How many miles do you get out of brake pads?  By  surfpick (Read 2,043 times)

Rear brakes on a bigger bike also help with stability at low speed. On the Scarbeo and the goldwing, a little rear brake and slipping the clutch (goldwing) or using the throttle (scarbeo) help with slow speed parking lot stuff and u-turns especially. Or when I'm feeling brave... splitting lanes... LOL.

Oh and I do drag the rear brake on the goldwing when making slower turns, ie, going around the block 1st and 2nd gears, under 15mph... I just rest my foot on it really, but it helps when I'm in the lower gears to keep the bike from jerking when rolling back on the power. In high speed turns, I use the engine. Is it harder on the bike? I don't know but I do have way more control. I'll gladly trade a little wear on the brakes for more control. Keep in mind, REAR brake only! The rear brake is a tool you use for control more then anything. The front brakes are where your real stopping power comes from.

YMMV, My bike while very mechanically sound, it is pretty old and I don't have linked brakes. It's an '82 and tips the scales at a little north of 700lbs. It's also a torque monster (1100cc flat four), so I really had to learn to be smooth on the throttle in the lower gears.

Back to the original poster, yes, I let her coast when I can and minimize brake use, I usually do so because I'm lazy and don't want to put a foot down, rather then MPG. Sometimes, I'll slip the clutch and use some rear, to let the bike move below walking speed, waiting for a light to change or if I'm in a line of cars waiting at a stop sign, or guard shack.