locking up the breaks / skidding

Tack One. · Post by **Tack One.** » Thu May 17, 2012 7:27 pm

does anybody have this problem? I'm being rather gentle with them, and easing into the breaking, not just slamming on the breaks, but there are times in a city when at speed you have to stop quickly, and the stella doesn't seem to like to stop quickly.

I'm wondering if there are any adjustments you can do to solve this, both mechanical and technique based that would help prevent skidding. it's kinda scary. I suppose sudden stopping situations do cause you to clamp down on the breaks moreso than an expected slowing, but in general I find the breaks somewhat lack luster.

lempira · Post by **lempira** » Thu May 17, 2012 9:00 pm

practice, practice, practice.

Lokky · Post by **Lokky** » Thu May 17, 2012 9:02 pm

I'm assuming you just bought it? Properly adjusted brakes need to be babied when they are new because the pad engages immediately. As they get worn down a bit they wont be so bad.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Fri May 18, 2012 12:18 am

Tack One?

I suspect you are using too much rear brake and not near enouph front brake.
When the brakes are applied the vehicles and your weight transfer forward.
Because of this, the weight is taken off the rear wheel and it can now lockup rather easily.
If I am correct, you need to train yourself to use more front brake as in a emergency situation it can provide almost 80% of your stopping power.

This is a technique the Motor Cycle Safety Foundation (M.S.F.) continually teaches riders......the front brake is really the main event and the rear brake is more of a trailing/control component.

If your car only had rear brakes it would lock up and skid quite easily too....for the same reason, weight transfer.

Long time riders that have been trained typically wear out two sets of front pads to one rear shoe/pad set.

I can't urge all riders enouph to take the course......and old riders really should consider the experienced rider courses available.....you won't believe the bad habits that develop over time.

Good luck!
Rob

Tack One. · Post by **Tack One.** » Fri May 18, 2012 3:53 am

I actually just finished the course this past weekend, and I was told to use more front and less back while riding one of the dirt bikes in practice.

I'll focus harder on which I use and to what degree at what times. I'm also hoping that the newness (about 6 weeks old) is also partially the issue as well.

I love riding bikes and scooters, but it's such a game of millimetres (fractions of an inch for the majority of you in the US

) on the clutch and brake and blance etc.

such a fine art...one you have to master to stay safe and have fun though.

appreciate the feedback.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Sun May 20, 2012 4:10 pm

More practice means more riding

Also, you can ask your dealer to set-up your rear brake a little "softer" so it doesn't engage as early.

lorenajack · Post by **lorenajack** » Wed May 30, 2012 6:45 pm

For quick stops, always use BOTH front and rear brakes together! But first practice emergency stops in a traffic-free area until you get the 'feel' of using both brakes. I tend to hit the rear brake first, followed by the front. But as someone mentioned, PRACTICE this several times until you get the feel.
I would also suggest using both when coming to a stop. Also, switch between using rear only and front only, along with both together!

Tack One. · Post by **Tack One.** » Wed May 30, 2012 6:46 pm

I think a big part of it was that my tire pressure had become quite low.

I think the shitty gauge I bought let the air out, instead of measured it.

lorenajack · Post by **lorenajack** » Wed May 30, 2012 6:54 pm

NEVER run under-inflated!!! That is very dangerous, especially on turns!
Get a digital gauge...better than those standard ones which tend to let more air OUT when used!