The rear brake for turns/stopping

by Rachel F.
(Monterey, CA )

One of the most valuable things I've learned since riding is using my rear brake. My husband used it all the time, but I didn't pay attention much when I was riding passenger. I finally got around to asking him how he stopped w/out having to put his fee down in stop-n-go traffic & make really tight, slow turns. Throttle/clutch in combination w/ the rear brake. I've driven a stick-shift for years, so I know how to keep a car from rolling on a hill & using the clutch-throttle/rear brake to stop w/ out putting your feet down is very similar. When traveling at very slow speed, find that "sweet spot" in the clutch where there's enough throttle to keep you from rolling back on a hill & apply to rear brake at the same time. It'll provide the needed torque to remain up-right at very slow speeds. Practice it in a parking lot. Same goes for tight turns. Using the rear brake a little enables a much tighter turn, along w/ using your head to lead. Look at your destination & don't fight the bike. I hope someone finds this useful b/c I know I did.