Brake Front Hub

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Brake Front Hub
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2 FRONT (LEFT AND RIGHT) NEW WHEEL HUB BEARING PAIR WITH FREE BRAKE PADS
2 FRONT (LEFT AND RIGHT) NEW WHEEL HUB BEARING PAIR WITH FREE BRAKE PADS
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86 honda tr200 tr 200 fatcat FRONT WHEEL HUB BRAKE DRUM
86 honda tr200 tr 200 fatcat FRONT WHEEL HUB BRAKE DRUM
Paypal   US $8.95
04 yamaha tw200 tw 200  FRONT WHEEL RIM ROTOR BRAKE hub  CLEAN !!!!!!!!!!!!
04 yamaha tw200 tw 200 FRONT WHEEL RIM ROTOR BRAKE hub CLEAN !!!!!!!!!!!!
Paypal   US $139.50
Suzuki RV90 RV 90 #2231 Front Wheel Hub / Brake Drum
Suzuki RV90 RV 90 #2231 Front Wheel Hub / Brake Drum
Paypal   US $39.99
TRIUMPH UNIT 7 INCH FRONT BRAKE HUB CHROME COVER VGC FITS 60'S BIKES SOME 650 'S
TRIUMPH UNIT 7 INCH FRONT BRAKE HUB CHROME COVER VGC FITS 60'S BIKES SOME 650 'S
Paypal   US $19.90
honda ct70 ct70h 1969-79 front brake hub assembly #04824
honda ct70 ct70h 1969-79 front brake hub assembly #04824
Paypal   US $45.00
1932-1934 FORD FRONT BRAKE DRUM HUB ASSEMBLY PAIR
1932-1934 FORD FRONT BRAKE DRUM HUB ASSEMBLY PAIR
Paypal   US $49.00
2002 Raptor 660 Right front wheel spindle, disk brake and hub
2002 Raptor 660 Right front wheel spindle, disk brake and hub
Paypal   US $30.00
2002 Raptor 660 Left front wheel spindle, disk brake and hub
2002 Raptor 660 Left front wheel spindle, disk brake and hub
Paypal   US $30.00
VINTAGE STURMEY ARCHER TANDEM BT6F FRONT HUB BRAKE - 1935
VINTAGE STURMEY ARCHER TANDEM BT6F FRONT HUB BRAKE - 1935
Paypal   US $15.70
HONDA SX 200 LEFT FRONT SPINDLE BRAKE HUB
HONDA SX 200 LEFT FRONT SPINDLE BRAKE HUB
Paypal   US $20.00
SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI FRONT KNUCKLE BRAKE HUB FACTORY
SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI FRONT KNUCKLE BRAKE HUB FACTORY
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Honda Big Red 250 ATV ES Front Hub Brake Drum Shaft Assembly
Honda Big Red 250 ATV ES Front Hub Brake Drum Shaft Assembly
Paypal   US $15.00
NOS CUSTOM CHOPPER FRONT BRAKE HUB 36 HOLE HONDA HARLEY BOBBER TRIUMPH BSA H-D
NOS CUSTOM CHOPPER FRONT BRAKE HUB 36 HOLE HONDA HARLEY BOBBER TRIUMPH BSA H-D
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2000 yamaha blaster left front brake hub with spindle
2000 yamaha blaster left front brake hub with spindle
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2001 yamaha blaster front brake hubs with spindles
2001 yamaha blaster front brake hubs with spindles
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NORTON 2LS FRONT BRAKE +HUB COMPLETE ENFIELD MK2 VELOCETTE BSA BOBBER CAFE RACER
NORTON 2LS FRONT BRAKE +HUB COMPLETE ENFIELD MK2 VELOCETTE BSA BOBBER CAFE RACER
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1970 Honda CT90 Trail 90 front brake plate hub shoes Vintage Original
1970 Honda CT90 Trail 90 front brake plate hub shoes Vintage Original
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HONDA ATC 200E 1983 FRONT WHEEL HUB BRAKE DRUM WITH AXEL AND NUT
HONDA ATC 200E 1983 FRONT WHEEL HUB BRAKE DRUM WITH AXEL AND NUT
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HONDA ATC 200E 1983 FRONT WHEEL HUB BRAKE DRUM WITH AXEL AND NUT
HONDA ATC 200E 1983 FRONT WHEEL HUB BRAKE DRUM WITH AXEL AND NUT
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Ducati Single, Guzzi, Classic Racing Front Hub brake 200 mm
Ducati Single, Guzzi, Classic Racing Front Hub brake 200 mm
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HONDA  CR 250 ELSINORE 1973/74 FRONT BRAKE HUB PLATE DRUM
HONDA CR 250 ELSINORE 1973/74 FRONT BRAKE HUB PLATE DRUM
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2008 08 Raptor 250 Yamaha Front Hubs, Sproket, Caliper, Brake Lines + More
2008 08 Raptor 250 Yamaha Front Hubs, Sproket, Caliper, Brake Lines + More
Paypal   US $20.00
Rare Vintage Classic 1972 Suzuki GT750J Front Hub 4 Leading Shoe Brake & Axle
Rare Vintage Classic 1972 Suzuki GT750J Front Hub 4 Leading Shoe Brake & Axle
Paypal   US $270.00
Honda Dream front hub assembly with brakes and speedometer drive
Honda Dream front hub assembly with brakes and speedometer drive
Paypal   US $70.00
Yamaha IT250 IT 250 Front Wheel Brake Hub 25Y 1984 84
Yamaha IT250 IT 250 Front Wheel Brake Hub 25Y 1984 84
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MAZDA RX7 FD3S FRONT HUBS BRAKE CALIPERS
MAZDA RX7 FD3S FRONT HUBS BRAKE CALIPERS
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MAZDA RX7 FD3S FRONT HUBS BRAKE CALIPERS CONTROL ARMS PADS
MAZDA RX7 FD3S FRONT HUBS BRAKE CALIPERS CONTROL ARMS PADS
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Suzuki Lt250r Front Hubs And Brake Rotors
Suzuki Lt250r Front Hubs And Brake Rotors
Paypal   US $10.00
99 HONDA 400EX 400 EX 2X4 ATV LEFT FRONT SPINDLE ,HUB & ROTOR And Brakes D1512
99 HONDA 400EX 400 EX 2X4 ATV LEFT FRONT SPINDLE ,HUB & ROTOR And Brakes D1512
Paypal   US $120.00
HONDA C72 C77 FRONT BRAKE HUB 250,305
HONDA C72 C77 FRONT BRAKE HUB 250,305
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Yamaha CV80 Riva Front Hub with Brake Shoes off Low Mileage Scoot!!!
Yamaha CV80 Riva Front Hub with Brake Shoes off Low Mileage Scoot!!!
Paypal   US $9.99
1982 Honda Express SR NX50 Front Hub w/ brakes & bearings off LOW MILEAGE SCOOT!
1982 Honda Express SR NX50 Front Hub w/ brakes & bearings off LOW MILEAGE SCOOT!
Paypal   US $21.99
BMW /5 /6 Front Brake Hub Nice Condition 107
BMW /5 /6 Front Brake Hub Nice Condition 107
Paypal   US $9.95
 Maico Front Brake Backing Plate, Small Spool Hub with Brake Shoes
Maico Front Brake Backing Plate, Small Spool Hub with Brake Shoes
Paypal   US $24.95
Ossa 250 Enduro Vintage 1972 front wheel Brake hub asm. pioneer stiletto Pioner
Ossa 250 Enduro Vintage 1972 front wheel Brake hub asm. pioneer stiletto Pioner
Paypal   US $25.00
86-89 HONDA TRX250R OEM FRONT WHEEL HUBS AND BRAKE ROTORS 88-89 TRX250R NICE
86-89 HONDA TRX250R OEM FRONT WHEEL HUBS AND BRAKE ROTORS 88-89 TRX250R NICE
Paypal   US $70.00
Honda CT70 Front Rear Brake Plates w Shoes for Hubs CT 70 Trail
Honda CT70 Front Rear Brake Plates w Shoes for Hubs CT 70 Trail
Paypal   US $8.00
kawasaki h1 h2 z1 front wheel hub brake cover SCREWS
kawasaki h1 h2 z1 front wheel hub brake cover SCREWS
Paypal   US $4.99
CZ 400 FRONT BRAKE HUB VINTAGE MX VMX JAWA
CZ 400 FRONT BRAKE HUB VINTAGE MX VMX JAWA
Paypal   US $53.00
Honda 84 ATC 200es Big Red Front Brake Panel Hub 1984
Honda 84 ATC 200es Big Red Front Brake Panel Hub 1984
Paypal   US $39.99
honda crf 250r 2004-2009 FRONT RIM TIRE HUB SPOKES BRAKE ROTER WHEEL axle
honda crf 250r 2004-2009 FRONT RIM TIRE HUB SPOKES BRAKE ROTER WHEEL axle
Paypal   US $130.00
Triumph Finned 8
Triumph Finned 8" 8 Front Brake Drum Hub Spool Hubcap Pre Unit T100 T120 TR6 BSA
Paypal   US $25.00
1958-1964 Chevrolet Impala stock front drum brake spindle hubs Belair Biscayne
1958-1964 Chevrolet Impala stock front drum brake spindle hubs Belair Biscayne
Paypal   US $29.99
Mavic rim 26
Mavic rim 26" mountain bike front wheel LX hub old school cantilever or V brake
Paypal   US $26.00
72 honda ct70H ct 70 H trail original oem front & rear wheels & hubs & brake hub
72 honda ct70H ct 70 H trail original oem front & rear wheels & hubs & brake hub
Paypal   US $49.99
2001 Polaris sportsman magnum 400 front disc brake rotor bearings 4x4 locker hub
2001 Polaris sportsman magnum 400 front disc brake rotor bearings 4x4 locker hub
Paypal   US $19.00
05 LTZ 250 LTZ250 LT Z250 FRONT REAR HUB SPINDLE BRAKE DUST SHIELD PLATE COVER A
05 LTZ 250 LTZ250 LT Z250 FRONT REAR HUB SPINDLE BRAKE DUST SHIELD PLATE COVER A
Paypal   US $19.00
Triumph 8
Triumph 8" 8 Front Brake Drum Hub Spool Hubcap Pre Unit T100 T120 TR6 BSA TLS
Paypal   US $10.00
*VINTAGE* MAILLARD high-flange front hub 3 speed 28 HOLE + Brake drum + ATOM
*VINTAGE* MAILLARD high-flange front hub 3 speed 28 HOLE + Brake drum + ATOM
Paypal   US $62.00
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Dimension Front 29 Dimension Front 29" SRAM 406, 32h 6-bolt, Sun SR25
List Price: $60.00
Sale Price: $56.55

Dimension Disc Brake Series Front WheelsHub: SRAM 405 6-bolt black 32hRim: Sun SR25 32hSpokes: DT Champion black 3xNipples: DT Swiss brassItem SpecificationsColorBlackWeight1005gHub Drilling32spokesHub/Brake Compatibility6-Bolt DiscValvePrestaISO Diameter622 / road / 29"Valve LengthShort 32-40mmWheel Size29erTire TypeClincherFront Wheel TypeMountainFront Hub Spacing100mmFront Axle Type9x1Spoke InfoDT Champion Black 3xRimSun SR25Rim MaterialAlloyDefined ColorBlack

SRAM 406 6-Bolt Disc Front 32H Black w/ QR Skewer SRAM 406 6-Bolt Disc Front 32H Black w/ QR Skewer
List Price: $18.00
Sale Price: $15.96

SRAM 406 Front Hubs3 Pawl driver mechanism and steel freehub body for durabilityHi/Lo flange design results in a stronger wheelQuick release skewers are includedCup and cone bearing designPlease note that radial lacing voids the manufacturer's warrantyItem SpecificationsColorBlackWeight260gIntended UseMountainHub Drilling32spokesHub/Brake Compatibility6-Bolt DiscFront Wheel TypeMountainFront Hub Spacing100mmFront Axle Type9x1Skewer IncludedYesDefined ColorBlack

DT Swiss 240s Front 32h 6-Bolt Disc 20mm Thru A x le 2010 DT Swiss 240s Front 32h 6-Bolt Disc 20mm Thru A x le 2010
List Price: $0.00
Sale Price: $218.12

The 240s is the signature DT Swiss hub, available in many different versions from bolt-on singlespeed to 20mm thru axle. This line has been and will continue to be the standard in low weight and high quality for years to come.Fully compatible with Shimano Center-Lock disc system15mm thru axle hubs include 6-bolt Center-Lock adaptorStainless steel ball bearingsNon-contact mechanical seal end capsPatented Star Ratchet mechanismMade in Switzerland by DT SwissItem SpecificationsColorBlack/RedIntended UseMountainHub Drilling32spokesHub/Brake Compatibility6-Bolt DiscFront Wheel TypeMountainFront Hub Spacing110mmFront Axle Type20mm ThruSkewer IncludedNA, Bolt-OnDefined ColorBlack

Busettii e-bike Big 50 Mile Electric Bike Busettii e-bike Big 50 Mile Electric Bike
Sale Price: $1,800.00

Busettii's most popular high power long range electric bike that looks Italian but feels all American. The batteries and the motors out perform most other brands because they are designed by Busettii for speed and long range. 3 year full warranty on Battery, motor, frame and controller is the longest in the bike industry.

Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur (Short Cage) Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur (Short Cage)
List Price: $0.00

Shimano's 105 Rear Derailleur is a sweet upgrade. Shifting is almost effortless thanks to its light-action spring and the top pulley stays a uniform

How to Build a Traditional Farm Wagon or Chuck Wagon How to Build a Traditional Farm Wagon or Chuck Wagon
Sale Price: $95.00

In this book the actual building of a wagon is followed. An entirely new wagon is produced from scratch. The wagon built is a farm/chuck wagon. The farm wagon is built. The conversion into a covered wagon is shown. Then all the chuck wagon accessories are built and added to the wagon. The difficulties encountered while building the wagon are addressed as best as possible, not left out or passed over. The wagon produced for this book is a full sized wagon with 44" wheels in front with 52" wheels in the back. A fully ironed running gear, complete with brake system. It is shown and explained how to build a tongue and groove wagon box or a double box. How to build a new box to match the running gear it will go to. The building and fitting of wagon tongues (poles). How to make every part of a farm wagon or chuck wagon is in this book, wood and iron, even the lazy back seat. All this is shown with great detail within 557 pages. Included in the 557 pages are 211 color photos and 278 detail drawings within the text. (Spiral Bound-8 1/2"X11") There has been no other book like this ever written about building wagons. This is the most helpful book for farm or chuck wagon restoration available. The wheelwright section for wood hub wagon wheels in the book is the most complete and informative there is. Including design and lay out of hubs and how to build them.

BMW 3 series E36 maintenance & tuning file (Japan Import) BMW 3 series E36 maintenance & tuning file (Japan Import)
OTC 6980 Heavy Duty Brake Drum and Rotor Puller OTC 6980 Heavy Duty Brake Drum and Rotor Puller
List Price: $169.95
Sale Price: $99.95

Handles large components such as brake drums, rotors, drive wheels, gears, flywheels, and pulleys. One person can easily set the tool in place and use for tough pulls even where there is little access to insert the jaws. Spread to 12-3/4" and 5" of reach. 7-tons of force, yet weighs less than 10 pounds. Can be used with air tools to reduce time and fatigue.


Featured Article:
Brake Front Hub

One of the premier electric bike conversion kits is the Crystalyte Phoenix Brute. This baby adds true muscle to your favorite bike. The Phoenix electric bike conversion kits are the most powerful on the market today.

The model 4840 delivers a monstrous 2.6 HP. (Now remember this a bicycle, not a Ford Mustang!). The Phoenix Brute's motor is wound to churn out an outrageous amount of low end torque. As such, it can be used to pull a trailer or support a big strapping guy (or two small girls.....just kidding). The point is, of course, that it can handle the load!

Like all electric bikes you can run on pure electric power, or pedal power, or both!

With the Crystalyte Phoenix Brute you get super fast off-the-line acceleration, extreme hill climbing ability and plenty of power to conquer uneven or off-road terrain. The 3640 model can reach speeds up to 19 mph in 11 seconds. The more powerful 4840 can reach speeds up to 25 mph in 11 seconds! The motor is a brushless hub motor. Absolutely no maintenance is required.

In addition, there are no chains, belts, gears, pulleys, or sprockets. The electric motor is connected directly to wheel hub. It takes approximately 3-5 hours to charge the battery pack.

The range for the Phoenix Brute is quite decent. Using the 3640 controller, you can go 11 miles on battery power alone. The 4840 controller will increase your range to 12 miles. If you pedal some of the time, the range will increase substantially.

The Brute is also customized for your needs. You choose the controller (4840 or 3640 system), throttle, front or rear wheel drive, rim size and the bicycle to attach the Brute to. This electric bike kit comes pre-wired and is simple to install.

Let's take a look at some of these options individually:

Rims: You can choose from 20", 24"and 26" rims. All have heavy duty 12 gauge spokes and are double walled.

Throttle: You can choose from a half-twist, full-twist or thumb throttle. If your bike has twist shifters, you'll want a thumb throttle.

Rear Basket/Rack: The 3640 system comes with a bike rack to hold the pannier bag, controller and batteries. The larger 4840 system comes with a rear basket to hold the pannier bag, controller and batteries.

Cruise control: You simply set your speed, then release the throttle. The cruise control works just like the one in your car. Couldn't be easier!

Brake inhibit: This safety feature triggers when you use the brakes. It turns off the throttle and cruise control, just like in your car.

The kit also includes the Crystalyte smart charger, battery indicator gauge and keyed ignition.

Electric bikes are environmentally friendly, fun to ride, quiet, cost pennies a day to charge and are a fantastic way to bypass the price at the pump! In addition, no insurance or license needed. You can ride them ride them anywhere you can ride a pedal bike. The "electric bike" classification lets you to operate without a driver's license or registration in most states. The Phoenix electric bike kits does exceed federal power and speed limits for electric bicycles, so they may be an exception to the rule. Be sure to check with your local Police Department and/or DMV before purchase.

So, if you are serious about an electric bike conversion kit, check out the Phoenix Brute!

Bill Boren is a market research expert who investigates and reports on topics that have proven to be of interest to major segments of the world. Further information regarding the information presented in this article can be found at [http://www.electricbike-conversion.com]

Best Motorcycle Braking Practices

Several things affect your bikes braking ability, as well as your ability to avoid skidding or being tossed off your bike like a slingshot pellet. Weight distribution, road surface conditions, braking system type, tire condition, suspension, and most of all, rider skill.

First, let's consider what enables you to change anything about the speed and direction of your ‘object in motion' – two small patches of tire and road surface rubbing together. These few square inches are responsible for creating enough friction to influence, or ideally, control the motion of the object riding on them. Dictionary.com defines traction as “ the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road.)” What actually makes a bike come to a standstill? This process involves, first and foremost, the traction element described above, in combination with the friction developed in the braking system that tries to reduce the rate of spinning of the wheels (which are, we hope, bound to the road surface by the aforementioned traction.)

There are different types of braking systems. The most basic involves the front and rear brakes working completely independent from each other. (For the purpose of this discussion, we will not consider vintage bikes or early ‘choppers' that lacked front brakes.) This typically involves controlling the front brakes via the right handlebar lever and the rear brakes via the right foot pedal. A second scheme is to have the front and rear brakes linked so that they always brake together. There have been several variations on this theme. A third scheme is ABS that uses a computer and wheel spin sensors to detect locking, then releases and reapplies the brakes rapidly to prevent skidding. Of course, this opens up the possibility of combining the technology of integrated braking with ABS. This has been implemented on some high-end touring machines (and possibly more); however, the implications of this combination are still being explored.

Brake mechanisms, like brake systems, have also evolved. Disk brakes, which use a rotor fixed to the wheel in conjunction with a hydraulic caliper fixed to the suspension, have proven to be the most efficient and thus received the most evolutionary attention. With this system, one or more hydraulic cylinders in the caliper are used to squeeze the friction material ‘in' against the sides of the rotor. Drum brakes, still used on some lighter bikes and/or for the sake of economy, are typically actuated by a mechanical rod or cable. This type of brake causes friction ‘shoes' to be pressed outward against a drum – which is usually the hub of the wheel. Over the past 30 years I've experienced: front and rear drums, front disk/rear drum, front dual disk/rear single disk with partial integration, and currently non-integrated ABS (dual front/single disk rear). I believe that each iteration has represented a significant evolutionary step. Since each bike has been larger and heavier as well, the progression in stopping power has been welcome indeed.

Suspension and drive type also effects traction as well as the way the entire machine will respond to a given set of physical forces. The response of the suspension to the drive train (either accelerating or during engine braking) will be different on a shaft driven bike from that of a chain or belt driven machine. An engine whose crankshaft rotates on an axis that's perpendicular to the wheelbase of the bike will produce different gyroscopic forces from one that rotates on a parallel axis. There is so much diversity in motorcycle design today that we cannot hope to cover all the subtle nuances of any particular type without hopelessly boring the more general reader to death. Instead, we'd like to offer some general guidelines, in the hopes of stimulating your thought process and encouraging you to become more attuned to your particular machine and its interaction with the world of the open road.

An object in motion tends to stay in motion. We learned this in school. When you apply your brakes, the bike, cargo, and riders want to keep moving forward. This means that the total weight starts to shift forward as you brake, which in turn, wants to lift the rear wheel effectively reducing its contact area, while pushing the front tire hard into the road surface. Realizing this, it only makes sense that as stated by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation , (MSF), your front brake has 70%+ of your braking power and you should use your front brake every time that you want to slow down. In addition, the MSF recommends that you to use both front and rear brakes, and if necessary, apply them both hard, without locking them up. Do not stiffen your arms as you brake, just grip the bike with your legs and keep your arms free and relaxed. This is one of those “easier said than done” situations and you do need to practice.

Now, before I go off on a tear about panic braking and avoiding the dreaded and possibly lethal ‘high-side,' my inner parent will not rest without at least a passing mention of ‘Best Defensive Riding Tactics' as a precursor to ‘Best Braking Practices.' Unless you have a death wish, a good deal of your concentration while riding should be dedicated to avoiding panic braking situations. (The proverbial “…ounce of prevention…”) Try to avoid heavy traffic, have at least two escape routes in mind at any given instant, don't drive faster than a 12 second line-of-sight, brake before curves, and learn to brake while in curves without loosing control of the bike, you know, all that MSF stuff. You don't know, or maybe you did but it's been quite awhile? Maybe you should consider taking a course – what the heck, the worst that could happen is that you might learn something and you'll save some money on insurance. At best, it could save your life! (Or mine, if I'm anywhere near you.)

If these mentions don't sound very familiar, or even automatic, to you, please at the very least spend some time reading about, thinking about, and finally, practicing these defensive tactics when they aren't especially critical until they become automatic. By its very definition a ‘panic' situation is one where you literally don't have time to think and your ‘automatic' reaction can absolutely make a life-or-death difference.

Progressive braking:

This sounds like common sense, especially if you are traveling in a straight line, but the process becomes much less intuitive when you are in a curve and/or panic situation. The idea here is to apply both brakes with ‘progressively' more pressure until an acceptable deceleration rate is obtained. If you are in a particularly relaxed braking situation, such as approaching a red light or rolling down a deceleration lane toward an exit ramp, you can also mix in a little engine braking via downshifting. This transfers some of the wear and tear caused by the deceleration forces from the braking system to the driveline, and it sounds cool. I've seen arguments for and against engine braking but they really lie outside the scope of this discussion, I'm neither advocating nor condemning the practice.

It is true that the ‘driveline' was designed for ‘driving' and the braking system was designed for braking, and the latter of those two is the intended point of this article.

Leaned over in a curve:

The best practice is to decelerate sufficiently before entering a curve to allow continuous acceleration through and out of it. Well, that's just wonderful in theory, but unless you're on a closed racing circuit, a road that you've ridden hundreds of times before, or you consistently drive like the proverbial ‘little old lady,' you've probably found yourself in a little over your head on at least a few occasions. Although I would hardly recommend it as a best practice, it is entirely possible to brake in a curve. I would suggest that you practice it when you don't need it so you're prepared in the event that you do. The suspension and drive characteristics of your specific machine will play a part here as well, so you might want to seek the advice of competitive or highly experienced riders of similar equipment. Key to all flavors of bikes is to avoid sudden or violent transitions – either on and off the throttle, brakes, or from throttle to brake, or brake to throttle. Back off the throttle gently and apply brakes gently and progressively.

If you find yourself going into a skid while leaned over in a curve and braking, you will probably be destined for a ‘low side' before you have a chance for any sort of intervention. The same policy stated below applies for a locked rear wheel – force it down on the low side with the front brake if you have to but – DO NOT RELEASE THE REAR BRAKE! (See below for the gory details.)

Traveling in a straight line:

In the best of all possible worlds, when you are traveling in a straight line, you may be able to anticipate the need to slow down or stop (i.e. approaching a red light) and entirely minimize your need for aggressive braking by easing off the throttle and letting the bike do what comes naturally. Be careful, however, not to surprise following motorists (especially the ones in large SUVs) by slowing abruptly without displaying your brake lights – as might occur with downshifting for the purpose of engine braking.

When the need for deceleration becomes more urgent, due to changing traffic conditions or the need to slow down for a curve, you are in prime territory for ‘progressive braking.'

If you jam on your front brakes, you could start a skid that will cause you to depart from your bike as your wheel slides out from under you. Your front wheel will not lock up easily if you have ABS brakes, or if you have mastered the progressive braking, but this can happen fairly easily (and VERY quickly) at low speed if you encounter a manhole cover, steel plate, or other slick surface. If you start to skid on the front wheel, release the brake momentarily and reapply it using less pressure. The bike will turn in the direction of the skid by itself. In the very low speed situation, and only as a last resort, putting a foot down may enable you to catch the bike before it passes that critical point. More than likely, however, this will happen so fast that you'd be best advised to try and get away rather than risk a foot, a knee, or being caught under the weight of the beast.

If you jam on your back brakes, you have a greater chance of locking the rear wheel, because it has less contact with the road surface as the weight shifts forward. If you start to skid with your rear wheel things will begin to happen very quickly and you are now in one of the most dangerous positions you can imagine. The best advice that anyone can offer is – DO NOT RELEASE THE BRAKE! Look forward and steer straight. If you are going in a straight line, you will (hopefully) skid straight and you can apply the front brake to achieve the stop that you need.

Consider for a moment, from the comfort and security of your desk chair, some of the dynamics that are involved here and if we're fortunate, we may never have to experience them from the saddle:

1) Once the rear wheel locks it will have less traction than the front wheel, which is still turning. Also any gyroscopic forces from the rear wheel (which would tend to help keep the bike upright) are gone.

2) With the combination of the forward weight shift and the lack of traction at the rear wheel the net effect is that the back of the bike wants to go faster than the front.

3) Due to the conditions described above, you are likely to find your rear wheel sliding up along side of you. Your front wheel, pointing straight ahead, will naturally be turned into the skid. From here there are basically three ways that things can go:

4a) You ride it out with the rear wheel locked, steering into the skid with the front wheel and maintaining pressure on the front brakes. Easing up on the front brake slightly should allow the front wheel to get back ahead of the rear wheel somewhat while increasing pressure on the front brake will tend to let the back wheel get further ahead, eventually forcing the bike down on the ‘low side.' (the side of the bike closest to the ground and opposite the skid)

4b) Disaster is imminent and you want to do everything possible to avoid a ‘high side.' (See 4c below) Squeeze hard on the front brake, which will slow the front of the bike even more. The rear wheel will move further ahead and you will effectively force the bike down on the ‘low side.' If you go down, you will go down in the same direction as the bike and it will travel away from you. If you have the proper protective clothing you will probably not be hurt severely. Your bike may have the most damage.

4c) The ‘high side.' This is the worst possible case and also why you should NOT release the rear brake once it locks. Your rear wheel is locked and sliding up next to you. Your front wheel is still turning, in the direction of the skid, which is now at a considerable angle to the line of the bike. For whatever reason, you let up on the rear brake…

Immediately when the wheel starts turning it gains a considerable amount of traction, but the friction surface and direction of rotation are essentially sideways with respect to the direction of the slide. In addition, the front axle can form a pivot point in the direction of the slide, augmented by the application of the front brakes. The net effect is that the rear wheel digs in very abruptly while the momentum of the slide combines with the trajectory of the front wheel causing the entire bike to snap violently up and over the newly created friction surface at the back wheel.

This violent snap is usually more than sufficient to launch the unfortunate rider equally violently in the direction of the slide. To make matters worse, the bike is also likely to become airborne at close to the same instant, velocity and direction. Once airborne, with nothing to slow it down… you can paint your own picture, but color it potentially deadly.

When you are faced with an emergency situation, your instinct is to brake hard. Only insight, conditioning, and practice can prepare you to react the most effectively under pressure or panic circumstances.

What we have tried to present here is intended to be more thought provoking primer than any kind of comprehensive guide. We do not claim that it is either authoritative or comprehensive. There are any number of very good sources for information on safe/defensive riding tactics both on the web and in print, and we are in the process of trying to make this site one of them. We would like to encourage thoughtful, conscientious, and safe riding practices whenever and wherever possible.

About the Author

Chuck has been riding motorcycles for 30 years, starting with dirt bikes. He currently owns a BMW K1200LT which he takes on adventures through the country on twisty windy mountain roads with his wife Trish. Chuck and Trish have a family owned motorcycle accessory store http://www.2WheelTouring.net

1993 Honda Accord, front disc brakes. How do you remove the wheel hub to get the brake rotor off?

Pressed spindle almost completely out, yet hub, which wheel mounts to, will not release. I suspect a pin of some kind was still holding it, but couldn't find it. This hub must be removed in order to replace the rotor. Am I looking at removing the entire spindle to get the rotor off?

I agree with the first answer. The rotor may have one or two screws holding it to the wheel bearing hub and if it has been on there a while it will be rusted. Remove the bolts that hold it to the rotor and thread a longer bolt in those holes and it should pop the rotor off. You could also try a website like autozone.com and you might find some instructions for removing the rotor there, if not if you have a place like that in your area they can usually print you some instructions for doing that job.

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