First for me...

[jnosal]

Well I am now a member of the lay down club.

Last night made the newbie mistake of touching the front brake in a turn. It happened just like they said in the MFS class, the bike stood up and straigned the corner out. Fortunately I was on a back country road so all I hit was grass.

I only have a few bruises, but I have a few things to replace on the bike. The head light is out of wack and the plastic housing for the speedometer is toast.

The main thing I want all us newbie to lear from my mistake is the front brake is evil in a turn. Go test this out, go to an open parking lot and do a turn and while in the turn hit the front break to feel the change in your bike.

I am now back to square one on my comfort level. But plan to give the bike a good once over after work and hit the road for a little recovery ride.

jnosal
Yellow 99 GS500E
Now with ventilated Speedometer housing

[dgyver]

Hate to hear about a crash. Been there myself, several times. Different tires will react differently in a turn while under braking. It is good idea to try braking while turning to see how the bike reacts, in a controlled environment of course.

[stephan]

Yikes, sorry to hear about the crash.

I brake in turns from time to time, but try to be very, very careful while doing it.  Should I not brake in turns at all?  I know the ideal situation is to have your turn calculated before you enter it but there are times when I've had to make mid turn adjustments.  Is this normal or do I need to plan ahead better?   :dunno:

Most importantly, glad to hear you're okay.  

[dgyver]

...Should I not brake in turns at all?...

Once experienced enough, it is fine. I trail brake all the time on the street & track. Only crashed once on the street when over braked in a turn on my 2000 GSXR750. Mostly due the stock 207 Dunslops the bike had.

[The Buddha]

Braking in turns is OK, I do some dirt bike style ... drag the feet, and really I think that the extra weight of your leg sticking out to the inside makes the bike more resistant to standing up.... the front end tuck is what you have to worry about then... other than the locking up and sliding.
Cool.
Srinath.

[crash]

disclaimer: i know nothing

seems like rear braking would make more sense in a turn (if brakes are to be used)

msf guys taught us to either a) push (the handlebar) harder or b) quickly straighten out, brake, then lean in again.

[gitarman]

I do light rear braking to "adjust" mid-turn. It definitely stands you up, even a light touch on the brake.

Srinath you mean you hang your foot out when turning on a regular basis? If you ever hit a pothole or something wouldn't that be insta-amputation? Just wondering

[96gs]

When I'm leaning hard in a turn all I do is grab a little bit of fron brake. The front end 'shimmies' a little bit but nothing bad. The bike standing back up has never happened to me before. Oh and what is trail braking. I may have done it but I'm not sure what it is exactly.

[dgyver]

....Oh and what is trail braking. I may have done it but I'm not sure what it is exactly.

Trail braking is when you use the brakes in to the turn. Even while the bike is leaned over. The fastest way through a turn is to brake to the apex and then hit the gas. You carry the most speed this way but also has the greatest risks.