Which fingers do you use on the brake?

adouglas · October 2nd, 2013, 05:26 AM

Here's one of those "there is no right answer" questions, but I'm just curious.

Conventional wisdom seems to be to use fore and middle fingers on the brake lever, and grip the throttle with thumb, ring and pinky.

For whatever reason, this feels awkward to me. I find myself automatically gripping the throttle with thumb and forefinger, and braking with the other three.

Try this: Pick up a full bottle of your favorite beverage (full so you need to grip tightly) by wrapping your thumb and forefinger around the neck. Now try it with thumb, ring and pinky. I find the latter to be awkward and I can feel stress in my tendons. Picking it up with thumb and forefinger feels natural.

So what do you do?

csmith12 · October 2nd, 2013, 05:32 AM

I have been a 2 finger (index & middle) guy for a long time now. Although I am finding myself going to 1 finger (index) more often as of late.

Sirref · October 2nd, 2013, 06:05 AM

I have been a index/middle two finger guy since the very first time I rode a dirtbike. I find two finger braking to fit better with shorty levers (more natural/comfortable to me) in addition to allowing me to easily blip the throttle for downshifts while braking so I can set myself up for the next corner.

what I do oddly is clutchwork, I use my middle and ring fingers for my clutch and it just doesn't make sense to me (for wheelies I use only the middle) and I always seem to have the index wrapped around the grip for whatever reason. as with the braking it just feels most natural to me except I don't understand why I do it.

NevadaWolf · October 2nd, 2013, 07:04 AM

@Sirref you aren't the only one.

Brake I use index/middle while thumb, ring, and pinky are on the throttle. Clutch I've notice varies from either all four fingers to just middle and ring. A few pics frim the track, I'm flipping off the camera with my clutch hand.

dfox · October 2nd, 2013, 08:22 AM

four fingers, both sides. always.

downshifting and blipping the throttle while on the front brake, I get plenty of grip from just my thumb and palm of my hand.

you can get a bit more strength out of using your middle and ring finger rather than index and middle. Ask any experienced rock climber. Since it's odd to use just those fingers, I four-finger it.

cuong-nutz · October 2nd, 2013, 08:35 AM

Index and middle finger mostly.

CC Cowboy · October 2nd, 2013, 09:05 AM

Index, any more and I do a stoppie. I'm one strong modecker.

lgk · October 2nd, 2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Index, any more and I do a stoppie. I'm one strong modecker.

my grip is too strong to use more than 1-2 fingers.

but whats a modecker?

dfox · October 2nd, 2013, 09:50 AM

lol at too strong of a grip for any more than one finger. That's not strength, it's lack of finesse and control.

I'd buy preference for one or two fingers, but not strength. I'd challenge any of you to show the finger strength that 10+ years of rock climbing has given me. pullups using two fingers per hand on the trim of a doorway? lets see it!

allanoue · October 2nd, 2013, 10:21 AM

I have been working on my right hand grip since I was 13

lgk · October 2nd, 2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanoue

I have been working on my right hand grip since I was 13

csmith12 · October 2nd, 2013, 10:29 AM

Who does it like this?

moonwalker · October 2nd, 2013, 10:33 AM

Brake lever? What brake lever?

Jokes aside, I'm having hard time to use on the brake anything other than all fingers, just like they taught us in MSF BRC. Front wheel lock waiting to happen?

lgk · October 2nd, 2013, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Who does it like this?

grips too strong for that, i'd loop the bike, lol.

alex.s · October 2nd, 2013, 10:54 AM

thumb?????? your thumb can reach the lever?

i use my wing fingers. if you make an "OK" with your hand... i use the 3 fingers sticking up

choneofakind · October 2nd, 2013, 11:22 AM

I use index and middle, most of my braking squeeze comes from the middle finger though

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfox

That's not strength, it's lack of finesse and control.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfox

four fingers, both sides. always.

Lol, alright Rossi.

alex.s · October 2nd, 2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfox

I'd buy preference for one or two fingers, but not strength. I'd challenge any of you to show the finger strength that 10+ years of rock climbing has given me. pullups using two fingers per hand on the trim of a doorway? lets see it!

yeah i masturbate a lot too.

dfox · October 2nd, 2013, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Lol, alright Rossi.

lol... I claim nothing of the sort... I just read the "my grip is too strong" posts as being quite ridiculous. Saying that your grip is too strong for four finger braking is like saying every time you pick up an egg, you smash it because you're too strong.

Lychee · October 2nd, 2013, 12:19 PM

Thumb, index, middle, and ring to brake. Pinky and palm stay on the throttle/blip if necessary. I've used to use thumb, index, and middle, but lately my glove pinches me between my middle and ring when I do that so I adjusted.

choneofakind · October 2nd, 2013, 12:19 PM

I get what you're saying, it just came out odd,that's all.

Alex · October 2nd, 2013, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfox

lol... I claim nothing of the sort... I just read the "my grip is too strong" posts as being quite ridiculous. Saying that your grip is too strong for four finger braking is like saying every time you pick up an egg, you smash it because you're too strong.

Alex · October 2nd, 2013, 12:22 PM

ahahahaha!. Chone & I thinking alike.

JohnnyBravo · October 2nd, 2013, 12:31 PM

It's a depending matter for me... Sometimes I throw all my fingers an half my toes in the game, other times, which ever finger or fingers gets out there goes to clamping... Different strokes for different situations.

CycleCam303 · October 2nd, 2013, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfox

lol at too strong of a grip for any more than one finger. That's not strength, it's lack of finesse and control.

I'd buy preference for one or two fingers, but not strength. I'd challenge any of you to show the finger strength that 10+ years of rock climbing has given me. pullups using two fingers per hand on the trim of a doorway? lets see it!

Come back to this when you ride a bike with real brakes. Brembo monoblocs; those bad boys only need "half a finger."

choneofakind · October 2nd, 2013, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

Which fingers do you use

Smell my fingers and find out

JohnnyBravo · October 2nd, 2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Smell my fingers and find out

I think that's a whole nother conversation ;P

rasta · October 2nd, 2013, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Smell my fingers and find out

Get your poop fingers outta my face

When I'm blipping to downshift, I use index/middle on the lever and the rest of my fingers are around the throttle. Otherwise, which fingers I use really depends on how aggressively I'm braking.

deeno415 · October 2nd, 2013, 05:43 PM

This thread is too funny!

At first, I was like, "Who uses their thumb?!"

Anyways, I've become quite comfortable just using my index & middle fingers. Any more than that and she starts to bite hard! (We are talking bikes, right?!) If I use anymore fingers, I start to brake more aggressively (since I've swapped brake lines & pads). I definitely try to avoid the front tire from breaking traction!

Singh2jz · October 2nd, 2013, 06:11 PM

Index and middle finger..

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Who does it like this?

haha

Xtina · October 2nd, 2013, 06:23 PM

The msf course teaches you to use the index and middle so you still have quick access to the throttle if need be.

CycleCam303 · October 2nd, 2013, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xtina

The msf course teaches you to use the index and middle so you still have quick access to the throttle if need be.

Unfortunately here in California the msf teaches the use of four fingers on the brakes. For the exact issue you stated. It's so noobs can't get back on the as easily. One less thing to worry about when I'm on the range.

CycleCam303 · October 2nd, 2013, 06:44 PM

I meant gas.

To answer the question, I use my pointer and the f u finger.
Unless its a harley. I need four fingers and to rock climb more

Xtina · October 2nd, 2013, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

Unfortunately here in California the msf teaches the use of four fingers on the brakes. For the exact issue you stated. It's so noobs can't get back on the as easily. One less thing to worry about when I'm on the range.

Wow really? That's a good way to stoppie yourself by accident.

crazymadbastard · October 2nd, 2013, 07:38 PM

I start with one then two. Once shes ready...

choneofakind · October 2nd, 2013, 07:47 PM

MSF had us doing 4 fingers as well I think. Idk, it's been a while.

ChickenRun · October 2nd, 2013, 08:03 PM

LOL this thread

I use two fingers to brake, four fingers for clutch use.

Numbersix · October 2nd, 2013, 08:39 PM

In fencing (and also Kali stick and Kobudo's bo work) index and thumb are for control and middle/ring/pinky are supporting/strength.

Because of this, I have thumb and index wrapping the throttle and the latter three on the brake lever. That works for me to have steady brake input while blipping to match revs on downshifts. Besides, those fingers are on the outside edge of the brake lever, maximizing torque on the brake lever with minimal effort.

(MSF didn't ask anyone to blip; they're training safety and plenty of newbs (like I was), so one control action at a time. That's best. Nobody wants to see the result when Mr. or Ms. FirstRider tries to brake, ends up WOT, panic-brakes, locks the front and highsides; we want more riders, not more anti-riding fanatics.

For clutch, I use all the fingers; they're not busy doing anything else.

Sirref · October 3rd, 2013, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgk

my grip is too strong to use more than 1-2 fingers.

but whats a modecker?

pretty sure motherf*cker is censored on the site so he made his own word

think eminem and fack

deeno415 · October 3rd, 2013, 02:35 AM

After riding around today, I realized I use my middle & ring finger...

Take that, take that...

dfox · October 3rd, 2013, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

Come back to this when you ride a bike with real brakes. Brembo monoblocs; those bad boys only need "half a finger."

I drive a car with strong brakes and lots of initial bite... do I brake using one toe? no, I learn to press the brake appropriately. When someone gets in my car and starts to brake, they slam on the brakes not realizing how much initial bite there is, my wife engaged ABS during her first drive. Does that mean she can't drive my car because she's too strong? no, it means she learned to be more gentle.

I can understand a preference to use one or two fingers because maybe you find it easier to regulate pressure, but personally, I find it easier to regulate pressure with all four fingers, it's easier and produces much less fatigue, especially when driving in the city, like I do. different strokes for different folks, but it's not due to strength.

View Poll Results: How do you grip the brake lever?
Thumb, forefinger and middle finger (or forefinger only)	62	75.61%
Thumb, middle, ring, pinky	8	9.76%
Thumb and all four fingers	8	9.76%
Brake lever? What brake lever?	4	4.88%
Voters: 82. You may not vote on this poll

October 2nd, 2013, 05:26 AM	#1
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	Which fingers do you use on the brake? Here's one of those "there is no right answer" questions, but I'm just curious. Conventional wisdom seems to be to use fore and middle fingers on the brake lever, and grip the throttle with thumb, ring and pinky. For whatever reason, this feels awkward to me. I find myself automatically gripping the throttle with thumb and forefinger, and braking with the other three. Try this: Pick up a full bottle of your favorite beverage (full so you need to grip tightly) by wrapping your thumb and forefinger around the neck. Now try it with thumb, ring and pinky. I find the latter to be awkward and I can feel stress in my tendons. Picking it up with thumb and forefinger feels natural. So what do you do? __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.

October 2nd, 2013, 05:32 AM	#2
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	I have been a 2 finger (index & middle) guy for a long time now. Although I am finding myself going to 1 finger (index) more often as of late. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

October 2nd, 2013, 07:04 AM	#4
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	@Sirref you aren't the only one. Brake I use index/middle while thumb, ring, and pinky are on the throttle. Clutch I've notice varies from either all four fingers to just middle and ring. A few pics frim the track, I'm flipping off the camera with my clutch hand. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

October 2nd, 2013, 08:35 AM	#6
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	Index and middle finger mostly. __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

October 2nd, 2013, 06:05 AM	#3
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	I have been a index/middle two finger guy since the very first time I rode a dirtbike. I find two finger braking to fit better with shorty levers (more natural/comfortable to me) in addition to allowing me to easily blip the throttle for downshifts while braking so I can set myself up for the next corner. what I do oddly is clutchwork, I use my middle and ring fingers for my clutch and it just doesn't make sense to me (for wheelies I use only the middle) and I always seem to have the index wrapped around the grip for whatever reason. as with the braking it just feels most natural to me except I don't understand why I do it.

October 2nd, 2013, 08:22 AM	#5
dfox ninjette.org sage Name: Fox Location: Boston Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881	four fingers, both sides. always. downshifting and blipping the throttle while on the front brake, I get plenty of grip from just my thumb and palm of my hand. you can get a bit more strength out of using your middle and ring finger rather than index and middle. Ask any experienced rock climber. Since it's odd to use just those fingers, I four-finger it.

October 2nd, 2013, 09:05 AM	#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	Index, any more and I do a stoppie. I'm one strong modecker. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

October 2nd, 2013, 09:50 AM	#9
dfox ninjette.org sage Name: Fox Location: Boston Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881	lol at too strong of a grip for any more than one finger. That's not strength, it's lack of finesse and control. I'd buy preference for one or two fingers, but not strength. I'd challenge any of you to show the finger strength that 10+ years of rock climbing has given me. pullups using two fingers per hand on the trim of a doorway? lets see it!

October 2nd, 2013, 10:21 AM	#10
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	I have been working on my right hand grip since I was 13
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

October 2nd, 2013, 10:29 AM	#12
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	Who does it like this? __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

October 2nd, 2013, 10:33 AM	#13
moonwalker n00b4life Name: Alexey Location: US of A Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki EX250J8F Ninja 250R Posts: 107	Brake lever? What brake lever? Jokes aside, I'm having hard time to use on the brake anything other than all fingers, just like they taught us in MSF BRC. Front wheel lock waiting to happen? __________________________________________________ This message was created with 100% recycled electrons

October 2nd, 2013, 10:54 AM	#15
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	thumb?????? your thumb can reach the lever? i use my wing fingers. if you make an "OK" with your hand... i use the 3 fingers sticking up __________________________________________________

October 2nd, 2013, 12:19 PM	#19
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	Thumb, index, middle, and ring to brake. Pinky and palm stay on the throttle/blip if necessary. I've used to use thumb, index, and middle, but lately my glove pinches me between my middle and ring when I do that so I adjusted. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

October 2nd, 2013, 12:19 PM	#20
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	I get what you're saying, it just came out odd,that's all.

October 2nd, 2013, 12:22 PM	#22
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	ahahahaha!. Chone & I thinking alike. __________________________________________________ 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)
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

October 2nd, 2013, 12:31 PM	#23
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	It's a depending matter for me... Sometimes I throw all my fingers an half my toes in the game, other times, which ever finger or fingers gets out there goes to clamping... Different strokes for different situations. __________________________________________________

October 2nd, 2013, 05:43 PM	#28
deeno415 ninjette.org guru Name: Dino Location: San Francisco, CA Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Kawasaki EX250(Bright Yellow) Posts: 441	This thread is too funny! At first, I was like, "Who uses their thumb?!" Anyways, I've become quite comfortable just using my index & middle fingers. Any more than that and she starts to bite hard! (We are talking bikes, right?!) If I use anymore fingers, I start to brake more aggressively (since I've swapped brake lines & pads). I definitely try to avoid the front tire from breaking traction! __________________________________________________ Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle. *Sorry, I don't speak Spanish... I'm Filipino!*

October 2nd, 2013, 06:23 PM	#30
Xtina ninjette.org guru Name: Christina Location: Toronto Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300, 2007 Gsxr 600, R6-sold :( Posts: 270	The msf course teaches you to use the index and middle so you still have quick access to the throttle if need be.

October 2nd, 2013, 06:44 PM	#32
CycleCam303 King Hamfist Name: Cameron Location: NorCal East Bay Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940	I meant gas. To answer the question, I use my pointer and the f u finger. Unless its a harley. I need four fingers and to rock climb more

October 2nd, 2013, 07:38 PM	#34
crazymadbastard I'm crazy,your excuse is? Name: Winston Location: Connecticut Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250 2007 ninja Posts: A lot.	I start with one then two. Once shes ready... __________________________________________________ My Cafe Racer Build My intro post

October 2nd, 2013, 07:47 PM	#35
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	MSF had us doing 4 fingers as well I think. Idk, it's been a while.

October 2nd, 2013, 08:03 PM	#36
ChickenRun ninjette.org member Name: Brandon Location: Orlando, FL Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250r SE (without stupid tribal decals) Posts: 110	LOL this thread I use two fingers to brake, four fingers for clutch use. __________________________________________________ "It sounds like a lawnmower." "Shut up no it doesn't."

October 2nd, 2013, 08:39 PM	#37
Numbersix ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: MI Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): Honda Elite 110 (deceased), Green 2012 Ninja 250 (sold on Pi day); Grey/Green 2019 Ninja 400 ABS Posts: 238	In fencing (and also Kali stick and Kobudo's bo work) index and thumb are for control and middle/ring/pinky are supporting/strength. Because of this, I have thumb and index wrapping the throttle and the latter three on the brake lever. That works for me to have steady brake input while blipping to match revs on downshifts. Besides, those fingers are on the outside edge of the brake lever, maximizing torque on the brake lever with minimal effort. (MSF didn't ask anyone to blip; they're training safety and plenty of newbs (like I was), so one control action at a time. That's best. Nobody wants to see the result when Mr. or Ms. FirstRider tries to brake, ends up WOT, panic-brakes, locks the front and highsides; we want more riders, not more anti-riding fanatics. For clutch, I use all the fingers; they're not busy doing anything else.

October 3rd, 2013, 02:35 AM	#39
deeno415 ninjette.org guru Name: Dino Location: San Francisco, CA Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Kawasaki EX250(Bright Yellow) Posts: 441	After riding around today, I realized I use my middle & ring finger... Take that, take that... __________________________________________________ Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle. *Sorry, I don't speak Spanish... I'm Filipino!*

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