what is trail braking? - Page 2

Avboden · 12-24-2010, 01:00 PM

It also affects the bike's geometry aka "trail" allowing for a faster turn in.

blueline15 · 12-24-2010, 01:16 PM

do you need a fully functioning rear brake to trail brake?

fastfoodfred · 12-24-2010, 01:24 PM

no. trail braking is just hanging on to the brakes as you enter a turn, tipping the bike in and braking at the same time. the name specifically has nothing to do with the rear brake or the way it changes steering geometry.

LSeca · 12-24-2010, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Transported

Let's see. Now, I've got to remove my fairings, get a wide-ass motocross bar and put them on high-risers, lower my footpegs and move them forward......

Hey, what's wrong with that.

lena · 12-24-2010, 02:41 PM

Nice description, #121.

It'd be cool if this thread actually remained informational, as opposed to going downhill from semi-sarcastic comments, which might be fun to some of us but peeps who could seriously learn something here, might get confused. At least I thought that was the reason behind OP's post.

I happen to know what trail braking is but I think it's really cool to describe it in such understandable terms. I am still learning how to do it smoothly.

mfrankpdx · 12-24-2010, 02:53 PM

The motard prefers trail braking, even on the street. Setting corner speed early slows it down too much.

sunofnun · 12-24-2010, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by mfrankpdx

The motard prefers trail braking, even on the street. Setting corner speed early slows it down too much.

Truth.. I am always on the brakes up to the apex.. keeps the suspension minding it's manners. (minus a couple high sides! lol)

NoQuarter#121 · 12-24-2010, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by mfrankpdx

The motard prefers trail braking, even on the street. Setting corner speed early slows it down too much.

I can understand.

I drag a little brake into corners out of habit, but I dont bang full throttle, multiple gear straights, late brake and trail it in on the street.

It leaves nothing in reserve.

Few would call me a cautious street rider... but I like to make it there and back again, like Bilbo

NoQuarter#121 · 12-24-2010, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by sunofnun

allister is slow, and rides harleys.. don't listent to him.

Hey fucker.. lets grab a beer here sooner or later.

Anytime! Specially if you are buying!

We could go get dirty? I'm learning my xcw300, its good!

Just remember, I'm a married man, so quit hitting on me.

sunofnun · 12-24-2010, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by NoQuarter#121

Anytime! Specially if you are buying!

We could go get dirty? I'm learning my xcw300, its good!

Just remember, I'm a married man, so quit hitting on me.

it's those sexy locks of yours.. lol

Lets go fall down at tahuya here in jan?

firecracker · 12-24-2010, 03:53 PM

A good way to safely learn how to trail break is to find a large parking lot; pick a crack or line about 100 to 200 yrds. away; bring your bike's speed up to about 40 / 50mph; break heavy first with the front break while slowly, slowly letting your front break lever out; and, then, hitting the crack or line at a stop right at the point that you let the front break all the way out. The trick is to have a buddy watch you and make sure that you don't bounce the front suspension AT ALL! Do it until you can stop right on the crack or line with the front break fully released WITHOUT bouncing the front suspension at all!

It's the same idea in a corner, as you slowly unload the front with the breaks in a turn you're loading the front more with pressure and force from the turn. Ideally, your front suspension will remain the exact same amount compressed up to, and sometimes even past, the turn apex.

Yet, for safety's sake, try it upright first before you try it at lean angle...

The technique described above in the first paragraph is how Nick teaches students to trail break at the Yamaha Champions School.

I don't think it's very possible to go fast on a track these days if you're not a good trail breaker...everyone's pretty much doing it at this point in time...

Note: For sure just use your front break when starting out...even in a parking lot...leave the rear break alone...

Grantizzle · 12-24-2010, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by firecracker

A good way to safely learn how to trail break is to find a large parking lot; pick a crack or line about 100 to 200 yrds. away; bring your bike's speed up to about 40 / 50mph; break heavy first with the front break while slowly, slowly letting your front break lever out; and, then, hitting the crack or line at a stop right at the point that you let the front break all the way out. The trick is to have a buddy watch you and make sure that you don't bounce the front suspension AT ALL! Do it until you can stop right on the crack or line with the front break fully released WITHOUT bouncing the front suspension at all!

It's the same idea in a corner, as you slowly unload the front with the breaks in a turn you're loading the front more with pressure and force from the turn. Ideally, your front suspension will remain the exact same amount compressed up to, and sometimes even past, the turn apex.

Yet, for safety's sake, try it upright first before you try it at lean angle...

The technique described above in the first paragraph is how Nick teaches students to trail break at the Yamaha Champions School.

I don't think it's very possible to go fast on a track these days if you're not a good trail breaker...everyone's pretty much doing it at this point in time...

NEW MODERATOR RULE: whatever this guys says in the future, do the opposite.

firecracker · 12-24-2010, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Grantizzle

NEW MODERATOR RULE: whatever this guys says in the future, do the opposite.

Okay...forget what I said, do the opposite...don't learn how to trail break safely...loose the front and eat it at high speeds...good plan on how to ruin your day at the track!

shakazulu12 · 12-24-2010, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by firecracker

A good way to safely learn how to trail break is to find a large parking lot; pick a crack or line about 100 to 200 yrds. away; bring your bike's speed up to about 40 / 50mph; break heavy first with the front break while slowly, slowly letting your front break lever out; and, then, hitting the crack or line at a stop right at the point that you let the front break all the way out. The trick is to have a buddy watch you and make sure that you don't bounce the front suspension AT ALL! Do it until you can stop right on the crack or line with the front break fully released WITHOUT bouncing the front suspension at all!

It's the same idea in a corner, as you slowly unload the front with the breaks in a turn you're loading the front more with pressure and force from the turn. Ideally, your front suspension will remain the exact same amount compressed up to, and sometimes even past, the turn apex.

Yet, for safety's sake, try it upright first before you try it at lean angle...

The technique described above in the first paragraph is how Nick teaches students to trail break at the Yamaha Champions School.

I don't think it's very possible to go fast on a track these days if you're not a good trail breaker...everyone's pretty much doing it at this point in time...

Note: For sure just use your front break when starting out...even in a parking lot...leave the rear break alone...

Was there a few weeks ago. Both Nick and Ken Hill (well, and all the instructors) dramatically opened my eyes to what trailbraking can do for you on the track. One other thing not specifically mentioned (though described) is that they both also refer to the brakes as ''geometry control'' as well. Trailbraking allows you to alter the geometry of your suspension actively in a manner that can enhance your cornering abilities.

Buy the book for sure, but if you want a life changing experience on the track, take the Yamaha Champions school. Yeah, its a lot of money but I could have ridden for 10 years and not figured out on my own what they showed me in two days. Reading about it is one thing, but having experts who are able to coach you through it in real life is invaluable.

Grantizzle · 12-24-2010, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by firecracker

Okay...forget what I said, do the opposite...don't learn how to trail break safely...loose the front and eat it at high speeds...good plan on how to ruin your day at the track!

or take a track day school and learn to do it properly with an instructor.... not in a parking lot at 50mph.

dwschultzy · 12-24-2010, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Grantizzle

NEW MODERATOR RULE: whatever this guys says in the future, do the opposite.

nah...he's actually speaking about a well known taught method....he's just acting like it's his advice...not what he read or learned by someone else

firecracker · 12-24-2010, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by dwschultzy

nah...he's actually speaking about a well known taught method....he's just acting like it's his advice...not what he read or learned by someone else

everything that each of us know was, at some point in time, learned from someone else. Keep on not contributing and being an ass!

firecracker · 12-24-2010, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Grantizzle

or take a track day school and learn to do it properly with an instructor.... not in a parking lot at 50mph.

The Yamaha Champions School is a track day school with instructors who tell you to do this very exercise in a parking lot at 40 to 50 mph. Call Nick at the Yamaha school and ask him if this is a trail breaking technique that they teach...you peeps are freakin' ridiculous...

firecracker · 12-24-2010, 04:31 PM

Okay, here goes...

Originally Posted by Grantizzle

or take a track day school and learn to do it properly with an instructor.... not in a parking lot at 50mph.

This is NOT a constructive post!

Originally Posted by shakazulu12

Was there a few weeks ago. Both Nick and Ken Hill (well, and all the instructors) dramatically opened my eyes to what trailbraking can do for you on the track. One other thing not specifically mentioned (though described) is that they both also refer to the brakes as ''geometry control'' as well. Trailbraking allows you to alter the geometry of your suspension actively in a manner that can enhance your cornering abilities.

Buy the book for sure, but if you want a life changing experience on the track, take the Yamaha Champions school. Yeah, its a lot of money but I could have ridden for 10 years and not figured out on my own what they showed me in two days. Reading about it is one thing, but having experts who are able to coach you through it in real life is invaluable.

This IS A VERY CONSTRUCTIVE post!

Originally Posted by dwschultzy

nah...he's actually speaking about a well known taught method....he's just acting like it's his advice...not what he read or learned by someone else

This is NOT a constructive post...

Get it boyz and grrls...

Give # 121 the respect he deserves and post constructively!

dwschultzy · 12-24-2010, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by firecracker

Get it boyz and grrls...

you're right....i forgot my place. I'm sorry.

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!1!


12-24-2010, 01:00 PM	#21
Avboden Moto2 Contender Joined: Oct 2007 From: from Wa, living on Grenada (island) I Ride: 2007 BMW F800S, 1999 ATK 605 ESDS/SM	It also affects the bike's geometry aka "trail" allowing for a faster turn in. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


12-24-2010, 01:16 PM	#22
blueline15 Race Qualifier Joined: Aug 2008 From: Where the snow falls Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: one with two wheels	do you need a fully functioning rear brake to trail brake? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


12-24-2010, 01:24 PM	#23
fastfoodfred Moto2 Champion Joined: Mar 2006 From: spokane, wa I Ride: 2008 SXV4.5 + 1985 RZ350 + 2010 YZ250F +	no. trail braking is just hanging on to the brakes as you enter a turn, tipping the bike in and braking at the same time. the name specifically has nothing to do with the rear brake or the way it changes steering geometry. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


12-24-2010, 02:41 PM	#25
lena Joined: Aug 2007 From: Portland, OR Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: Monsters	Nice description, #121. It'd be cool if this thread actually remained informational, as opposed to going downhill from semi-sarcastic comments, which might be fun to some of us but peeps who could seriously learn something here, might get confused. At least I thought that was the reason behind OP's post. I happen to know what trail braking is but I think it's really cool to describe it in such understandable terms. I am still learning how to do it smoothly. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


12-24-2010, 02:53 PM	#26
mfrankpdx Retired Joined: Jul 2007 From: Washington DC I Ride: Speed Triple	The motard prefers trail braking, even on the street. Setting corner speed early slows it down too much. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


12-24-2010, 03:53 PM	#31
firecracker Pit Crew Joined: Aug 2009 From: Seattle, WA I Ride: Sometimes an S1000RR, sometimes a GSX-R 1000...	A good way to safely learn how to trail break is to find a large parking lot; pick a crack or line about 100 to 200 yrds. away; bring your bike's speed up to about 40 / 50mph; break heavy first with the front break while slowly, slowly letting your front break lever out; and, then, hitting the crack or line at a stop right at the point that you let the front break all the way out. The trick is to have a buddy watch you and make sure that you don't bounce the front suspension AT ALL! Do it until you can stop right on the crack or line with the front break fully released WITHOUT bouncing the front suspension at all! It's the same idea in a corner, as you slowly unload the front with the breaks in a turn you're loading the front more with pressure and force from the turn. Ideally, your front suspension will remain the exact same amount compressed up to, and sometimes even past, the turn apex. Yet, for safety's sake, try it upright first before you try it at lean angle... The technique described above in the first paragraph is how Nick teaches students to trail break at the Yamaha Champions School. I don't think it's very possible to go fast on a track these days if you're not a good trail breaker...everyone's pretty much doing it at this point in time... Note: For sure just use your front break when starting out...even in a parking lot...leave the rear break alone... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by firecracker; 12-24-2010 at 04:00 PM..

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