Front Brakes...

[quietguy_imp]

I learned, almost the hard way, to use the REAR brake for slowing while making a low speed turn.

I was making a slow left turn into my driveway arriving home after my ride yesterday and during said turn I (what I thought) gently applied the front brakes to slow the bike down to a walk... should have used the rear. Dang things acted like they were locked up and the front end vibrated and the tire skidded, Ugh. Fortunately there was a bit of loose gravel for the wheel to slide on, otherwise I may have had a bad experience. I immediately let off the brake handle then even more gently tried to apply the front brakes again, same thing - front end bounced and the tire appeared to lock up.

That was the first time I've experienced this...

I've used the front brakes in slow turns before without mishap... or so I think, without the things doing this "wheel lock" bit. But maybe it was my turn angle or something.

I got stopped okay, straightened the bike up and idled down the driveway to the storage building, lightly applying the front brakes to test them. They still felt a bit "grabby".

Not sure what to make of this...

Next outing I'll get the bike up to about 25 mph or so and retest the front brakes to see if something's amiss.

[the Ferret]

The front brakes on the CB1100 are quite strong and will stop the wheel at low speed. I almost dropped mine when it was new pulling it into the garage coming home from a ride one time. The problem was the handlebars were turned sharply to the right and I was going very slow. When I squeezed the lever the wheel locked and the forward momentum kept my body going straight while the bike had stopped going to the right. I caught it before it fell but now I line up straighter before applying the front brake very hard.

[quietguy_imp]

Yes sir... I will exercise a lot more caution using the front brakes henceforth.

I did consciously (try) to apply very light pressure to the lever yesterday... but even that was too much.

In future I'll use the rear brake more, or in conjunction with the front.

Glad you were able to recover okay too.

[Lord Popgun]

That is what happens a lot in "parking lot" drops. Especially on big touring bikes that are top heavy. Like the Honda ST1300 or K1600 BMWs.

[quietguy_imp]

Yes, true popgun. I've seen it a few times.

Usually I'm pretty careful so it was a bit of a shock when it happened to me yesterday.

[Inhouse Bob]

I did exactly the same thing yesterday. I pull my machine in front of my car in the driveway, perpendicular to the car. It takes a sharp left turn to get it right and I slipped pretty good on the damp grass. Very nearly dropped it on the hood of the car. Not cool. My neck still feels that lift.

[quietguy_imp]

Sorry to hear of that close call, Bob, but glad you were able to save it all.

I knew the front brakes were strong but yesterday was my first exposure to just how much. Usually, I try to use them judiciously and in conjunction with the rear brake.

Stay safe...

[rboe]

Slow speeds turns like that are sleepers. You think everything is just ducky but in reality this is a very dangerous part of the performance envelope. I tend to be over cautious in that mode. Just because good judgement comes from the use of bad judgement.

Glad you saved it. I didn't. And do test your front brakes on the off (very slight) there is a problem up there.

[quietguy_imp]

Sorry your results were not as good, Rboe. And yes, I do plan to check front brake operation next time out. I suspect they're okay...

At the first service, I'm going to check with the mech, see if there's anything that can be done to tone them done - probably nothing can be done, but I will ask.

Thanks for your input.

[rboe]

Ah, this was a while ago on a different bike. In front of about 50 guys. Which is lucky as I was loaded up and needed about three of them to help pick it up! Just about everyone has been there, some come out better than others (really messy when you pull a back muscle). The trick is to live and learn.