MAJikMARCer
New Member
OK guys. I'm fairly new, only been on motorcycles now for two seasons. I've taken the MSF class and try to be a good safe rider, but I've locked up the brakes on the NC a couple times and I'm trying to figure out if I'm doing something wrong or what.
I also ride an 81 Suzuki GS 650 and I've never locked up the brakes on it.
I've had the rear wheel lock on me a few times now. The first time I just used too much rear petal coming to a stop. Nice straight 3 foot long skid. Nothing scary or out of control.
The other times it seems to happen while downshifting and braking at the same time. I can feel and hear the rear wheel slide/skip. I know I'm doing something wrong there.
The other lockup was on the FRONT wheel. That was a bit scary. Gentle curve and the car in front of me did a "Oh! THAT is my turn!" so I had to brake hard. I think I was in the middle of the lane and there might have been some oil, but that freaked me out. I maintained control and was able to keep going but my nerves were definitely rattled and I know that could have been bad.
So couple questions:
1) What is the best thing to do after you've locked up? If I remember it's best to keep the lock and slide to a stop. In a straight line that makes sense, what about if the tire is sliding out to the left or right?
2) Short of getting ABS, what can I do to make the NCs brakes not so touchy? Or do I just need to get used to being more gentle with them? Maybe my GSs brakes are soft so I use more strength to stop on it and it's too much on the NC?
Just trying to learn so I don't end up on the ground (again) because of ignorance/stupidity.
I also ride an 81 Suzuki GS 650 and I've never locked up the brakes on it.
I've had the rear wheel lock on me a few times now. The first time I just used too much rear petal coming to a stop. Nice straight 3 foot long skid. Nothing scary or out of control.
The other times it seems to happen while downshifting and braking at the same time. I can feel and hear the rear wheel slide/skip. I know I'm doing something wrong there.
The other lockup was on the FRONT wheel. That was a bit scary. Gentle curve and the car in front of me did a "Oh! THAT is my turn!" so I had to brake hard. I think I was in the middle of the lane and there might have been some oil, but that freaked me out. I maintained control and was able to keep going but my nerves were definitely rattled and I know that could have been bad.
So couple questions:
1) What is the best thing to do after you've locked up? If I remember it's best to keep the lock and slide to a stop. In a straight line that makes sense, what about if the tire is sliding out to the left or right?
2) Short of getting ABS, what can I do to make the NCs brakes not so touchy? Or do I just need to get used to being more gentle with them? Maybe my GSs brakes are soft so I use more strength to stop on it and it's too much on the NC?
Just trying to learn so I don't end up on the ground (again) because of ignorance/stupidity.