| Author | Message | ||
     Rocketman |
The S1's were never supposed to have rear brakes to stop with. They were designed for steering with. Now the poo's gonna fly! Rocket | ||
| Chainsaw |
MSF taught us to use both brakes, I can't say I've ever had a problem with rear brake use. To each his own I guess. I know some guys are adamant about NOT using the rear brake. If I were one of those guys, why not take the rear caliper off and lighten up the bike by 6 pounds or so? A heck of a lot cheaper than replacing plastic bodywork with carbon fiber. Anyone here that committed? | ||
| Clutchless |
voted - everytime but I learned how to ride on dirt, by my dad. to each his own I guess. | ||
| Blakers |
When I got my 99 S3T, the rear brake lever had been shortened by about 2". I always planned on replacing it but since you asked, I realize that I use it all the time (in conjunction with the front). It takes a lot of pressure to lock the rear wheel, but I could do it if I had to. | ||
| Loki |
Like Blake stated, There is not an answer that fits my use. So my vote is at best a compromise. There should have been one more choice. "none of the above" which of course would lead to a follow up survey. jmho, Bryan | ||
| Adrenaline_junkie |
Rear brake pads - $25 dollars at local Buell Dealer. Front brake pads(Lyndall Gold) - $80 plus shipping from Al in California. Learned to ride in the dirt. Still ride in the dirt. Result, I use the back brake all the time and add the use of the front brake when it seems prudent. Hard Stop = both brakes Tail Braking = Rear Brake only (usually) Setting at stop light = Either/or Scrubbing off a little speed = back brake only (usually) | ||
| Bcordb3 |
The S1's were never supposed to have rear brakes to stop with. They were designed for steering with. Rocket, how do you know this? Did the designer say specifically that the rear brakes were designed for steering? I can't imagine a manufacturer would say anything that could provoke potential litigation. | ||
| Gotj |
Here are the poll results as of Jan. 2 about noon. So far, 58 total votes. Be sure to vote at the link below even if you post your answer here. http://mhe.pollhost.com/ Do you use your rear brake on your Buell? Percent Votes Never 10% 6 Only to hold the bike at stop and in slow parking lot turns 16% 9 Always for stopping 12% 7 Every time - for stopping and slowing down 62% 36 58 votes total (Message edited by gotj on January 02, 2008) (Message edited by gotj on January 02, 2008) (Message edited by gotj on January 02, 2008) | ||
| Staindus |
OK I learned in MSF to only use the back brake in emergency stop situations. I have only been using the front brake lately and its always been enough (except for some certain situations). What are the Pros and Cons of using the back brake always I wonder. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I'm sure he's referring to his/all of those models particular habits. I'm pretty sure that Buell wouldn't state "These rear brakes are pretty much useless, but they work well for trail braking". A shorter wheelbase bike has less rear brake available due to weight transfer so using them with the front would be less effective from what I gather. Staindus, pick some performance riding books up and you'll see the light. (Message edited by Thumper74 on January 02, 2008) | ||
| Blake |
"I learned in MSF to only use the back brake in emergency stop situations." That must be the class where "MSF" stood for "Motorcycle Suicide Foundation". | ||
| Ceejay |
The last time I was on track(and the only time so far  ) I was playing around with this a lot. On both bikes it helped immensly to use the rear brake but only if you applied it before applying the front. I would really notice if I didn't use it coming off the back straight at Mid-O especially on the XB as it would create an almost O-sh-- moment. the 1125 wasn't as bad but when I used the rear brake I found I could move my braking points almost into the turn. I play around with this a lot on the street too, but the results are far less drastic as I seldom get to bring my bike down from 120+. I often lock the back up just to see how the bike will handle, but I'm still trying to figure out how to lock the back up, spin it up and go into a turn supermoto style | ||
| Az_m2 |
I always use both brakes when stopping. Also use the rear for holding at a stop light, slow speed parking lot maneuvers, and trail braking during spirited riding. During normal / hard stops, I get much less front-end dive when I use the rear brake in conjunction with the front. | ||
| Rick_a |
I only use the rear brake when I feel I need to. Normally, no, but in low traction situations, if I need to tighten a line or slightly adjust my speed while partially leaned over, and at parking lot speeds I'll use it. It is powerful enough to back it in when the front brakes are on hard, and a good stomp induces a lockup, which I feel is perfect. The rear rotor and pads don't last long enough on the S1 (OEM Brembo) to be using 'em every time, anyway. | ||
| Etennuly |
I paid for the damn thing, I'm gonna use it!  | ||
| Djkaplan |
I exploit every advantage offered to me. I never hesitate to use the rear brake when it can provide an advantage. Just exactly where the line gets drawn between an advantage, a crutch, or it's just gonna kill you... that's the crux of the matter. | ||
| Rainman |
I figure the front brake gives me 70 to 75 percent of my braking power. The rear gives me about 30 to 25 percent. Using them together gives me 100 percent. | ||
| Rocketman |
The S1's were never supposed to have rear brakes to stop with. They were designed for steering with. Rocket, how do you know this? Did the designer say specifically that the rear brakes were designed for steering? I can't imagine a manufacturer would say anything that could provoke potential litigation. No, he put it slightly differently on a video link that lived on the Buell website once upon a time. I believe his words were something along the lines of the rear brake designed NOT to 'lock up'. Maybe someone on BadWeB has those old Buell video clips? There was another video I remember with Erik explaining the S1's choice of handlebar size for a sportsbike feel. S1 days were great days! That's when Buells were fighting to be accepted. What a shame the fight's over. Back on the rear brake thing: you should read the first copies of Battle2Win for Reg Kittrelle's and Keith Code's comments. For once I agree with Code completely, lol. Rocket | ||
| Hexangler |
rear brake designed NOT to 'lock up'. Buell ABS anyone? Hex | ||
| Mcgiver |
Buell's have rear brakes?  Brian | ||
| M2nc |
I have locked up both front and rear brakes on the Uly. I can say without a doubt, locking up the rear brake is a walk in the park. I use both brakes for stopping the bike. I usually activate the rear brake just before the front brake. I use only the front brake at times when riding spirited. I use the rear brake only for trail braking, slow speed maneuvering, and less than ideal surfaces. | ||
| Rocketman |
I remember the days when BadWeB was full of posts from those complaining their rear brakes didn't work. I use to think, if only they knew. I too can't make this stuff up. Rocket | ||
| Cityxslicker |
If I am dirt scootin, it is only the rear brake, if I am on the pavement, it is a combination of the two . | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
"Buell ABS anyone?" Harley has it now, I'm sure Buell isn't far from it. | ||
| Xb9 |
On a sport bike, when the front brake is used to it's maximum capability, the rear brake is useless. At this point there is little to no weight on the rear tire for the brake to do anything unless you want to use it to "back it in" to a corner. Other than for backing it in and sitting on a hill at a stop light, it is worthless. Anyone read Keith Code's books? - spend your dollar's worth of attention where it will buy you the most. The rear brake is not a good spend. I have 47K on the original rear pads and they still look new. But I grew up racing way more than street riding so those habits are pretty embedded. | ||
| Gotj |
Here are the poll results as of Jan. 3 about noon. So far, 76 total votes. Be sure to vote at the link below even if you post your answer here. http://mhe.pollhost.com/ Do you use your rear brake on your Buell? Percent Votes Never 11% 8 Only to hold the bike at stop and in slow parking lot turns 21% 16 Always for stopping 11% 8 Every time - for stopping and slowing down 58% 44 76 votes total | ||
| Chainsaw |
I believe his words were something along the lines of the rear brake designed NOT to 'lock up'. I agree. My XB has a single piston rear caliper (relatively weak). I can stand on the pedal and not lock it up as long as it's above 40 degrees. Colder than that I can skid the rear tire. | ||
| Typeone |
both brakes, almost all the time. when riding street, emphasis is on the front. when riding dirt, emphasis is on the rear... but i use them both constantly. and for what its worth, my XB rear will lock up in nothing flat. never understood those complaints.. . | ||
| Gotj |
Here are the poll results as of Jan. 5 about nine PM. So far, 82 total votes. Quite a slowdown in voting since the 3rd. Be sure to vote at the link below even if you post your answer here. http://mhe.pollhost.com/ Do you use your rear brake on your Buell? Percent Votes Never 10% 8 Only to hold the bike at stop and in slow parking lot turns 22% 18 Always for stopping 10% 8 Every time - for stopping and slowing down 59% 48 82 votes total | ||
| Doughnut |
Is there a way to keep the link on the current page, people may not go to the original page or realise that there is a link to vote. |
