Slow speed riding/Filtering

[mags]

I do a daily commute to London which includes the A2 so I have a few miles of slow/stationary traffic filtering.
I was taught in my DAS to make good use of the back brake for slow speed control, and I do use the back brake a lot. But I have been advised to use two fingers to cover my front brake when filtering and as much as I can at others times as well. I also see pictures in the bike mags where the riders are quite often covering the brake at all times.
I've tried riding like this but I just can't get on with it, and it seems to restrict how far I can wind on the throttle.
Am I missing a secret method to doing this? I have tried moving the brake lever in and out but I have long fingers so I prefer it further out.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Mags


>>> Edited by mags on Friday 4th July 14:11

[s2ooz]

this covering the lever lark is more use (IMO) when baltting about, late braking, heavy cornering, quick response stuff, I dont think it has a home in traffic riding.

just my opinion

[Stig]

Have to disagree, or maybe it's a throwback from my trials riding days.

I always cover the front brake in traffic. The rear is barely effective at stopping you on its own. If someone pulls out on you (which is a common occurence when filtering) you need to stop ASAP!

Still, each to their own.

[cazzo]

Have to agree with Stig, I always keep front brake covered in traffic, with 2 fingers - as this is plenty whilst still leaving enough grip on the throttle, I hardly never use the back brake under normal conditions as it's slowing power is poor, this does depend a bit on the bike, (on the Ducati it's bu66er-all) but anyway rear brake is not going to stop you in an emergency.

Many years ago I was slowing for a red light when the front brake cable (what?) snapped, anyway despite also using the rear brake I shot through the lights but luckily did not have an accident (except in my pants!) the ride home afterwards with no front brake meant very 'easy' riding.

[dern]

Agree with Stig, had to use the front at short notice several times while filtering so keep it covered. I guess it depends on how agressively you filter.

Never found a use for the back brake yet apart from hill starts... maybe that's just me.

Mark

[pesty]

Mags,

I past my test last year and one of the things people say in mags was cover the brake lever so.

I tried it and just couldnt manage it. the other day I tried again(no idea why) and found I could manage it quite well. ie move the throttle smoothly snd not pull the brake lever also brake and not pull the throtle on.

I guess it just takes time and experience to do the improved tequniques.

I dont do it all the time now but keep having a go from time to time.

[ben lizard]

Mags ,

personally i filter with two fingers on the front brake , it may feel akward but i find that it's worth while ,
If i didn't then i def would have knocked down this daft bint that ran out in front of me today as i when down a filter lane and she ran you from in front of a bus .
don't use your back brake unless you are under 5mph i would say cos if you hit it too hard there is a chance that you will lose the bike as happened to me .
Always try to use the front instead of the back

Cheers

[mags]

Tell me about it, I don't enjoy the filtering part of the journey but the improvement of my journey over poxy trains is well worth it.

I guess I just have to keep trying it and hope I can get on with it one day. I only passed my test in Nov and have been commuting since March so lots of learning to do!

I need to book a days extra training with the ex-cop I did my DAS with, he was an excellent teacher and recommended I come back once I have some experience.

Mags