That rear brake

[Insolentsquid_imp]

Okay, much has been said about how effective or not the rear brake is on our mistress.

Really, how much do we use it, and for what?

The front brake on my 2014 is really assertive, and combined with the ABS, really inspires confidence.

The mild and meek rear brake however, lends itself really well to adding stability by trailing the brake in slow speed manoeuvres.

Have we now got to the stage where, for most of us mortals on the road, the front brake is king for scrubbing the mph off, and the rear just for fancy stuff?

Enlighten me!

[the_undecider_imp]

I would rather have one that's a bit weak than too grabby, but this one is swimming in the weaksauce. My V-strom was similarly lacking, so no adjustment was needed when I got the CB. The front brakes are stellar and quite a surprise when I test rode the bike.

[the Ferret]

swimming in weaksauce ... Classic

[TINK_imp]

BRAKE!? We don't need no stinking brakes!

My 2014 CB1100 Deluxe (ABS) has some of the best brakes of any bike I've ever owned... I don't understand this weak rear brake dialog.

This is not your Schwinn Stingray; you do not need to be able to lock up the rear brake and "lay a patch" to impress your friends,

[the Ferret]

No but they really should aid in slowing you down, rather just being good for holding the bike still at a stop light.

[Randy B]

I find it really odd that all of you have such issues with the rear brake. I can effectively haul myself to a stop with only the rear brake. I wouldn't wan't to do it too often because it wouldn't last too long, but I could do it in an emergency situation where I lost my fronts and feel confident about stopping safely.

[Henrik_imp]

I never really use the rear brake, other than for keeping the bike still at a stop light. The only time I will have used a rear brake other than that has been at the race track when going really hard, and wanting to stabilize the bike in a corner, but then that is also very rare. So, on the CB11 I have not noticed if it is any good or not, other than it does brake more than the one on my brother's Tuono (but that is really not saying much!).

[redbirds_imp]

Brakes on my CB are stellar and better than the very good Brembo's that were on the Guzzi Breva. I rarely use the rear brake other than to hold the bike when stopped or when riding on dirt.

[Jayimpalaman_imp]

Here is the deal on the rear brake. (only on non ABS) bikes. They are to be used to only slow you down not to stop you! On the newer bikes, lots of the rear brakes are only fair. Lots of that have to do with losing it in the rain. Some riders use too much of the rear brake. On Crusiers the rear brake is strong. But, we have a sport type bike. Front brakes are to be the most. I called Honda about my rear brake being so weak and they said that's the way they are now a days on a lot of bikes. But, he was talking about Honda's. He said I should think about trading up to a 2014 with ABS !!!!! Mine is a non ABS 2013. I even took in 2 times to the dealer and Honda told them that they have not had any complants yet !! It all comes down to someone trying to tell me how I want to ride a motorcycle. I have been riding much longer than most people have been alive !! If I wanted to take my front brakes off, and just use my rear brake it would be my darn business !!! Hang in there. Bring up your brake lever some. It will help. God Bless...

Jayimpalaman

[Ole_imp]

I don't have a problem with the rear brake on my 2013 CB1100 non ABS. It is better than the bike I traded in on it a Honda Shadow Phantom. But to be fair, the Phantom had a drum rear brake.