RIDING TECHNIQUES: Braking No.3
Brake levers? Fingers? Sometimes it's all about finding out what works for you says Steve BrouggyPart Three - Doin' what comes naturally
There is a seemingly endless discussion about how many fingers you should use on the brake lever. In several internet forums I contribute to, the debate has recently raged (once again) and I decided to put an end to it once and for all. For those that have read this already in other formats I apologise now. For the rest of you, I'm about to share with you exactly how many fingers you should use whilst squeezing the front brake lever. Are you ready...
The arguments are always "Rossi uses all four fingers" or "Doohan only used one finger" or "Rainey used two fingers". Honestly, who gives a rat's backside? If you can generate enough force to slow or stop your bike with one finger or two fingers, why should you use anymore? But, if using all four fingers gives you more 'feel' then why would you use less? Good questions, aren't they?
The truth is that there are irrefutable physical facts when riding a motorcycle and anyone who has had contact with me in the past will know of my penchant for bringing these things up. Some people will present as fact that you can put more force with more feel with all four fingers. They even have tests which will back their argument up. Some present as fact that using only two fingers allows better control over the throttle and the handlebars for a barely perceptible loss in available force for the brake lever. Both these arguments have merit. The reality however is that when you add in the human element to any such argument, physical facts take a back seat to what you are 'comfortable' doing.
As a rider you will always resort to what you have previously decided is the best thing in any given situation. This is often misunderstood as being something you do "naturally" but is not exactly true. At some point you decided (either consciously or unconsciously) that you would respond in a particular manner. And how many fingers you use on the brake is one of those things.
Not sure if your 'natural' response is the right thing? Simple, try something else and see what you get.
Good luck with your riding.
Steve Brouggy is the owner of the
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2 / 76 Rushdale St
Knoxfield, VIC 3180
Australia
Phone: 1300 793 423
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