Trail braking?

MissHell · 06-22-2009, 02:07 PM

Thoughts on trail braking?

I don't even know how I picked up the habit, but I do it.

One of my track instructors told me it's fine if you are comfortable doing it. He told me alot of people scare themselves using the rear brake through a turn and that's why it isn't recommended.

shmike · 06-22-2009, 02:15 PM

Trail braking can be front or rear.

I'll trail brake with the front on the track.

On the street, I'll sometimes drag the rear brake on the really tight stuff if I am on a BIG touring bike.

MissHell · 06-22-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmike

Trail braking can be front or rear.

I'll trail brake with the front on the track.

I didn't know that... maybe I can re-train myself.

MikeSP1 · 06-22-2009, 02:21 PM

I do it. Scared myself with it once, just bought a bike used and went for a ride. Little did I know that the front brake rotors were bent as were both wheels. Didn't feel any problems until I tried to trail brake then the whole bike went into the wobbles. But I only try it with the front brake.

Which reminds me, I need to buy new brake pads

fasternyou929 · 06-22-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmike

Trail braking can be front or rear.

I'll trail brake with the front on the track.

On the street, I'll sometimes drag the rear brake on the really tight stuff if I am on a BIG touring bike.

I trail brake at the track with the front (trail breaking just means keeping the break applied to the apex of the turn) but try to avoid it on the street because it will amplify the affect of gravel. Fast.

It's good to be comfortable with for street riding in case a descending radius turn sneaks up on you. Or you cross state lines and the interpretation of a 25mph curve suddenly changes (see NC to VA).

the chi · 06-22-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissHell

Thoughts on trail braking?

I don't even know how I picked up the habit, but I do it.

One of my track instructors told me it's fine if you are comfortable doing it. He told me alot of people scare themselves using the rear brake through a turn and that's why it isn't recommended.

That pretty much it for me as well. I do it naturally with the rear, and had to teach myself to use the front on the track as I hate using the front brake for much of anything, but like yours, my instructors have always said the same. If I am comfortable with it, go for it. I just dont tell other people about it. I've learned that it takes a different/delicate touch, and alot of folks dont get that and lock it up...

Rider · 06-22-2009, 02:34 PM

I over used the rear brake, so much so that it bit me in the ass and caused me to high side while trying to avoid a collision. I used it to get the bike settled down at corner entry on the street. I've never been on the track, so I can't comment on using it there.

Trip · 06-22-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider

I over used the rear brake, so much so that it bit me in the ass and caused me to high side while trying to avoid a collision. I used it to get the bike settled down at corner entry on the street. I've never been on the track, so I can't comment on using it there.

you come from dirt bikes though, rae has no excuse.

marko138 · 06-22-2009, 04:10 PM

I do it all the time. Almost every corner.

the chi · 06-22-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trip

you come from dirt bikes though, rae has no excuse.

Mmmhmmm...Im special like that, thats all. Dont be hating cuz you like to surf on your bike versus ride it!

06-22-2009, 02:07 PM	#1
MissHell Followed the crowd over. Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Hawaii Moto: '07 Yahama R6 Posts: 911	Trail braking? Thoughts on trail braking? I don't even know how I picked up the habit, but I do it. One of my track instructors told me it's fine if you are comfortable doing it. He told me alot of people scare themselves using the rear brake through a turn and that's why it isn't recommended.

06-22-2009, 02:21 PM	#4
MikeSP1 Perpetual trouble Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: at the base of the Alps Moto: VTX 1300C, RC51, CBR600RR, CBR929RR Posts: 715	I do it. Scared myself with it once, just bought a bike used and went for a ride. Little did I know that the front brake rotors were bent as were both wheels. Didn't feel any problems until I tried to trail brake then the whole bike went into the wobbles. But I only try it with the front brake. Which reminds me, I need to buy new brake pads __________________ "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!" Last edited by MikeSP1; 06-22-2009 at 02:29 PM..

06-22-2009, 02:15 PM	#2
shmike Follower Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,549	Trail braking can be front or rear. I'll trail brake with the front on the track. On the street, I'll sometimes drag the rear brake on the really tight stuff if I am on a BIG touring bike.

06-22-2009, 02:34 PM	#7
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	I over used the rear brake, so much so that it bit me in the ass and caused me to high side while trying to avoid a collision. I used it to get the bike settled down at corner entry on the street. I've never been on the track, so I can't comment on using it there.