rfw2003 wrote on 06/18/12 at 13:42:06:My $0.02 here, if your gonna practice them and I suggest you do, Find different surfaces to practice on so you can see what it feels like and get used to the different traction conditions. Learn what your bike is telling you right before you have a lockup on either wheel. Foremost though remember if you do lockup the front wheel release the brake as quick as possible.
R.F.
This is so true, but may be counter intuitive for a novice rider. In other words, if the front wheel locks and you panic, your brain will tell you to keep trying to slow down before you hit the ground. It can be hard to let go of that brake as you see an event unfold before you, even tho it might be to your benefit to do so. One more thing, I wouldn't suggest using a bike you care about to practice front braking on different surfaces.
The front brake is most of your stopping power because of the weight shift during braking. This is true on bikes and cars, but be aware that pavement, dirt, gravel, snow, etc. have completely different traction characteristics. Even turning can effect how much braking you actually have. My beemer has ABS so you can't lock them up under any circumstances, but under certain situations, I turn it off when I need to push the braking further than the ABS will allow. I think most old timers understand front brakes pretty well, but novices need to be conscious of their riding environment at all times.