no back brakes???

joncook06

Registered
I'm looking at extending the swingarm on my 08, probably about 5-6 inches. i never use my back brake, and i've seen some stretched with no back brake, am i seeing this right. i'll probably get flamed but i'm just trying to learn so be easy.i ride to work daily, and joyride on the weekend no twisties but i do like to go fast, not knee draggin fast but fast.
 
Few of us use the rear brake. However, if anything happens to your front brake, the rear is the only savior you have.
 
you can get everything you need to have one.
longer brake lines & extended brake bar
 
I only use mine when having to stop hard. However, there are times when you can only use your front. Such as on gravel, or sand, or loose stuff in parking lots, gas station islands etc. I would highly recommend keeping it, you only need an extend brake bar and a new brake line. I only say that because you will want some way to stop when you cant use your front brakes in a situation that could cause the front to wash out.
 
too risky not to have a rear brake. Don't do it.
Hate to say what if, the list is too long......
 
I use both the front and back brakes every time because that is the way the bike is designed to stop the quickest in the shortest amount of time. If you get out of the habit of using your rear brakes they might lock up on you in a panic stop!
 
I always use both too, although I know plenty of better riders than me who only ever use the front. It's just how my father taught me to ride and now it's automatic.
 
The use of both brakes together will invariably slow you down more quickly than using just one of them.


The use of both brakes together results in LESS weight transfer than does using just the front one. (Assuming equal total braking force applied.)


Use of both brakes tends to lengthen the life of your front brakes.


If you need to stop or slow down on slick or gravel surfaces, the rear brake is just the ticket (in combination with a very gentle hand on the front one.)


If you are going less than 20 MPH then both brakes are effective (and relatively safe.)


In very slow maneuvers, the use of the rear brake alone often provides added stability and control of your motorcycle.
 
I usually use my back brake in conjunction with the front. I do use my back brake alot when there is gravel and I don't want to lowside the bike u know... Good luck on your decision. I say you will loose your full braking power on the bike.
 
The use of both brakes together will invariably slow you down more quickly than using just one of them.


The use of both brakes together results in LESS weight transfer than does using just the front one. (Assuming equal total braking force applied.)


Use of both brakes tends to lengthen the life of your front brakes.


If you need to stop or slow down on slick or gravel surfaces, the rear brake is just the ticket (in combination with a very gentle hand on the front one.)


If you are going less than 20 MPH then both brakes are effective (and relatively safe.)


In very slow maneuvers, the use of the rear brake alone often provides added stability and control of your motorcycle.

+1:thumbsup:
 
very good points i didn't think about the "what ifs" i want to do the extension but money is short if i was to do it without the back brake for just a couple months how would i do that? just take everything off?
 
very good points i didn't think about the "what ifs" i want to do the extension but money is short if i was to do it without the back brake for just a couple months how would i do that? just take everything off?


Sounds like you made up your mind despite what everyone has written.
Just a reminder so you know .... Oklahoma law requires a front and rear brake.
Most states probably do but I can't speak to that.
Here comes the what if again.
If........ a person is stopped and it is discovered they have no rear brake...... they will face a fine of approx $200 and possible impound fees. Wrecker bill will add $100 plus to the cost of "saving a little money"

The other what ifs are too long to list if they crash and hurt someone. They would or could be held criminally negligent. If there is injury and there usually is for the rider and passenger, the LEO will look very close at the mechanical condition of the vehicles involved.

Just want to tell you what saving a little money can cost.

Think it through, there are many people here with tons of knowledge and life experiences, many have tried to save money in the past and payed through the nose over a few dollars. (I am one of them) (shortcut on brakes at age 17, did not work out for me)

We had an expression, dealing with time.....
If you don't have the time to do it right the first time....... how will you find the time to do it over? Same basic idea.... if you can't afford to do this right, can you afford a crashed bike?

Good luck, we want you safe .....
 
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please dont think i was disregarding anyones opinion. You guys actually made me want to keep it on, i was just thinking of a temporary deal since i have never used my back brake. but the more i think about it the more i think i should just get the parts and wait to install until i have all of them. I would probably be upset if i wrecked and thought back to me trying to save a couple hundred bucks. it won't be more than a couple months wait anyways so i can wait. thanks guys.
 
Back brake is necessary in the event something happens to the front. Not planned, but gotta think about those contingency situations.
 
Those of you who don't use rear brake, what do you do when you stop on a hill?

Use the front brake. Give it a little gas while holding the brake lever, let the clutch start to grab and release the brake. Its easy to do. Just practice by doing burnouts....ha !!!
 
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