Should I feel resistance? Does it take much to activate the breaks? I barely touch them and the brakes respond. Is this how it's suppose to work?
In addition to whats been said / written u shud be using both brakes symaltaniously unlees your just reducing speed then it's rear brake only. braking on a bike is different to that of in a car. Feather 'touch' is good practice to get in to where as with a car it's bigger heavier so more pressure required etc. Practice doing emergency stops car parks are good places but watch out for loose gravel etc.
Depends. If you have hydraulic discs in front, and working right, you should feel a solid (not mushy) resistance at the end of travel. It shouldn't take much force. My bike has about 3/8 travel at the very tip of the handle. If they are cable actuated drums, well, a bit more travel, and a less positive feel is normal.
Yes, that's pretty much how they are supposed to work. There shouldn't be much lever more than 2 or 3 millimeters travel between first contact and full lock on the front brakes. Each bike is different, but every bike has a specification for free lever travel before brake activation starts. It will be in your owner's manual.
Remember that motorcycles are not like push bikes. That front break has to stop quite a bit of weight travelling at speed. My bike weights a quarter of a ton, so it has to be good. You'll get used to the sensitivity of it. Don't forget the back break too. In this weather it's a good idea to use both as the wet conditions will reduce grip. If you are concerned, take it to motorcycle garage and ask them to have a look at it.
