[JessHerbst]

I found the rear brake lacks feel, but did work satisfactorily with a lot of pressure - too much pressure. So I replaced the lever with a TEC replacement, which is longer than standard. This worked, the extra leverage gives that missing feel.

TEC part below, and I'm sure there will be others out there too. Didn't feel the need to change pads, but when the time comes it'll be EBC.

https://www.tecbikeparts.com/product/interceptor-brake-lever/

 Yep, I already have the FXCNC long adjustable levers. Love them.

[JessHerbst]

I have always had a problem with rear lockup in emergency situations. There is such a high degree of weight shift to the front wheel, and lightening of the rear, that the slightest pressure on the rear usually results in a rear slide, no bueno. Throw in sand, fluid, rain, or any adverse road conditions(pretty common here) and you gonna slide.

Yea, I know, practice rear restraint, but at the moment of truth, most of us will stomp the rear and slide, and underbrake the front. For me,(riding for 45 years, albeit not an expert racer, and lazy when it comes to parking lot reinforcing practice)  strong front and less rear braking power is safer.  I may get roasted on that.

Jess, you should be able to lock up the rear, or with this bike, engage the ABS with pressure on the rear. You may need to bleed the rear, which on mine did not firm up the pedal until I went out and engaged the rear ABS a few times

Also, pardon me, but that photo of you is so distractingly good, I'm having a hard time focusing on the forum posts! I'm sure this is one area where there is general agreement. You go girl!

Thank you, very flattering. That photo is from three years ago, I’m an old hag now, but I ride a beautiful bike!

[Ruddigger]

Yep, I already have the FXCNC long adjustable levers. Love them.

I think he’s talking about the rear brake lever, not the front brake hand lever.

https://www.tecbikepartsusa.com/TEC_CNC_Alloy_Adjustable_Lever_Set_for_RE650_p/re-blvr.htm

[Starpeve]

Interesting how everyone’s experience differs.  I locked the rear on purpose on my first ride to see what the ABS felt like.  It seemed just like a slightly milder version of what it feels like to lock a rear wheel.  In general you don’t want too much braking at the rear as weight transfer to the front in hard braking means it only does about 5-10% of the work anyway. In the era of ABS especially for less experienced riders you probably do want as aggressive a pad as possible as anything that encourages more rapid deceleration is desirable for when you really need to stop.

I agree with the OP that the front actually has plenty of power you just need a big squeeze. Recently I rode my RE and then my Ducati over the same roads 2 days apart. There is a bumpy downhill braking area into a right hander. Just before the turn in point the road has a slight hump in it.

On the RE I think the front bottomed out as it hit the hump while I was already braking and I felt the chatter through the front lever as the ABS momentarily activated. That is the only time that the front ABS has activated apart from me doing it on purpose.

Finally never get used to just using the rear brake, that is a very poor habit to develop. There are plenty of videos on YouTube showing unnecessary crashes from riders who just fail to adequately brake before they run off the road when they misjudge the speed of a turn (that usually an accomplished rider would actually still make).

I disagree. There’s a lot to be said for creative use of your rear brake. Don’t depend on it, that’s different .

[whippers]

I disagree. There’s a lot to be said for creative use of your rear brake. Don’t depend on it, that’s different .

Just to be clear you Disagree with “never get used to just using the rear brake, that is a very poor habit to develop”?

[Starpeve]

Just to be clear you Disagree with “never get used to just using the rear brake, that is a very poor habit to develop”?

Sorry, I didn’t read it as that. My mistake. I often use only the rear brake in commuting traffic, UNLESS the front is needed. I never rely on it as my main anchor. I always use both in tandem when needed, rarely use only the front as described many times here by others.
Sorry’bout that. You are indeed right.

[JessHerbst]

I think he’s talking about the rear brake lever, not the front brake hand lever.

https://www.tecbikepartsusa.com/TEC_CNC_Alloy_Adjustable_Lever_Set_for_RE650_p/re-blvr.htm

  I actually had those ordered until I emailed TEC and was told they would not work on the GT.

[Starpeve]

Just to be clear you Disagree with “never get used to just using the rear brake, that is a very poor habit to develop”?

Sorry, I misread that. Of course you’d be wrong to avoid using your front, that’s the main anchor. I use my rear extensively, but in tandem with the front. It’s not unusual for me to barely touch the front in commuting traffic, but I’ve generally got 2 fingers on that lever in anticipation of needing it. Apologies 👍

[Starpeve]

Whoops double post! Didn’t think I pushed the right buttons last night!😳

[JessHerbst]

Whoops double post! Didn’t think I pushed the right buttons last night!😳

It happens, I wish there were a few more options on posting, I love this forum but just because its aimed at retro motorcycles, it doesn’t need retro posting controls!

[grahamfirestorm]

Hi Jess,i found my rear brake getting quite numb,so all ive done is adjust the lever so i dont have as long a travel untill the brake comes on,and its worked a treat,a much better brake now,hope this helps.

[JessHerbst]

Hi Jess,i found my rear brake getting quite numb,so all ive done is adjust the lever so i dont have as long a travel untill the brake comes on,and its worked a treat,a much better brake now,hope this helps.

That sounds like something to give a try, thanks for the tip.

[GordonH]

Physics, and 40 odd years on motorcycles and bicycles (inc a stint as an instructor), bear out the fact that braking is circa 80% front and 20% rear. Front brake is your friend if you want to optimise braking performance.

Over use/over reliance of the rear brake seems to be a peculiarly US based phenomenon. No idea why.

As an aside, I don’t think the twins are under braked, given performance envelope.  They just need a little more pressure to get the most from their stopping power.

[gregrb41]

'As an aside, I don’t think the twins are under braked, given performance envelope.  They just need a little more pressure to get the most from their stopping power.'

Yup, agree with that.

Regarding rear brake use I find it useful when adjusting speed to enter corners - just trail it. That's road riding of course. The last thing I want when setting up for said corners is dive at the front. Using the rear is a stabilising force.

[YellowDuck]

Hi Jess,i found my rear brake getting quite numb,so all ive done is adjust the lever so i dont have as long a travel untill the brake comes on,and its worked a treat,a much better brake now,hope this helps.

Agreed.  Mine was set so low that I didn't have enough range of motion in my ankle to put much pressure through it.  Raised it up and now it's fine.  Shift lever also needed adjustment when I bought new boots.  It's really worthwhile to spend some time adjusting the controls so they fit you and your gear.