Hi guys.
I bought and started riding my bike in May. Already have over 3K miles. I really enjoy my bike.
Though, I already dropped my bike twice. Both times no broken bones nor anything else bad. Just couple bruises. Both times the speed was really low. First time maybe 5mph. Second time a little bit faster, maybe 15 mph, changing lane while slowing down because of red light on crossing. Both times the reason is I hit front break hard and locked the wheel while turning left (right). I know it's basic NO NO in a book how to ride a bike.
Now, I need suggestion how to "teach" myself to stop using front brake. I mean to stop automatically, muscle memory wise, reach for the break. Usually, when I "know" what am I doing, I use rear break first and if I need I would apply front break too, together with rear break. And keep my bike straight. I was even thinking to disengage front break to be sure I'm not gonna use it at the wrong time

Thanks for any suggestion.

oldNslow is fully correct, not using your front brake is a recipe for disaster you should use both brakes every time so your muscle memory is to use both. This way in an emergency you don't have to think about braking, you just do it properly.

Ok. First I have to "apologize" - I thought my sarcasm was more obvious
Of course I'm not gonna disengage my front break.
And I already took the MSF and all these things you were talking about are already clear to me.

If I have plenty of time and space (red light far in front of me) I use rear break only. Otherwise both breaks together, at the same time. Just front break - not so often.

So, everything is clear to me and I think I built pretty good habit about breaking process. If I "think" what should I do everything works perfect and I'm not afraid even to make hard stop with 40-50 mph. Never had an issue. But in "sudden" situation, w/o any thinking, like a muscle memory, I hit the front break (twice) and I fell. Now, should it be better at the time and more experience? Is there any "trick" to teach myself (brain) to NOT touch the front break if the bike is not strait or it's rainy outside or any other similar situation?

I hope I'm more clear this time.

Thanks.

Tires have "X" amount of traction,,& No More,, Some of that traction is spent in the act of turning. If you demand the tire slow you more than it has traction to slow you with, it will slide,,When that happens on a front tire, gravity is Immediately involved in the equation & with gravitational acceleration at 32' per second per second that 2&1/2 feet between the seat & asphalt only takes a blink of the eye. I know, I touched with one finger the brake on a Guzzi setting up for a U turn on gravel,, Bad PLan,, My feet were still on the pegs when I ground to a halt from about 10MPH..
Wet, or dirty/sandy stuff are dangerous times for the front brake,,Ive dropped mine at a stop sign, going so slow it went down & I was standing up, legs spread, laying between my feet,, maybe 3 MPH.
MMMM Barrassing! The front brake is crucial in keeping stopping distances down, but being every aware of road conditions is absolutely imperative so that it can be applied Judiciously.,Youre well on your way, having learned already that it can bite,,

I really don't know how to tell someone riding on the street to learn how to use the front brake properly and safely.  I learned to ride in the dirt, and as I got more and more aggressive I learned to use the front brake really well.  When you are going down a wet and muddy hill, the rear brake is worthless - the only thing that is going to slow you down is the front brake.  Sometimes you might use too much brake and fall down.....not enough front brake and you got going too fast and fell down. Falling down in the dirt at slow speeds is far less painfull than falling on the pavement!  Over time the front brake operation became part of the skill.  When racing the guy that can brake the hardest is often the winner as he can go fast deeper into the corners and pass the riders that are braking sooner.  The right hand and the front brake are a skill you need to develop, and when that dog runs out in front of you it needs to be instinctive that you apply the front brake properly....not just a squeeze for all you are worth.

Use the front brake whenever you are slowing down enough to need brakes......and practice it a lot.  It is not safe to ride around without having mastered how to stop in a hurry.  In the dirt you would ride slowly and go faster as your skill developed.....unfortunately when riding on the street I believe a lot of riders are going faster than their ability.....and then you have all those darn cars to try and avoid!  

I suggest you take a look at Proficient Motorcycling and More Proficient Motorcycling. You should not be dropping your bike! Those books explain in detail the theory and then help you lay out a practice routine so that using both brakes properly in a variety of situations comes naturally. It's using them right in unplanned stops that will save your life.

Steve H wrote on 11/08/13 at 08:57:01:

And their insurance!

Just curious. What did you find lacking in the front brakes? I haven't really had any trouble with either the front or the rear on my 2007. They seem to do what they're supposed to do when I need them to do it.