old age (ok ancientness)

This all started for me about the time the Japanese started importing m/cycles into this country. Up until about 1976 I had always had Brit bikes, Triumphs BSA's etc. I then bought my first Jap bike, a Yamaha XJ 750, shaft drive, disc brakes, my god, electric start, wow what a revelation! But for me the greatest revelation were the brakes, and the throttle. The old brit bikes had drum brakes and long travel throttles, so that you were forced to ride with all 4 fingers around the twistgrip, and if you had to use the front brake, it meant releasing the throttle (twistgrip) and reaching out with your 4 fingers to grasp the front brake. So by the time you had wound off the throttle and reached for the brake about 1/2 to 3/4 of a second had elapsed, and if you were travelling at say 70 mph a good few yards would have been covered, before you started to slow. This started me thinking about how I could improve my riding technique but more importantly reduce my braking distance. Because of the power of disc brakes and the short travel throttles (twistgrips) I taught myself to control the throttle out of the crux of my thumb which allowed me to always have two fingers over the front brake, thus saving the 1/2 to 3/4 second delay described above. I'm sure most will agree most modern bikes can be stood on their nose with just 2 finger braking. I've discussed this technique with a few of my riding pals, and was surprised that not all of them have developed this style of riding. Incidentally I also have my rear brake adjusted so that my foot is over the brake pedal in my normal riding position, again saving split seconds in foot movement. I would be most interested to know whether this is a technique adopted by most riders, or perhaps just a few.

throttle and brakes bit, I have taught myself the way you describe, I was told one of the main reasons to do the control of the throttle with the crux of the thumb so you can get 2 fingers on the brakes, was so when slowing you can blip the throttle for down changing so not to lock the rear up.

As for the rear brake, I tend to ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs as that brings me knees into the tank and for me at least allows more bike control, I sometimes have a tendency to use my rear brake too much, so try to keep away from it. Its a tiny movement from one position on the pegs to either braking or changing gear for me so I have kinda stuck with it all.

Thats just what I have picked up and started doing in the 2 years I have been riding, though I still have lots to learn so things may change, but this works for me for now.

Dave

like you Terry my first bikes were british,, and yes they were lacking in brakes,, but i didnt get to ride them constantly on the road , but i was just passing my test as main stream japs were here and found adapting was fairly easy!!. the difference is that i very very rarely use the back at all for braking,, having said that i still give it a comfort 'feel' tap approaching bends now and again as it an old habit from drum/bakerlite tyre days !!,,, i find my biggest fault is not trusting side edge tyre grip when leaning at speed,, again too many off's / near misses from yonder days! .yes i know tyres are supremely able to do things we would never get near , but back to brakes ,, i always used 2 fingers for braking when trials riding anyway and almost always back brake, just found on the road i didnt need the rear unless to calm the bike down or control a wheelie (private road officer)

Ah the XJ750 was a pin-up in my teenage bedroom , knocked the Honda 500 Four off it's perch.

I use the same technique with the front brake. However I am being constantly told don't use 2 fingers and keep them all away from the brake lever till really needed - bit like your first scenario.

Am trying to learn not to keep my foot over the rear pedal, but old habits die hard.

Depends, I cover the brakes and clutch with a couple of fingers as you describe when anywhere near traffic and built up areas. On a nice open empty-ish rode I keep all fingers on the grips and find it adds finesse to both steering input and throttle control. It also helps me minimise my tendency to 'comfort brake' when pushing on a bit.

Agree with Chris if you (and Keith Code - A Twist Of The Throttle) the biggest mistake they say you can make is covering your front brake as it makes it so much easier to apply it in a situation that doesn't merit it, i.e thinking your a bit too hot going into a bend and grabbing a handful of front brake standing the bike up in the process.

As for blipping the throttle for down shifts I tend to take the speed out with the front brake then slip to the rear while I set the gear. It's just something the instructor taught me, it happens really quick and had become second nature.

If you cover the front brake when filtering you tend to depend on them when really you should be using the back to maintain more slow speed control.

I suppose it's down to personal preference at the end of the day but there's my two penneth thrown in with a bit of science