Covering rear brake?

LT505 · June 21st, 2013, 05:57 PM

Just wondering if you are suppose to cover the rear break while riding? I saw a few videos where someone mentioned they covered the rear break with their right foot at all times so they could break faster in an emergency situation.

I don't find it comfortable to do this but I feel like if I don't cover the break I might end up stomping on it if I have to stop quickly instead of smoothly pressing it down. Just wondering what everyone's opinions are on this?

1994Ninja250F · June 21st, 2013, 06:04 PM

When you ride you naturally cover the rear break, assuming your right foot is actually on the peg

rojoracing53 · June 21st, 2013, 06:04 PM

no i don't

Jiggles · June 21st, 2013, 06:22 PM

The rear brake is not an emergency brake

Senator · June 21st, 2013, 06:28 PM

How about giving me a break, spelling counts, I believe you fellows mean "brake".

LT505 · June 21st, 2013, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator

How about giving me a break, spelling counts, I believe you fellows mean "brake".

Holy **** lol.

*Walks away in shame*

CC Cowboy · June 21st, 2013, 07:12 PM

To cover or not to cover? Sounds like break (brake) dancing.

Red250R · June 21st, 2013, 08:19 PM

I don't think i do lol hard to tell you when i'm not on the bike. But as i think more about it, i'm pretty sure i don't cover it.

Jiggles · June 21st, 2013, 08:48 PM

Balls of the feet on the pegs otherwise your toes start draggin

Alex · June 21st, 2013, 08:53 PM

I ride with an old fart who covers the rear brake, and doesn't realize he's pressing it down from time to time, even if only slightly. His damn brake light randomly pops on and off the entire ride, making him impossible to ride behind without getting agitated. He also goes through rear brake pads many times faster than his front pads, just from the excess drag.

five10 · June 21st, 2013, 11:13 PM

I leave the balls of my feet on the peg. When I expect to stop/slow down soon, ie see red tail lights, then I'll start to cover. If we have to stop, I brake. If we don't have to stop, I reset.

Motofool · June 22nd, 2013, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT505

Just wondering if you are suppose to cover the rear break while riding?............I don't find it comfortable to do this but I feel like if I don't cover the break I might end up stomping on it if I have to stop quickly instead of smoothly pressing it down. Just wondering what everyone's opinions are on this?

It is OK to cover it when you are foreseeing a dangerous situation.
For any other time, the ball of the right foot should be over the peg.

The end of the lever should be regulated to be low enough, so the front of your foot rests naturally over it (without braking pressure) when you move your feet from the previous position to rest the arc of the foot over the peg.

The same applies to the right foot:
It is better to move your foot back to place the ball of the foot over the peg anytime you are not shifting.

For maximum comfort and performance, carefully adjust the position of the shifting lever (it is adjustable) to suit your ergo.

CC Cowboy · June 22nd, 2013, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by five10

I leave the balls of my toes on the peg. When I expect to stop/slow down soon, ie see red tail lights, then I'll start to cover. If we stop, I break. If we don't stop, I reset.

Huh?

Motofool · June 22nd, 2013, 01:12 PM

Link to original page on YouTube.

lgk · June 22nd, 2013, 06:34 PM

Most of the time, i ride at speeds that make swerving a much better choice.
So i dont cover the rear brake...

Dredgshadow · June 22nd, 2013, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

The rear brake is not an emergency brake

My feelings too. I might throw it in there but It's not priority one.

LT505 · June 22nd, 2013, 11:20 PM

Thanks! A lot of good posts here with good info. Appreciate it.

mwirrick · June 28th, 2013, 06:13 AM

Since you can pretty much lift the back wheel off the ground using the front brake (called a stoppy), clearly the rear brake will not reduce your stopping distance if you are using the front brake to its maximum effect. So, the problem with rear brake use becomes locking it up. Lock it up, which is very likely in a panic situation, and you'll go head over heels if you then release it (unlock it) before you are stopped. Some may remember their MSF training in this regard, though I do know that the MSF advocates day to day use of the rear brake. Me? Rarely do I use the rear brake and I don't feel I am losing stopping capability. All of that said, yes, I do know that the rear brake can be used to settle the chassis before or during a corner, but that's riding at a pretty high level that most of us (myself included) are not at. I race my 250 and have yet to use the rear brake on track. FWIW.

csmith12 · June 28th, 2013, 06:26 AM

Welcome Mike!

mwirrick · June 28th, 2013, 06:46 AM

Thanks Chris. Just came back from three days riding in Kentucky. Great roads.

tooblekain · June 28th, 2013, 09:41 AM

No, never.

That's just a disaster waiting to happen in a panic situation.

beren · June 28th, 2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwirrick

Since you can pretty much lift the back wheel off the ground using the front brake (called a stoppy), clearly the rear brake will not reduce your stopping distance if you are using the front brake to its maximum effect. .

Poor logic. Does not follow.

Rogue · June 28th, 2013, 08:58 PM

I do not cover it because it caused my brake light to be illuminated and I found it made for tired feet trying to keep from hitting it. Now I keep the ball of my boot on the peg and slip it forward to press the brake as needed. It probably helps that I'm rather short and have small feet.

June 21st, 2013, 05:57 PM	#1
LT505 ninjette.org member Name: Bob Location: PA Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 121	Covering rear brake? Just wondering if you are suppose to cover the rear break while riding? I saw a few videos where someone mentioned they covered the rear break with their right foot at all times so they could break faster in an emergency situation. I don't find it comfortable to do this but I feel like if I don't cover the break I might end up stomping on it if I have to stop quickly instead of smoothly pressing it down. Just wondering what everyone's opinions are on this?

June 21st, 2013, 06:22 PM	#4
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	The rear brake is not an emergency brake __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

June 21st, 2013, 07:12 PM	#7
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	To cover or not to cover? Sounds like break (brake) dancing. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

June 21st, 2013, 08:48 PM	#9
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	Balls of the feet on the pegs otherwise your toes start draggin __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

June 21st, 2013, 08:53 PM	#10
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	I ride with an old fart who covers the rear brake, and doesn't realize he's pressing it down from time to time, even if only slightly. His damn brake light randomly pops on and off the entire ride, making him impossible to ride behind without getting agitated. He also goes through rear brake pads many times faster than his front pads, just from the excess drag. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

June 21st, 2013, 06:04 PM	#2
1994Ninja250F ‘94 Rider Name: Colin Location: Lewis Center, Ohio Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1994 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F Posts: 81	When you ride you naturally cover the rear break, assuming your right foot is actually on the peg

June 21st, 2013, 06:04 PM	#3
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	no i don't

June 21st, 2013, 06:28 PM	#5
Senator ninjette.org newbie Name: Ernie Location: Regina, SK Canada Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R, 08 Concours, 85 Ninja 900 Posts: 6	How about giving me a break, spelling counts, I believe you fellows mean "brake".

June 21st, 2013, 08:19 PM	#8
Red250R ninjette.org guru Name: Scott Location: Buffalo, NY Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 257	I don't think i do lol hard to tell you when i'm not on the bike. But as i think more about it, i'm pretty sure i don't cover it.

June 21st, 2013, 11:13 PM	#11
five10 ninjette.org member Name: Nasty Location: East Bay - CA Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ebony Ninja 300 Posts: 55	I leave the balls of my feet on the peg. When I expect to stop/slow down soon, ie see red tail lights, then I'll start to cover. If we have to stop, I brake. If we don't have to stop, I reset. __________________________________________________ -Need tips/have tips to give on buying a new bike? Visit my thread. Add your input! http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122975 Last futzed with by five10; June 23rd, 2013 at 02:11 AM. Reason: grammar/coherence
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

June 22nd, 2013, 01:12 PM	#14
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

June 22nd, 2013, 06:34 PM	#15
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	Most of the time, i ride at speeds that make swerving a much better choice. So i dont cover the rear brake... __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

June 22nd, 2013, 11:20 PM	#17
LT505 ninjette.org member Name: Bob Location: PA Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 121	Thanks! A lot of good posts here with good info. Appreciate it.

June 28th, 2013, 06:13 AM	#18
mwirrick ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Ofallon, MO Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, Concours, 2009 FZ1, 2007 BMW G650X Challenge, 1997 Ducati 900SS, SP Posts: 36	Front brake Since you can pretty much lift the back wheel off the ground using the front brake (called a stoppy), clearly the rear brake will not reduce your stopping distance if you are using the front brake to its maximum effect. So, the problem with rear brake use becomes locking it up. Lock it up, which is very likely in a panic situation, and you'll go head over heels if you then release it (unlock it) before you are stopped. Some may remember their MSF training in this regard, though I do know that the MSF advocates day to day use of the rear brake. Me? Rarely do I use the rear brake and I don't feel I am losing stopping capability. All of that said, yes, I do know that the rear brake can be used to settle the chassis before or during a corner, but that's riding at a pretty high level that most of us (myself included) are not at. I race my 250 and have yet to use the rear brake on track. FWIW.

June 28th, 2013, 06:26 AM	#19
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome Mike! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 28th, 2013, 06:46 AM	#20
mwirrick ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Ofallon, MO Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, Concours, 2009 FZ1, 2007 BMW G650X Challenge, 1997 Ducati 900SS, SP Posts: 36	Thanks Thanks Chris. Just came back from three days riding in Kentucky. Great roads.

June 28th, 2013, 09:41 AM	#21
tooblekain ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Triumph Bonneville; 2008 Ninja 250r (trackbike) Posts: 748	No, never. That's just a disaster waiting to happen in a panic situation. __________________________________________________ CVMA #312SoCal TrackdaysBigHeadz RacingMotion ProFactory EffexLeatt Brace* Racetech Bell Woodcraft CFMVortexHotbodiesSurface Sun SystemsBrakingLiveWire EnergyFreegun Underwear

June 28th, 2013, 08:58 PM	#23
Rogue Hooligan Name: Robin Location: Central Iowa Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja EX300 Posts: 250	I do not cover it because it caused my brake light to be illuminated and I found it made for tired feet trying to keep from hitting it. Now I keep the ball of my boot on the peg and slip it forward to press the brake as needed. It probably helps that I'm rather short and have small feet. __________________________________________________ Qui patiens est, teres. Teres est, ieiunare. \| Twitter: @Rogue_300
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