BSTN:

The use of brakes is a personal thing - and is something that progresses through a few stages as your riding ability changes.

1)  Beginning riders use the rear brake almost exclusively, as it seldom creates any control issues at low speeds - and when used improperly the front brake can be scary!  As their ability improves the use of the front brake hopefully becomes less scary, and they can start to realize the improved stopping power the front brake can provide.  Still, a large number of falls occur when beginners use too much brake when the tire encounters some other slippery areas.  I have also come to the conclusion after watching a lot of scooter crashes on YouTube - that a large number of riders don't realize the application of the front brake needs to be progressive, and that the initial squeeze needs to be light, and that more brake can be added as the weight transfers forward onto the tire - you just can't instantly "grab a handful" of front brake.

2)  Intermediate riders understand how to apply the front and rear brake in unison - and the reward is better control and a shorter stopping distance.

3)  Advanced riders come to understand that the front brake can provide nearly 100% of the stopping power that is needed.  During very heavy braking there can be very little weight on the rear tire, and even a small amount of brake pedal during hard braking can result in locking up the rear wheel (which then leads to a problem with directional control when the rear of the bike tries to pass the front of the bike).  This level may never be reached (or required) by the majority of riders, as they will never put themselves in a situation that requires very aggressive braking on purpose.  I have avoided mentioning this "no rear brake" riding style on this forum, as I believe it is very much like a discussion on "counter steering" - you either understand it...or you don't.    

batman wrote on 05/24/17 at 07:10:57:


Batman, when you flip the brake shoe over to the bottom....the grooves don't change direction - but the direction the brake drum moves across the grooves changes direction (the top is leading and the bottom is trailing).  The end result is the dirt is pushed the other way.....the photo shows the grooves are canted towards the inside with the direction the grooves are cut on the top - but when moved to the bottom the direction of the brake drum will push the dirt to the outside.

I am stuck in the awkward stage between intermediate and advanced.  I do need to replace the rear pads on the disc brake bikes occasionally - but I likely will never wear out the shoes on the Savage.

Most of the time I do use a bit of rear brake - and when the rear wheel locks up I get reminded why you need to be really careful with the rear brake on hard stops...........as you increase the pressure on the front brake you need to be releasing the pressure on the rear simultaneously.

Batman - Yep...your right. I had to draw diagonal lines on a business card and then flip it over to see what was going on.  The direction of travel does reverse when you flip the brake shoe over - but so does the angle of the grooves.

Tocsik - I looked at the part number you provided, and the quad that these shoes grooved shoes are made for has a drum on the right wheel - but the backing plate is on the left side.....so the grooves are cut in the direction that will push the mud to the left side - which is on the opposite way you want the dirt/dust/water shoved on the Savage brake.

Jog ,your a hardcase! but your WRONG! Reread my last post and Dave's answer.the groves in the shoes pictured are bassackward for use on our bikes.

Tocsik wrote on 05/24/17 at 10:39:04:

Front braking in a curve is not a good idea.  When I go on mountain rides I tend to use a lot of front brake but if I'm "havin' a bit o' fun" I'll use more rear brake going into corners

I didn't want to post in this thread, but this statement compels me to post only because a new rider may see it and actually believe it.

This is 100% wrong and goes against anything you would learn at a basic riding class like MSF or an advanced school like California Superbike.

Just because you don't like using the correct brake or use it properly, please don't make statements such as using the front brake in a turn is dangerous.

Quote:


Like a lot of things involved with riding motorcycles, using the front brake in a turn can be dangerous if you do it wrong. Which is why it's important to understand how, and why, to do it right.


https://www.n2td.org/trail-braking/