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I know that you are supposed to apply 70% of the braking on the front wheel and 30% on the rear.. what is the true reasoning behind that?
1. Which brake is the most effective?
The front brake is the most effective, giving between 60 & 80% of the bike's stopping power in hard stops, depending upon surface conditions. This is because most of the weight of the bike and rider transfers forward onto the front wheel when the brakes are applied. A common example of weight transfer is when you trip on a gutter - your feet stop but momentum keeps the top of you going and you fall flat on your face. The weight transfer that takes place under braking on a motorcycle pushes the front wheel onto the ground and makes it grip very well.
2. Is the front wheel likely to skid if you apply the front brake hard?
No. The front wheel is likely to skid uncontrollably and bring you down only if you jam the front brake on hard. If you apply the front brake in a staged (progressive) process, the front wheel may skid but that skid is normally quite controllable.
3. Is the rear wheel likely to skid if you apply the brakes hard?
With most of the weight being on the front wheel, the rear wheel tends to be light under braking and will therefore lock up and skid very easily.
it is not that you are supposed to apply the brakes like that. it is a fact of life no matter what you do. if you just stood on the rear brake by itself trying to stop suddenly, all you would do is slow down a little but life would be really interesting for those next few seconds while you try to keep your bike from fishtailing out from under you.risky_analyst said:I know that you are supposed to apply 70% of the braking on the front wheel and 30% on the rear.. what is the true reasoning behind that?