First spill

[reynoldston]

I don't know if this is the right spot for this or not, if no just let me know? Took the spree out the first time for the season. The roads had a lot of loose gravel on the sides from the winter ice storms. I went to turn into the neighbors driveway and brake . I should know better you don't turn and brake at the same time. Before I knew it I was on the ground. I was lucky I didn't get hurt. It bent the turn light brackets was the only damage on the bike and put big digs into my 150 dollar helmet. Sure thankfull I had it on.

[tru72]

yep. never turn and brake....
Well at least you didnt get hurt man!!

[spree-rider]

turn and brak. just dont use the front brake and dont lean to hard.

[reynoldston]

The front tire slid on the loose gravel so I think you are right about the rear brake. Sure went down fast.

[eliteguy50]

Learning to brake in a corner or on loose surface just takes experience. Eventually you will learn where the breaking point is for your scooter. If you were hard on the rear brake, it would have slid out too when it hit the gravel depending on your speed. Either brake can take you out.

Glad there were no serious injuries.

[spree-rider]

that's why i like my brakes. the rear is pretty weak but strong enough to brake but weak enought to never lcok or skid. and my front is pretty strong for the real braking power.

[reynoldston]

When I took the MSF course they tell you to do all your braking brfore you get into the turn so I shoud know better. They tell you that more of your braking should be done with the front brake but when you are going straight.

[spree-rider]

correct. ever been on the back of a GSXR 1000 with your cousin. after he spooled it up to 110 and then used the REAR brake to stop.

[Petrock's 1984 Spree]

correct. ever been on the back of a GSXR 1000 with your cousin. after he spooled it up to 110 and then used the REAR brake to stop.

Ahahahah that had to be sketchy!

[spree-rider]

worst. it still gives me nightmares.

[eliteguy50]

When I took the MSF course they tell you to do all your braking brfore you get into the turn so I shoud know better. They tell you that more of your braking should be done with the front brake but when you are going straight.

I understand where you are coming from. I've taken both all the courses offered locally short of the HD edge class (2 hours away). As a general rule of thumb that is valid, but on certain bikes, physics will not allow that due to the design. The spree/elite E are a good example as are some of the older cruiser bikes or any chopper I have ever ridden. It also works the other way, I've ridden bikes where the rear brake is almost useless (maybe 10-15% stopping power).

Find a clean section of pavement in a private lot without traffic. Then do 25-0 hard stops, using only the front brake the first time and only the rear brake the second time. Compare the stopping distances and see which brake does more work on your spree.

[reynoldston]

I guess for some reason on my sprees and HD sportster I have always used both front and back brakes with most of the pressure on the front. I have never had a problim with the sportster and this is the first time it happen with the spree. I guess I don't know what I did wrong other then making a turn and braking on loose gravel??? I know I will watch out for this from now on. If this would of happen with the big bike I don't know what would of happen.

[spree-rider]

Yup, lately when i see loose rocks/gravel in c corner i let go of fron brake. and dont lean at all.

[Trafficjamz]

My first spill happened on wet leaves in the road, in the fall.

Stopping hard while turning is not good.

[reynoldston]

wet leaves, I guess i am not the only person this happen to.