Ou Ryperd
Race Dog
This is not a pro ABS/ anti ABS discussion, but just my opinion based on what I learned at various training schools and practised when out riding.
I always switched my ABS off when I rode dirt roads which was unknown to me or if I haven't ridden there for a long period as I felt I can stop better/faster without ABS and that the bike's behaviour was more predictable when ABS was off on dirt. On hard packed dirt (the so-called dirt highways) I couldn't bother with the ABS because the road surface offered enough grip for the ABS to function as it would on tar.
Today I'm riding a KTM without ABS, so no more choice for me (and I had to make serious adjustments to my riding style on tar!).
So here is my understanding of emergency stopping on dirt and how I do it (remember no ABS):
- I lock up the rear to act as an anchor and to slow the bike down;
- gentle pressure on front brake with constant increase of pressure - you will be amazed at how much stopping power there is and that the front won't just break away with constant pressure being applied;
- focus up ahead of the road or through the corner. Do not look at the rock/fence/cow/perd/chicken/tortoise that is blocking your path, look at the escape route you need to take;
- your bike can still be steered even if the rear brake is locked;
This technique saved my ass a few times, and if applied correct it will do the same for you. However, you need to PRACTISE this!!! No use in riding along merely and just locking the rear to slide and draw lines for the rest to follow. Act as if it is a real emergency stop and try to stop as soon and safe as possible.
To practise this, go to a nice open piece of road or veld with a not to hard surface - you want the rear to slide!
Start off with a few runs with only locking the rear to get to know the bike's movement. If the rear-end starts to overtake the front, release the rear brake and apply again. After this, you can add the front into the equation. Remember not to GRAB a handful, use two or one finger to apply the force, and increase the force.
Below are pictures of me doing an "emergency stop" through a corner while on course to give you some sort of idea (not to brag :biggrin: )
I always switched my ABS off when I rode dirt roads which was unknown to me or if I haven't ridden there for a long period as I felt I can stop better/faster without ABS and that the bike's behaviour was more predictable when ABS was off on dirt. On hard packed dirt (the so-called dirt highways) I couldn't bother with the ABS because the road surface offered enough grip for the ABS to function as it would on tar.
Today I'm riding a KTM without ABS, so no more choice for me (and I had to make serious adjustments to my riding style on tar!).
So here is my understanding of emergency stopping on dirt and how I do it (remember no ABS):
- I lock up the rear to act as an anchor and to slow the bike down;
- gentle pressure on front brake with constant increase of pressure - you will be amazed at how much stopping power there is and that the front won't just break away with constant pressure being applied;
- focus up ahead of the road or through the corner. Do not look at the rock/fence/cow/perd/chicken/tortoise that is blocking your path, look at the escape route you need to take;
- your bike can still be steered even if the rear brake is locked;
This technique saved my ass a few times, and if applied correct it will do the same for you. However, you need to PRACTISE this!!! No use in riding along merely and just locking the rear to slide and draw lines for the rest to follow. Act as if it is a real emergency stop and try to stop as soon and safe as possible.
To practise this, go to a nice open piece of road or veld with a not to hard surface - you want the rear to slide!
Start off with a few runs with only locking the rear to get to know the bike's movement. If the rear-end starts to overtake the front, release the rear brake and apply again. After this, you can add the front into the equation. Remember not to GRAB a handful, use two or one finger to apply the force, and increase the force.
Below are pictures of me doing an "emergency stop" through a corner while on course to give you some sort of idea (not to brag :biggrin: )
