Glad to hear that you made it through without injury. I know at times like that you just react. There's no time to think so don't think I'm being judgemental here but I just want to point out that about 70% (or more) of you stopping power comes from the front brake. Applying both brakes evenly will stop you faster than locking up the back tire. Anyway, thanks for the reminder. I'mfinding myselfmore and more comfortable on the road and sometimes catch myself not scanning and planning...

 

Locking the back brake isn't too bad w/ the stock knobbies. Not much street traction so not a lot of whip.

 

good save. thats whyi dont like the city, out here where i am i gotta look out for what sombody here called forest rats (deer) and lots of them hit them with my trucks and suvs deffently not looking forward to hittin them on a bike.

 

+1 I was trying to thinkof the right way to word it without starting something.

 

DC ,you nailed that post right on and most of do find ourselves getting comfy on the road and not looking way ahead.The front brake thing isn't in most peoples minds on emergency stops,we are programed to hit the brake with our foot from auto driving and it's instinct to just step hard and not think of the front.Another reason for riders to take an advanced course if it's available.JMO

 

All's well that ends well, just glad as hell that this ended well for you Scott, I'm getting kinda use to seeing your bike in the lot at SAN.

Which intersection did this happen at?

 

This may be a tad long....Tonight I took a trip on the KLX around the Blue Ridge Mtns here in NC that runs through VA & Back through NC. When I got on Route 52 S, There was A dude on a Harley up in front a few cars. He's shaking his fist at the red Ford behind him, I assume for following way too close. The Escort then passes him and begins using the windshield washer. Now even I'm getting pissed off. I'm following pretty close being the nosy person I am. This F#@*er in the Escort then slams on the brakes. I had to lock 'em up big time and I nearly bottomed out the front forks. I went from 50 to 5 Mph in about 5 seconds at least that's what it felt like. As I was stopping, the cars in front of me got farther and farther away. I don't believe a car can stop near as quickly as a KLX. Anyway, I guess I did a decent job of using the front brake considering I just got back into riding after 18 years off doing the Dad thing.

 

Good save everyone! I have been riding sport bikes on the road and track for many years and I am now programed to use my front break all the time in emergency situations. It's great (and necessary)on the street but I have busted my a$$ more than once in the dirt! On dual sports we have to think about where we are more than most of the other riders out there. I just try to act like no one can see me and every one is going to pull out in front of me and try to stay ready for them when I am in the city.

Stay on the look out on the road! My buddy just totaled his Speed Triple and made it without injury just a bunch of bruises.

 

If you use 70% front brake you are going to have "fun" steering the bike. Please don't flip on me. But I think that he needed to steer away more then stop. If you have a lot of room to swerve and only a little stopping room, I would barely use the front brake. Just my opinion, lets not flip out lol.


Will

 

I'm in the same boat. I'm so used to grabbing a handfull of front brakeon the 10 and can't quit doing it on the KLX in the dirt. The KLX seems to brake well in the dirt with the front brake but it's going to bite me one of these days.

Glad everyone is ok. Have been hearing too many bad stories lately.