Porter
Junior Member
Seems to me you did everthing right....
You didn't get hurt, didn't hurt anyone else and look at all the information you get, to learn new techniques!
Every situation is different. Techniques apply most of the time but then there is the one time it may not be the best approach.....just like anything else. Spanning "panic braking" to "planned stops and turns" is a wide skill set.
I support the other posts about practicing and taking course or two. They really helped me.
One point that really stood out for me that I personally never do anymore is the "two finger" braking method. It became a habit and it was easy and comfortable. Using my whole hand I could stop a few feet earlier in a panic stop. Not saying others aren't as good with two fingers. Not saying you can't make it work on a sport bike with 1/2 the weight and bigger brakes than an Ultra. I can't. I learned a lighter touch in the slow speed situations, and still use my whole hand.
Another thing the instructor of the advanced course taught us was that you should learn how to take off with the wheel on the lock (all the way left or all the way right) and HARD. Sometimes you need to get out of there. Only happened once to me, but I saw her coming in my mirror, talking on a cell phone. I still almost lost it on the shoulder, but I am glad I practiced it before.
(There is another post about the "have and have not's" on dropping a bike. Check it out. If you are not in the haves, you will be......)
I ride all the time in the rain, I use my front brake quite effectively.
Additionally, remember that if you use your rear brake only on gravel, sand, water, etc and it does beging to slide because it has stopped spinning (locked), the general rule is to KEEP IT LOCKED until you come to a stop. Releasing the rear brake (if the rear has gone sideways) will likely cause the tire to "grab" at some point, ususally resulting in a highside crash. If you catch it real early or your wheels are straight you are usually fine.
Also, in a turn with debris (sand, cinders, gravel), remeber that any braking will be using up friction that may be available. If you are caught off guard, there isn't much you can do, but it is possible to ride though with no brake, where hitting the bake will put you down.
You didn't get hurt, didn't hurt anyone else and look at all the information you get, to learn new techniques!
Every situation is different. Techniques apply most of the time but then there is the one time it may not be the best approach.....just like anything else. Spanning "panic braking" to "planned stops and turns" is a wide skill set.
I support the other posts about practicing and taking course or two. They really helped me.
One point that really stood out for me that I personally never do anymore is the "two finger" braking method. It became a habit and it was easy and comfortable. Using my whole hand I could stop a few feet earlier in a panic stop. Not saying others aren't as good with two fingers. Not saying you can't make it work on a sport bike with 1/2 the weight and bigger brakes than an Ultra. I can't. I learned a lighter touch in the slow speed situations, and still use my whole hand.
Another thing the instructor of the advanced course taught us was that you should learn how to take off with the wheel on the lock (all the way left or all the way right) and HARD. Sometimes you need to get out of there. Only happened once to me, but I saw her coming in my mirror, talking on a cell phone. I still almost lost it on the shoulder, but I am glad I practiced it before.
(There is another post about the "have and have not's" on dropping a bike. Check it out. If you are not in the haves, you will be......)
I ride all the time in the rain, I use my front brake quite effectively.
Additionally, remember that if you use your rear brake only on gravel, sand, water, etc and it does beging to slide because it has stopped spinning (locked), the general rule is to KEEP IT LOCKED until you come to a stop. Releasing the rear brake (if the rear has gone sideways) will likely cause the tire to "grab" at some point, ususally resulting in a highside crash. If you catch it real early or your wheels are straight you are usually fine.
Also, in a turn with debris (sand, cinders, gravel), remeber that any braking will be using up friction that may be available. If you are caught off guard, there isn't much you can do, but it is possible to ride though with no brake, where hitting the bake will put you down.
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