Getting horizontal on emergency stops

Off-topic
1

Went to another machine control day at the weekend. This is the third one that I have done and really enjoy doing them.

Anyway, everything was going well until I manage to drop the bike whilst practicing emergency stops. Idea is to run along at 30 then brake as hard as you can back brake only; same again front brake only then finally both brakes. Idea being to get you used to controlling the bike when stopping and give you a good indication of stopping distances in different braking scenarios.

Back brake runs, fine and get a nice bouncy rear on hard braking. Next front brake.

First run, grab a load of front brake and it locks up. Then I bottles it and let the brake go. Now the right thing to do next, would have been to roll out of it and go around for another go. Obviously I did not do the right thing and grab another handful of front brake. This time the front is not straight and down I go. Thankfully, the initially braking scrubbed off most of the speed so I only bumped along a little. Jumped up and picked up the bike hoping no one had notices. Which of course people had. Mainly wounded pride and a bruise on the hip. Scratched bar end, bent brake pedal and another scratch along the heat shield. All hail R&G for saving from more damage (again I tug my forelock at the mighty crash bung which is thrice my saviour).

The most embarrassing thing was I saw a Street Triple and Pan do something similar earlier, and rather cockily (having done it before) wondered why they were having so much trouble. That’ll be learning me then.

2

Nice story Loki-Jme - and top marks for practising this essential skill.

My first serious front lock up a few years back resulted from panic reacting to a u-turning car while filtering - i’d been working late that day and tiredness may have been a factor - the result was me sliding down the road on my face - luckily I was wearing a full face lid!

The next time it happened, the lesson on what happens when you grab a handful and don’t let go seemed to have sunk into my neural cortex (at least I hope so) - I had to react sharpish to a car which crossed lanes on the motorway without checking his mirrors - it was low speed - about 30 mph - and wet - I locked up the front - but this time was conscious of the locked state of the wheel and let it off - I didn’t go down this time!

Most recent front lock up was when I was overtaking/undertaking on a dual carriageway between a truck and a car (yes - i was riding like a berk) - I failed to clock a gatso camera (obscured by truck) until i saw the white lines on the road - i was doing about 50/55 and grabbed the front - this caused the tyre to lock and the bars to bounce of the left lock and then go straight again - again i didn’t crash that time - so maybe these lessons do sink in.

I’d really like to learn how to stoppie - as I reckon this level of control translates into real benefit on the road.

Here’s to staying upright! :smiley: