rear brake with heel

**columbus** · 09-05-2012, 09:18 PM

Hi, i am a complete novice, and i am still in the process of familiarizing my hands and feet with the bike. I am a bit duck footed. Is there anything intrinsically wrong with rear wheel braking with my heel, which is WAY more comfortable than the toe area. Also, the 2nd and 3rd gear have a very satisfying click going into them, the 4th and 5th not so much. Is this just my bike, or common? Thanks

**Duckster** · 09-05-2012, 09:28 PM

First, I'd strongly suggest you take the MSF course to sort out these types of issues.
I am trying to visualize what it is you find awkward about rotating your foot downward from the ankle to depress the rear brake pedal. Are you suggesting the use of your heel on the pedal? (foot hanging out to the front?) or rotating your heel backwards on the pedal linkage? Either way you will have very poor control of brake pressure. Why would you want to reinvent the basic operation of the motorcycle controls as practiced by every other rider on the planet?

**flitecontrol** · 09-05-2012, 10:09 PM

Welcome to the forum! You'll find it isn't hard to lock up the rear brake, which isn't a desirable thing to do, with just toe pressure. As Duckster pointed out, there would be less precision with rear wheel braking if the heel is used, so I wouldn't recommend it.

Taking a basic rider course is the best way to learn proper riding techniques, and will keep you safer on the road. And with all the grey heads in your riding area, staying safe can be a challenge! And least my comment draw the ire of grey heads, I am one!

**columbus** · 09-05-2012, 10:40 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Took the course and passed it, have my endorsement.As i said, my right foot turns outward. Can't help it. Born that way. I CAN break with the front
(Ball) of my foot, but i have to torque the front of my foot inward, (to the left) It is much more comfortable to use my heel, or even the mid part of my foot. Surely i am not the only duck footed rider in the world (mankind) that has had to deal with this. Thanks again.

**Buickguy** · 09-05-2012, 10:46 PM

Perhaps adjusting your brake pedal height would help.
I tend to rotate my foot for the rear pedal.

**Duckster** · 09-05-2012, 11:01 PM

If you have a physical issue with the stock brake pedal, perhaps you could weld a little extension on the side of the pedal to make it easier to get your foot on it. This kind of a modification would enable you to use the brake easier and with better precision.

**columbus** · 09-05-2012, 11:02 PM

You might be onto something there. What would really be great would be the ability to adjust it outboard by 1"

**flitecontrol** · 09-06-2012, 02:00 AM

A clamp on extension could also be made. If I knew how to draw with this computer, I'd illustrate what I have in mind.

**UltraBlue09** · 09-06-2012, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buickguy

Perhaps adjusting your brake pedal height would help.
I tend to rotate my foot for the rear pedal.

Wouldn't a lower pedal height, allowing for foot rotation, make you have to press harder and lower to get the right pressure on the rear brake pedal, more of a strain on your ankle?

**Buickguy** · 09-06-2012, 06:47 AM

Yes, it probably would. I raised mine a bit. I have to lift up and rotate. It feels natural since that's what I have to do in the cage.