Applying the brakes on a motorbike is quite different from applyingthe brakes in a car, says John Wheeler.
There are motorcyclists who tell us "I never use the front brake", or "I never use the back brake". Given that all bikes have both front and back brakes this seems very strange.
Leaving aside for the moment the few bikes which have "combined" or "linked" braking systems, let's consider any machine made within the past 40 or 50 years.
The front brake is noticeably larger. In many instances there are two brakes, usually disc brakes, one on either side of the wheel.
Looking at the back brake, there is only one brake, usually a smaller disc brake, or perhaps a single drum brake.
Why is this? Under firm braking conditions, most of the weight of bike and rider moves forward, so now there is more weight on the front wheel.
Conversely, there is now less weight on the rear wheel. In terms of efficiency, as much as 70 per cent of the braking effort is on the front wheel, so the front brake is much more effective.
Fears about using the front brake arise from the fact that it's so powerful - at very slow speeds, especially if the wheels are out of line, the rider could more easily lose control.
Concern over using the back brake comes from the fact that, under firm braking conditions, and as the weight has moved forward, it is relatively easy to lock the back wheel with the very real risk of loosing control.
The reason all bikes have both front and back brakes is because they are there to be used - properly. However, not all bikes are the same. With the "sports" type of machine, where the rider is crouched with much of the weight already forward, the front brake is the "main" brake.
Now take a rather "laid back cruiser" type of machine, where much of the rider's weight is spread between the two wheels, if not more on the rear wheel . . . here the front wheel, having less of the total weight on it is not quite so powerful and the rear brake is more powerful.
A good rider needs to learn and master the use of both brakes, in all situations, with and without a pillion passenger and luggage.
While in general the front brake is the main brake, you need to learn to trust it and apply pressure correctly. If the front wheel locks, all you have to do is to let up the pressure a trifle so that the wheel is turning. The bike then stabilises itself.
Locking up the rear wheel can be serious if you don't release pressure on the foot pedal quickly.
If you are more used to driving a car than a motorbike, your natural braking response is very likely to be on the heavy side. Be aware of this. Instinctively stomping on the brakes, as distinct from applying them smoothly and progressively, can lead to a locked wheel and a skid.
A useful way of getting to know your brakes is to find a wide, clear and totally traffic free space with a good surface. Get the bike in a straight line up to, say, 25mph. Then at a given mark, brake firmly using only the front brake. Note where you stop.
Now repeat the process, this time using only the rear brake. Again note where you stop. Then repeat using both brakes, again noting where you stop. Already you will have learned a lot about the way your machine behaves in that load condition.
For further refinement you can try the same exercise with a passenger, then with passenger and luggage.
THERE are now several top-of-the-range machines with "combined" braking systems and Moto Guzzi's well-known mechanically linked system. Some combine this with ABS and, in the case of some BMWs, with servo assistance. With such machines a lot of the thinking is done for you, although some riders are not too happy leaving the decisions to technology.
Whatever you machine, it makes a lot of sense to really get to know your brakes in safe, well-controlled conditions before you need them.