Hi. I ride a CG 125 and am thinking about taking my module 1 test soon. Like most riders I don‘t use my back brake as I feel I don‘t need it. I have been riding for a number of months in all weathers and found that engine braking and good use of the front brake have been enough to stop me in controlled and emergency situations. Will I be failed for not using my back break even if I stop correctly?Many thanks.
I personally don't think you would be failed for that. But like all equipment on your bike, you're supposed to know how to use it. The rear brake provides 25% of your stopping power. And in an emergency situation, you need to be able to use it properly. If your front wheel slides out from under you because you put too much pressure on it, the results could be (very) bad. Most riders don't use their rear brakes? That comes as news to me. I know I use mine I've been ridding for 20+ years. Rear brakes are there for a reason. I use mine, especially so on a gravel, unimproved road.
Martyn Like most riders I don't use my back brake as I feel I don't need it. Really! Most riders do not use their back brake? Well as an experience Police Motorcyclist and now a Motorcycle Instructor (CBT to Advanced) I have to tell you that you are wrong. You have two brakes ( not breaks) on a motorcycle and obviously the front brake takes on most of the braking effort as the weight of the bike is transferred forward under braking. But why would anyone deprive themselves of the additional braking the rear can offer especially in an emergency. In slow speed situations, as undertaken on the Module 1, the front brake is just to powerful and as it makes the front end dip can be dangerous especially if applied in mid turn. With regard to the emergency stop on module 1 a quote from the DSA's Operating Procedures As soon as the front wheel has reached the speed measuring device the examiner should give the signal to stop which should be given with the right arm. The examiner should position themselves in a safe position, near the controlled stopping box, where they can observe correct use of both brakes. A greater stopping distance should be allowed in wet conditions. Let me repeat the relevant part correct use of both brakes. So in answer to your question Will I be failed for not using my back break even if I stop correctly? Yes - because you are not stopping 'correctly'. I would suggest you get some lessons before undertaking the tests.
I would think you'd fail for incorrect use of brakes. After all, the correct technique is taught for a reason.
I would think you'd fail for incorrect use of brakes. After all, the correct technique is taught for a reason.
I personally don't think you would be failed for that. But like all equipment on your bike, you're supposed to know how to use it. The rear brake provides 25% of your stopping power. And in an emergency situation, you need to be able to use it properly. If your front wheel slides out from under you because you put too much pressure on it, the results could be (very) bad. Most riders don't use their rear brakes? That comes as news to me. I know I use mine I've been ridding for 20+ years. Rear brakes are there for a reason. I use mine, especially so on a gravel, unimproved road.
Martyn Like most riders I don't use my back brake as I feel I don't need it. Really! Most riders do not use their back brake? Well as an experience Police Motorcyclist and now a Motorcycle Instructor (CBT to Advanced) I have to tell you that you are wrong. You have two brakes ( not breaks) on a motorcycle and obviously the front brake takes on most of the braking effort as the weight of the bike is transferred forward under braking. But why would anyone deprive themselves of the additional braking the rear can offer especially in an emergency. In slow speed situations, as undertaken on the Module 1, the front brake is just to powerful and as it makes the front end dip can be dangerous especially if applied in mid turn. With regard to the emergency stop on module 1 a quote from the DSA's Operating Procedures As soon as the front wheel has reached the speed measuring device the examiner should give the signal to stop which should be given with the right arm. The examiner should position themselves in a safe position, near the controlled stopping box, where they can observe correct use of both brakes. A greater stopping distance should be allowed in wet conditions. Let me repeat the relevant part correct use of both brakes. So in answer to your question Will I be failed for not using my back break even if I stop correctly? Yes - because you are not stopping 'correctly'. I would suggest you get some lessons before undertaking the tests.
