use two on the clutch...When I'm riding...When I start off I usually Use four...You can two finger my Clutch when your trying to launch it.

[neebelung]

Generally speaking, 4. If I'm just gently braking, or braking just enough to let someone behind me know I'm slowing, then I'll just use 2.

[speedylocksmith]

But in a panic situation wouldn't you grab with all 4 no matter what so wouldn't it be better to know what that feels like? :idk:you know how sometimes you're driving a car..not paying attention and the person in front of you stops short. You look up and its a quick shock, so you SLAM the brake pedal even though you don't need to, but only because you were caught off guard? Same thing applies. If that happens on a bike, and you grab the brake with 4 finger like that, you're most likely gonna lock up the front and be on the floor before you know it. If that is done with 2 fingers, ALOT less chance to lock it up, and if you are prepared for a situation, you can brake as much as need with 2 fingers.

[marko138]

i use two on the clutch...When I'm riding...When I start off I usually Use four...You can two finger my Clutch when your trying to launch it.
On the Zuk I could use 2 on the clutch no problem, shifting and from a stop. The Buell protests with 2. Meaning I only pulled the lever back till it hit my other two fingers on the bar.

[spierce]

shike u don't use the brake on the track right? i never tracked it before so not sure

[speedylocksmith]

shike u don't use the brake on the track right? i never tracked it before so not sureyou're kidding right?

[Sixxxxer]

On the Zuk I could use 2 on the clutch no problem, shifting and from a stop. The Buell protests with 2. Meaning I only pulled the lever back till it hit my other two fingers on the bar.

I gotta Pull the Lever in all the way to start off...Normal Shifting I can use two and go about halfway.

of course Nine times out of ten I upshift without the clutch...:idk:

[spierce]

no... but i am pretty sure you dont thats why I ask... meet me on the sand tonight for a proper intro i am sam and i am from KY

[shmike]

shike u don't use the brake on the track right? i never tracked it before so not sure

Yes, you'll use the shit out of your brakes at most tracks.

Track or street or at home I only use two fingers.

I rarely use the BACK brake on the track but that is an entirely different discussion.

[spierce]

maybe that is what i was thinking about then ... NEW THREAD

[JoJoYZF]

I used to use four but retrained myself to use two once I got my gp plus gloves since it feels a lot more comfortable to use two with having the finger bridge.

[speedylocksmith]

Yes, you'll use the shit out of your brakes at most tracks.

Track or street or at home I only use two fingers.

I rarely use the BACK brake on the track but that is an entirely different discussion.AND never use the brake when in a turn..street or track

[spierce]

you made it sound bad that you cover the brake on the track..

[marko138]

I used to use four but retrained myself to use two once I got my gp plus gloves since it feels a lot more comfortable to use two with having the finger bridge.

Thats what steers me away from A* gloves, the finger bridge. I brake with my middle two fingers and keep the pinky and pointer on the throttle.

[shmike]

you made it sound bad that you cover the brake on the track..

I do.

I also use it in the turns.

[marko138]

I do.

I also use it in the turns.
I cover the front at the track too...and in densely populated streets.

[spierce]

I do.

I also use it in the turns.

now i know why but i don't understand yet waiting for response on other thread

[Mr Lefty]

I had this discussion with my MSF instructor... they teach 4 because on many bikes... you need to grab a fist full of brake to stop quickly... where as on a sport bike... with the powerful brakes they have... 2 is more than enough for many to stop just as quick.

[Quick281]

I use 2 and I haven't been to any class. I know that I feel more comfortable with 2 fingers covering the brake in case I need them. 4 Fingers will like over kill and less control of the throttle. But hey, that just me.

[HRCNICK11]

MSF course was not written by a sportbike rider.

I cover them on the track to keep from getting arm pump. When I cover the brake and clutch on the track I can't hold on so tight that I get arm pump.

[Sixxxxer]

MSF course was not written by a sportbike rider.

I cover them on the track to keep from getting arm pump. When I cover the brake and clutch on the track I can't hold on so tight that I get arm pump.

You can say that again.

[RACER X]

i recommend 4 in class, more strength and control. no matter the bike.

plus the other 2 could get in teh way under max braking.

[SoFlaSV]

2 for the pink one for the stink

http://www.soflasportbikes.com/forum/customavatars/avatar515_11.gif

[Cutty72]

I use 2 on both. Sometimes only one on the brake. :idk: just how I do it.
Granted, I put shorty levers on the buell too, so 4 fingers not work. 3 max and with the A* gloves that don't work.

[PhiSig1071]

I only use 1 finger on the brakes. I use four fingers on the clutch. My brakes are set-up so that I can only use one finger, steel lines, DOT5.1, and HH pads. Even braking down on the front straight at Jennings I only need one. In an emergency situation I use two, but that's it.

[was92v]

I grew up using 4 on the brake because you had to or the damn thing wouldn't stop. As brakes got better I started backing off. Now I use two most of the time. Track riding pretty much required it since I needed to blip the throttle between down shifts and brake at the same time and it just became natural. Sometimes in a panic or sudden braking situation 2 seems, for a millisecond, to not be enough, but it is.
I use 4 on the clutch. Always have and have ridden many bikes that required it. Always covered the clutch with at least two fingers when I raced 2-strokes, but not so much on4-strokes. 2-strokes have a nasty habit of seizing up just as you roll back into the throttle pulling out of the apex and spitting you off like a watermelon seed. Sometimes you can get the clutch in before the launch and mutter "shit" instead of "OH SHIT" in mid flight. :panic:

[HRCNICK11]

plus the other 2 could get in teh way under max braking.


Maybe if you have girlie man short fingers. I normally max out my adjusters forward.

Jeremy B. said the other day that Rossi's could be faster if he did not use his whole hand to brake. Said that he could get o the gas a split second faster if he used one or two fingers.

[rogue]

2 on both. I have small hands and have my levers adjusted accordingly too. I also keep both covered all the time. Just a habit I've gotten into.

[Smittie61984]

I use two fingers. I got that from my BMX past where I rode with two on the brake. That way I can brake and control the bike.

I know the MSF says to use 4 but that seems dangerous. I almost hit a deer and was on one wheel at 60mph hanging on by my remaining fingers. Plus I ride a 1996 CBR600 with ancient brake technology compared to today's bikes.

Instead of worrying about accidently grabbing a full brake iwth 4 fingers. Practice Emergency Stops with two fingers. You'll get use to two fingers.

[Phenix_Rider]

Two brake, two clutch. That's what I've always done, and what I'll always do unless some bike forces me to change- call it Newton's Law of Motorcycles. Whatever's comfortable for you is right. It's the same as batting left or right, riding snowboard regular or goofy- as long as it's natural, that's all that matters.

:td: The MSF four finger thing hurts my hands- fuck it, I won't do it. Plus it takes forever to get all my fingers off the throttle and out around the lever, and I lose my grip on the bar which is the last thing I need in a panic brake situation.

I've had a few occasions on the bike that I needed four fingers on the clutch. Stupid clutch disengage whatever the fuck switch won't work unless the lever is against the bar. Which doesn't work unless all my fingers are out of the way. Simple solution- DON"T STALL! :nono:

[lauralynne]

But in a panic situation wouldn't you grab with all 4 no matter what so wouldn't it be better to know what that feels like? :idk:

Even in a panic, only 2. I've never used 4. 2 on on the throttle leaves me the option of a quick gas to swerve if need be.

[Particle Man]

depends... if it's cold out I use 2 cuz it hurts to move more. Otherwise I use 4.

[OneSickPsycho]

Two for the brake, three or four for the clutch. Just the way I've always done it.

[FT BSTRD]

Evidently, Two:

http://www.incorrect.org/coppermine/albums/buelltoberfest2008/Buelltoberfest_2008_10_05_1280_061.JPG

[Dnyce]

i started doin burnouts with four fingers on the brake, so thats what ive kept to doin when i went to street riding. i use two now if im bein lazy, but for any hard /panic stop-its all four, stops on a dime.

maybe after ss lines and shorty levers ill move to two, idk-but i can work the throttle with my thumb hook lol

all four for the clutch too, more control on the launch, and it just transferred over to when i started riding street.

[MikeSP1]

Why do you use only two? (question open to anyone)

Because my fore finger is usually too close to the bend in the lever to make any kind of difference, and my little finger is too weak to matter (not to mention that it barely reaches the lever). 2 works just fine for me. I can lock 'em up with 2, so why do I need more power?

And I haven't even touched the back brake since I bought it, I don't even know if it works.

[Flexin]

AND never use the brake when in a turn..street or track

I don't agree with this one. If I didn't I would have been in for a world of hurt with that 3/4 ton chev that decided to stop mid corner, and when I found out the bridge I was coming up on was a one lane bridge, while I was in a lean.

James

[FT BSTRD]

I don't agree with this one. If I didn't I would have been in for a world of hurt with that 3/4 ton chev that decided to stop mid corner, and when I found out the bridge I was coming up on was a one lane bridge, while I was in a lean.

James

I don't either.

Should trail braking NEVER be done?

[DLIT]

Two. I've gotten to a point now, when in a panic or rush stop, I grab with two and blip throttle and downshift to maintain a proper gear in case I need to get out quick. It's easier for me to blip using the two other fingers on the throttle while the other wo are braking.

[Archren]

I used to use 4 when I had bikes with not as much stopping power (my Buell Blast and my F2)... but the reason most MSF courses teach 4 fingers is a safety issue.. if you go down and you're using 2 fingers, there's a chance you could crush the other 2 if the lever gets bent into the handlebar. :idk:

The reason *I* use 2 fingers on the Duc is because with those Brembo brakes, any more than 2 fingers and I'll be flying over the handlebars. I've locked up the front once during a panic stop (some idiot backed out in front of me) and that was just with 2 fingers. :panic:

[RACER X]

try this w/ 2 fingers and then 4

http://faculty.washington.edu/kepeter/119/images/hand_exerciser.jpg

even if there is a max brake pt, w/ just 2 fingers your other 2 fingers hinder motion and control.

and i'm talking pure emergancy stop, car pulled out in ft and your doing 60, slowing down in track corners is not the same as emerg. stoppping to save your life.

[xx CURVE xx]

2 for the pink one for the stink

[Archren]

try this w/ 2 fingers and then 4

even if there is a max brake pt, w/ just 2 fingers your other 2 fingers hinder motion and control.

and i'm talking pure emergancy stop, car pulled out in ft and your doing 60, slowing down in track corners is not the same as emerg. stoppping to save your life.

Yes, PLEASE try 4 fingers with my bike. I'd pay to see that shit. :lol:

[xx CURVE xx]

Yes, PLEASE try 4 fingers with my bike. I'd pay to see that shit. :lol:

You can't control your fingers?? :p

[RACER X]

Yes, PLEASE try 4 fingers with my bike. I'd pay to see that shit. :lol:

name a date..........:whistle:

[MikeSP1]

Go ahead and 4-finger the brakes when I get done with them. Damn thing already stops hard enough to have me singing the high note.

[Avatard]

Depends. If I'm casually slowing, I'll use 2 so I can blip throttle for downshift. If I'm finally stopping, usually 4. Same with the clutch. If I'm starting out, I use 4 for more control, if I'm shifting, 2 (if I don't just match Rs, and crashbox it...although I usually use the clutch while upshifting).

Also, if I'm slowing fast, I may not touch the front brake until after a couple of downshifts are done, which, if I'm in a hurry to scrub speed, will also be matched Rs, and crashboxed (I tend to not use the clutch more while downshifting), while I modulate the back brake between downshifts, to minimize rear tire upset. By initiating deceleration with the trans, you already get the weight forward onto the forks, which upsets the front less when you do get on the brake.

In a panic stop, it's all available fingers and toes on brakes and clutch.

I've driven manual cars all my life, so I'm used to using the trans for speed modulation far more than the brake. To me, the brake is mostly for coming to a final stop.

[azoomm]

name a date..........:whistle:

Oh shuush Ed.

Two. ONLY two - pointer and middle, they have the best tactile feel. It is exactly what we teach at the track - but then we're dealing with bikes that are track appropriate. MSF is a good starting point, but there are a few things I wouldn't apply to the track that MSF preaches. IMHO, it isn't the end-all beat-all, but a good place to learn the basics.

Braking in the corners should be left to a control environment unless you know what you're doing. I used to do it on my ZX-11 to get it to upright faster on the exit of a corner. But, even with that tank I never needed more than two for braking. Now, I think if I had a brake light it would be on a lot of the time just from keeping tension on the rear brake - I like to know where it is, and use it when needed for pivot in corners.

Now, if you had something with less than modern... say, a 1973 Norton. You better be using all four or you won't stop for even a planned stop sign :lol:

It is best, in a panic situation - to not panic. :wink:

[Archren]

You can't control your fingers?? :p

In a situation of emergency/panic.. the tendency is to grab with all your strength... as it is, doing that with just 2 fingers locks up my front wheel (you forget I only weigh 127.. unlike Ed's fat ass redflip ).

[RACER X]

Oh shuush Ed.

Two. ONLY two - pointer and middle, they have the best tactile feel. :

i agree, but you also hinder movement in your primary fingers cuz the 2 are tucked up underneath.

also if you practice w/ 2, an emergancy arises and you bring in 4 w/ more power = overbraking.

In a situation of emergency/panic.. the tendency is to grab with all your strength... as it is, doing that with just 2 fingers locks up my front wheel (you forget I only weigh 127.. unlike Ed's fat ass redflip ).

so try emergancy braking w/ 4 and see what happens, i bet you get better results.

try it like hte MSF exercise, thrown a marker and the ground and use that as your stopping point. and try stopping as quickly and safely as you can.


my guess is that most people here and in general do alot more street miles then track.

and i tell my students practice practice practice, don't make the emergancy your practice.

[xx CURVE xx]

In a situation of emergency/panic.. the tendency is to grab with all your strength... as it is, doing that with just 2 fingers locks up my front wheel (you forget I only weigh 127.. unlike Ed's fat ass redflip ).

Ah yes..Ed is a fat ass :lol:

I know what you mean though...The Yam 450 we tarded out got has nasty brakes...one finger can put you up and over... I suggested going back to stock brake lines..

[Archren]

Ah yes..Ed is a fat ass :lol:

I know what you mean though...The Yam 450 we tarded out got has nasty brakes...one finger can put you up and over... I suggested going back to stock brake lines..

Problem is... my bike is bone stock. I'm almost afraid to upgrade anything on those brakes. :panic: :lol:

[Rider]

I use 2 fingers.

[MikeSP1]

i agree, but you also hinder movement in your primary fingers cuz the 2 are tucked up underneath.

The 2 remaining fingers aren't always tucked under the lever. You can easily rest the unused digits on the lever. Just because they're on the lever doesn't mean that they're being used.

[xx CURVE xx]

Problem is... my bike is bone stock. I'm almost afraid to upgrade anything on those brakes. :panic: :lol:

Maybe you should just sell it and get a less scary machine :p

[azoomm]

i agree, but you also hinder movement in your primary fingers cuz the 2 are tucked up underneath.

also if you practice w/ 2, an emergancy arises and you bring in 4 w/ more power = overbraking.

so try emergancy braking w/ 4 and see what happens, i bet you get better results.

try it like hte MSF exercise, thrown a marker and the ground and use that as your stopping point. and try stopping as quickly and safely as you can.


my guess is that most people here and in general do alot more street miles then track.

and i tell my students practice practice practice, don't make the emergancy your practice.

How is it my ring and pinky are in the way? First, they are linked together in my Spidi gloves. I then have the choice of two or four only. My brake lever doesn't got to the grip - not even close, even with a fist full. So, how is it my fingers are "in the way"? Your brakes need some work if your lever goes to the grip enough to pinch your fingers...

It's difficult to practice a panic moment, or even an unpredictable stop. You can't possibly do it with a marker that you know exists. The best way would be to have someone else out on a course with you initiating a stop through a signal.

[G-Rex]

Problem is... my bike is bone stock. I'm almost afraid to upgrade anything on those brakes. :panic: :lol:

I want Brembos for my TLR!

My birthday is coming up you know. :whistle:

[smileyman]

Two for the brake, two on the clutch, and two for taters whore of an ex wife!

Seriously I can modulate the same with 2 or four, its just the speed at which you can get to the brake that makes me want to cover it at all times. Hard to work the throttle with an open palm so I just use two and keep my pinkie and ring finger working the throttle.

I am getting old and noticing I have to use 4 fingers on the clutch anymore. Long rides using only two on the clutch will cramp my wrist and forearm. Suppose it is the begginings of carpel tunnel, but since I shift a hella lot more than I brake it is only an issue for the left hand. Maybe I should buy a liter bike and not shift as much???

[Antwanny]

3 I lost one in Nam
________
Buy portable vaporizer (http://vaporizer.org/portable)
________
Honda Cb250Rs (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_CB250RS)

[Archren]

Maybe you should just sell it and get a less scary machine :p

This coming from a 'tard rider... :lol:

[xx CURVE xx]

This coming from a 'tard rider... :lol:

Tards are scary?? :idk:

[Archren]

Tards are scary?? :idk:

When you're always riding on one wheel... :nee:

[Avatard]

Tards are scary?? :idk:

See avatar.

[xx CURVE xx]

When you're always riding on one wheel... :nee:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f269/xxCURVExx/Fif.jpg

it's not the one wheel thats scary..it's the two upside down ones :lol:

[No Worries]

My first two street bikes had drum brakes. Four fingers were needed to modulate them correctly. And I still use four fingers on my brake, clutch and throttle. Where I ride, throttle control is everything. Except for going downhill. On some uphill curves, I don't even use the front brake, just the rear brake to steady the bike. I have to use four fingers to blip the throttle on my Suzuki, as the return spring is strong enough to hold 100 carbs closed.

[Cutty72]

My first two street bikes had drum brakes. Four fingers were needed to modulate them correctly. And I still use four fingers on my brake, clutch and throttle. Where I ride, throttle control is everything. Except for going downhill. On some uphill curves, I don't even use the front brake, just the rear brake to steady the bike. I have to use four fingers to blip the throttle on my Suzuki, as the return spring is strong enough to hold 100 carbs closed.

Holy shit! You have 100 carbs on ONE bike!!! :lol:

[HRCNICK11]

Also I learned to ride on a quad and you can not blip the thumb throttle on a quad with four fingers on the front brake you have to hold on with something.

You can't work the throttle well with all four fingers on the brake, I always leave at least one but more often two fingers on the brake lever. I think this makes my braking action smoother and quicker to respond than to move my fingers from the grip to the lever when I need it.

By the time you have moved your four fingers to the lever, my two fingers have already been braking for a half a second or so. This makes my two finger braking faster and far safer than your four fingered braking.

[Smittie61984]

My first two street bikes had drum brakes. Four fingers were needed to modulate them correctly. And I still use four fingers on my brake, clutch and throttle. Where I ride, throttle control is everything. Except for going downhill. On some uphill curves, I don't even use the front brake, just the rear brake to steady the bike. I have to use four fingers to blip the throttle on my Suzuki, as the return spring is strong enough to hold 100 carbs closed.

A guy at my work was an old 70s Triumph rider. Long hair, crazy looking and did tons of drugs. Hung with tough Harley guys and all. He had a Triumph that was also part Harley and basically thrown together. He only had a rear drum brake.

[RACER X]

By the time you have moved your four fingers to the lever, my two fingers have already been braking for a half a second or so. This makes my two finger braking faster and far safer than your four fingered braking.unless you cover the brake all the time w/ 2, it takes as long for 4 as 2
:idk:

[G-Rex]

I never did reply. I use 2 fingers, but I'm also already covering the brake.

Whenever I approach traffic, cars, anything that is an obstacle that can move unexpectedly, I cover the brake *and* the clutch.

I also practice panic braking every time I get on both of my bikes. I know their characteristics, how they react, and I have no hesitation. If I have to jam down on the brakes, I know what the limits are and I can shut my bikes down as quick as possible. Because I practice. It has served me well a few times. It's second nature now.

[Switch]

2.

When downshifting while braking into a corner, its really hard to match the RPMs if you use 4 fingers on the brakes.

come on.

[marko138]

2.

When downshifting while braking into a corner, its really hard to match the RPMs if you use 4 fingers on the brakes.

come on.
Fo Realz.

[RCM78]

I use two fingers. It's necessary to control the throttle while braking and downshifting.

MSF teaches four fingers. On sportbikes it's overkill but if your used to it it's fine. You just have to practice!!!

When I'm riding my Valkyrie I use four fingers on the front brake. That bike has excellent brakes but they do take more effort then the R1.

[Smittie61984]

When I'm riding my Valkyrie I use four fingers on the front brake. That bike has excellent brakes but they do take more effort then the R1.

That's why I felt they tought the 4fingers in MSF. They get Harleys and such in there with less braking power.

I had to do an emergency brake today thanks to the daily car pull out in front of me move. I used two fingers even with some panic.

[Yamerhaw]

2 on the brake , 3 on the clutch for me

[Digifox]

YAY, i dont fallow the rules. . .lol
I only cover the Clutch lever with 2 while riding and 4 to hold it. . .
And i dont cover the break lever . . . . .
But i can still stop in time. . .without locking up either wheel.
*im a bad rider. . .i know*