08-02-2017, 01:03 AM
I never stopped to measure, but by down gearing and grabbing a fistful of front brake I was able to avoid several deer, wild turkeys, and a black bear on my CB500XA.
I learned to ride big bikes on British motorcycles which had lousy brakes, so down gearing to slow down is part of my DNA. The only time I use a back brake is slowly ascending steep hills on sandy or gravel roads.
Never had a problem with a rear disk until now. My dealer just replaced the rear disk and brake pads on my 2017 CB1100 EX under warranty because the pads scored the disc and discoloured it with heat. They tried to say I must have ridden it with my foot on the brake pedal. I told them I never use the rear brake and never had this problem with any other motorcycle.
Apparently the new pads have metal in them, and need to be broken in. So they encouraged me to use the rear brake when stopping. On my day rides on the back roads stop signs are about half an hour apart, but I tried. What a mushy brake! I could do better dragging my feet. I am glad I didn't rely on this. However if it stops the rear brake from dragging on the rear wheel, I will continue trying.
I learned to ride big bikes on British motorcycles which had lousy brakes, so down gearing to slow down is part of my DNA. The only time I use a back brake is slowly ascending steep hills on sandy or gravel roads.
Never had a problem with a rear disk until now. My dealer just replaced the rear disk and brake pads on my 2017 CB1100 EX under warranty because the pads scored the disc and discoloured it with heat. They tried to say I must have ridden it with my foot on the brake pedal. I told them I never use the rear brake and never had this problem with any other motorcycle.
Apparently the new pads have metal in them, and need to be broken in. So they encouraged me to use the rear brake when stopping. On my day rides on the back roads stop signs are about half an hour apart, but I tried. What a mushy brake! I could do better dragging my feet. I am glad I didn't rely on this. However if it stops the rear brake from dragging on the rear wheel, I will continue trying.