Starting off on a hill

[Harley50glide]

Kind of embarased to ask this just use the rear brake or what,had a problem today cab right on me didnt want to roll back on his ass or he was due for a ass whoopin??

[mnchvgs79]

Front brake, rear brake, feet, whatever it takes.

[davidlw]

Mostly rear brake. It takes practice which I suggest but you will have more control if you use mostly rear brake.

[R-RatedCustoms]

Hate to sound like a commercial, but there is the Ride like a Pro DVD and he covers several options on starting on a hill. I have used the following myself: Front brake with 2 fingers on the lever (index and middle) allowing the others to roll the throttle, Rear brake with one foot planted, and Friction zone hold that the DVD talks about.

[yjlama]

I'm used to using my front brake from my dirt/woods riding days in hilly terrain. Couple fingers on the front brake to hold you in place and so you can still twist the throttle. Twist throttle, let out clutch till it begins to catch, and then begin to release front brake, never even roll back an inch. Practice, Practice, Practice.

[Monstermile]

Originally Posted by yjlama

I'm used to using my front brake from my dirt/woods riding days in hilly terrain. Couple fingers on the front brake to hold you in place and so you can still twist the throttle. Twist throttle, let out clutch till it begins to catch, and then begin to release front brake, never even roll back an inch. Practice, Practice, Practice.

Yup that is how I do it. Don't even mess with the rear on a hill because I want both feet planted.

[Electric Head]

I use rear brake and one foot down, just like every other stop, it's as easy as pie. There's one set of lights to work that is halfway up a decent hill, always works for me. Ease off the brake when you feel the rear suspension start to compress / hear the load on the motor increase, and roll on throttle and ease out clutch.

EDIT: I have short stocky legs though, so having both feet on the ground is less stable for me as I'm on my toes. If you've got skinnier legs that aren't so strong the front brake method might be better. I find that once you're stopped and the bike is more or less upright that the bike is easy to balance with one leg and you can swap to the rear brake without fuss to give more control to the throttle and brake.

[Harleypingman]

Hold the bike with the rear brake, one foot on the ground. Engage the clutch, roll-on some throttle, release foot brake and go.

I don't like the two feet on the ground technique because I must either cover the front brake with my right hand and/or hold the bike by slipping the cutch. I don't like to cover the right brake and have to roll the throttle to get going. Just personal preference I suppose.

[TomD]

The proper way, according to things I have read, is to keep the left foot down and right foot on the brake. This method is OK if the hill doesn't slope to the side and you're not carrying a squirmy passenger. I like both feet down and a couple of fingers on the brake. As long as you don't fall over or roll backwards, take your pick.

Tom

[myzen]

friction zone, rear brake.

[Midwest Muscle]

On a large hill, I'm the type that does the one foot down, one on the rear brake, give it some throttle, and release the rear brake to start moving.

There's nothing to keep a person from using both feet on the ground with the front brake squeezed until it's time to go. I sometimes to that, and then go the rear brake technique above when it's time to get rolling.

Mike

[rgraham]

I commute into San Francisco at times, and they have some serious hill action there. While coming to a stop and waiting, it's the front brake, both feet down. Just before it's time to move, I shift into gear. Left foot down, right foot on the rear brake. Hand off the front brake and on to the throttle. Give gas, release clutch, feel her begin to move, then off the foot brake. Works like a charm.

[nessus]

Im with the rear brake guys

[Midwest Muscle]

Originally Posted by rgraham

I commute into San Francisco at times, and they have some serious hill action there. While coming to a stop and waiting, it's the front brake, both feet down. Just before it's time to move, I shift into gear. Left foot down, right foot on the rear brake. Hand off the front brake and on to the throttle. Give gas, release clutch, feel her begin to move, then off the foot brake. Works like a charm.

Exactly how I do it ... I first rode a big twin in San Francisco, so it was important to learn that hill technique quickly!

[YankeeBob]

Yep, I'm a footer.