Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Brake upgrades and whether they are worth it ?

[twpd]

Originally posted by andyb
isnt when to brake and when to get on the throttle race craft then?

As is big balls and staying on (not directed at TP by the way).

[andyb]

So after visiting the brembo fairy.......note- visit the big balls fairy too!!

[TP]

Originally posted by andyb
isnt when to brake and when to get on the throttle race craft then?

Nope - that's not racecraft - that's operating the motorcycle.

[dickieducati]

Originally posted by TP

Nope - that's not racecraft - that's operating the motorcycle.

[weeksy2]

Ohlins was sold through lack of funds.... Showa is staying on till i can afford it.

[Jools]

Originally posted by TP

Exactly.

Braking very late and hard will help you pass people, but is likely to actually have a negative impact on your laptime as when you're braking really hard your field of vision narrows and you are less likely to turn your attention to the apex etc early enough and therefore lose some corner entry speed. Not to mention the fact that you're probably gripping the bars in a vice-like death grip and not allowing the front suspension to do its job properly.

This is of course unless you have plenty of experience doing this and can overcome your subconscious survival reactions.

This year I've raced with the 4 pad calipers and the 2 pad calipers - the 4 pads have more power for sure.

Blimey...anyone would think you're a CSS instructor or something

Actually, what I have managed to do quite well on road and track is put the CSS techniques into practise when I'm on the brakes, and I try and brake smoothly but firmly, even very hard, all the way up to my 'brakes off' marker which is usually just a tad before my turn in point.

I always use two fingers to brake and I can blip the throttle on downchanges (without changing braking pressure) while braking as well, so slowing the bike and getting into the right cog for the drive through the bend is usually a very smooth process for me. I've worked hard at gripping the tank with my knees so I usually take all the braking 'G' using my thighs and lower back and I only need to hold the bars lightly.

As soon as I'm off the brakes I wait a split second to lett the suspension settle and wind the throttle on as soon as I tip it in (not sure how you can get on it any earlier) and wind it on as progressively as I can for any given track condition.

I don't trail brake - don't trust myself feathering the brake while cranked over - I get all my braking and gear shifting done in a straight line.

So what I try to do is brake hard and late (without rushing the corner) AND get on the gas early. I'm probably dog slow compared to racers but I think I've got the technique about right (never perfect, there's always room for improvement) it's just the size of me nads that slows me down.

[andyb]

Originally posted by TP

Nope - that's not racecraft - that's operating the motorcycle.

So outbraking someone isnt race craft?..........best tell bayliss that about monza then...............first bend after long straight.

operating the motorcycle is pulling the lever!!.........trust me! ill show you my qualifications if you show me yours...........

[DC]

Got P34 calipers on my 748-996sps hybrid with radial master cylinder and it transformed the front end braking.

True one finger braking.

DC

[TP]

Originally posted by andyb

So outbraking someone isnt race craft?..........best tell bayliss that about monza then...............first bend after long straight.

operating the motorcycle is pulling the lever!!.........trust me! ill show you my qualifications if you show me yours...........

Simply having a braking marker isn't racecraft - choosing to push it back to complete an overtaking move is. Planning overtakes, race strategy etc - racecraft. Turning the bike or having a braking marker - just lapping a circuit.

See the difference yet?

[TP]

Originally posted by Jools
Blimey...anyone would think you're a CSS instructor or something

Actually, what I have managed to do quite well on road and track is put the CSS techniques into practise when I'm on the brakes, and I try and brake smoothly but firmly, even very hard, all the way up to my 'brakes off' marker which is usually just a tad before my turn in point.

I always use two fingers to brake and I can blip the throttle on downchanges (without changing braking pressure) while braking as well, so slowing the bike and getting into the right cog for the drive through the bend is usually a very smooth process for me. I've worked hard at gripping the tank with my knees so I usually take all the braking 'G' using my thighs and lower back and I only need to hold the bars lightly.

As soon as I'm off the brakes I wait a split second to lett the suspension settle and wind the throttle on as soon as I tip it in (not sure how you can get on it any earlier) and wind it on as progressively as I can for any given track condition.

I don't trail brake - don't trust myself feathering the brake while cranked over - I get all my braking and gear shifting done in a straight line.

So what I try to do is brake hard and late (without rushing the corner) AND get on the gas early. I'm probably dog slow compared to racers but I think I've got the technique about right (never perfect, there's always room for improvement) it's just the size of me nads that slows me down.

That's excellent - you're overcoming the survival reactions consciously and reaping the benefits. The school was worth it then?