"The purpose of the brakes is to adjust and correct the speed of the motorcycle downward, controlling deceleration. Most riders have the idea that brakes are some kind of on/off switch. This isn't true." Keith Code-A Twist of the Wrist, page 62.
I can go up Lookout Mountain using the brakes for only a few turns. Coming down, it is so steep I have to use them on almost every turn. I put them on smoothly before the turn. On the switchbacks, which are basically U-turns, I put on both my brakes before the turn and keep them on through most of the curve. I usually keep the same pressure on them throughout the turn, but if I have to stop quickly, I just squeeze and press harder.
"Applying both brakes simultaneously will help stabilize the chassis and keep it from pitching forward too quickly." Lee Parks- Total Control, page 73.
Anybody remember the "Anti-dive systems" that the manufacturers used on the front forks in the early 1980's? Anybody ride a bike with linked brakes (where the front and rear brakes are applied with the front lever) to give some feedback on this?
Here's what Sport Rider magazine says about using the rear brake:
http://www.sportrider.com/ride/146_0...lls/index.html