Downhill braking

[Cucullin]

Just want get an opinion from someone in the know how to brake downhill and I guess uphill better. I've normally used more front than rear, but someone said to me that its best to use more rear on the downhills so as to keep the bike as level as possible (i.e. as little front load as possible). Can anyone clear this up? Cheers.

[superbadonkey]

Originally Posted by Cucullin

Just want get an opinion from someone in the know how to brake downhill and I guess uphill better. I've normally used more front than rear, but someone said to me that its best to use more rear on the downhills so as to keep the bike as level as possible (i.e. as little front load as possible). Can anyone clear this up? Cheers.

Have you ever had any problem with the way you do it? If not then don't change it, Personally I've never to my knowledge made any changes to how I break on hills compared to level roads

[Slaon]

Engine brakeing for me

[Andrei "The Russian"]

Front mostly and little back if you can use it without locking up the back.

[LittleBlackBlade]

Originally Posted by Cucullin

Just want get an opinion from someone in the know how to brake downhill and I guess uphill better. I've normally used more front than rear, but someone said to me that its best to use more rear on the downhills so as to keep the bike as level as possible (i.e. as little front load as possible). Can anyone clear this up? Cheers.

thats bollix!
listen you will only change breaking styles in extreme sport riding or off road driving!
sounds like somebody was tanked when telling you this or hasnt a clue!
the steepest hill we would have in this country with tarmac on it would be shy of 30 degrees!
unless you have a problem with it dont be listening to gob shites
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do what your doing!

if you are going downhill the rear is way way more likely to lock due to a little thing called gravity!

[mandzhalas]

rule of the road book,and my ibt instructor said use front brake only
rear brake for slow manevoures only
it makes sence,as all weight shifted to front and rear is more likely loose grip

[corkgsxr]

Faster your going the less rear you want to use. Engine braking and all front brakes

[Colonel Matterson]

take your front brake with both your hands

[fr4nz]

for me its not only the breaks (as above, engine breaking and front only) but the body position. specifically I try not to put any pressure on the bars when riding downhill, so I grab the bike with my legs, straighten up a little bit and than makes it a lot easier.

speaking from my own limited experience only but it works for me. I used to hate downhills and now they don't bother me at all.

[Interceptor]

Braking uphill? Dude its a motorbike, not a train. Get some advanced instruction on awareness, hazard anticipation and smooth riding - learn to leave the brakes alone.

'cptr

[oretom]

why are you keeping level as possible? has someone stuck a bomb under it? wired to a mercury switch?
tis baloney mate

[twojimis]

Originally Posted by Slaon

Engine brakeing for me

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[Gixxer]

Probably a Harley Fergusson rider you were talking to...

[hotboxzerox]

Originally Posted by Colonel Matterson

take your front brake with both your hands

and do what exactly?
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[jimgoose]

No, I'm afraid what you've been told is a load of bollocks. Brake uphill/downhill the same way you'd brake on the level.
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[Slaon]

Feckin lot of overthinking going on here, just ride the whoor and brake when ya need to

[xthe-stig]

Uphill I'd brake as normal downhill select a lower gear and allow the engines reduced revolutions to control the speed of the bike as in it won't dramatically speed up going downhill and brake as necessary

[betdownbiddy]

Both heels dug into the Tarmac on the way down hill....

[Smiler]

your vstrom 650 has plenty of engine braking. USE THE GEARS.

[Brother Thadeus]

Originally Posted by betdownbiddy

Both heels dug into the Tarmac on the way down hill....

And don't forget to open the jacket for wind assistance
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