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@wsurandy avatar
UTC

Hooked
2010 MP3 250
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Posts: 126
Location: Wichita, Kansas
 
Hooked
@wsurandy avatar
2010 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 126
Location: Wichita, Kansas
UTC quote
I recently graduated from an LX150 to an MP3. Taking the different braking systems into account, do you regular MP3 riders notice a significant brake grab?

When I'm stopping (for a light, etc.) I seem to stop well short of my target or lurch around a lot -- even when I'm not reaching for the wheel lock.

Never had this problem before with any of my scoots/bikes -- all the way from a Honda VTX1300 to the 150.

Or is it just a matter of practicing and getting used to the MP3?
@jimc avatar
UTC

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The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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UTC quote
I don't find then grabby in the slightest - but then I very rarely use full braking power. I always ease off the front brake and start applying the rear when coming to a stop - this way there's no dipping at the front and the tilt-lock is easy to apply with no lurching on take-off.
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UTC

Molto Verboso
2016 BMW R1200RT & 2007 GT200 & 2020 Vespa GTS SuperSport 300 HPE,2024 Honda ADV 160
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Molto Verboso
@gopam avatar
2016 BMW R1200RT & 2007 GT200 & 2020 Vespa GTS SuperSport 300 HPE,2024 Honda ADV 160
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Location: LOS ANGELES
UTC quote
I haven't noticed what you are describing. I rode an ET4 before getting my MP3 and the biggest difference was the higher floor board on the MP3. I found I slammed my feet down to the lower floorboard when going back to ride the ET4. Expecting it to be higher like the MP3.
But nothing odd about the brakes.
@g03 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500 08
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Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
 
Molto Verboso
@g03 avatar
MP3 500 08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1560
Location: Toms River area, New Jersey
UTC quote
You now are applying two sets of brakes on the front brakes. Like stated above, use rear (some), then slowly apply fronts. (modified) for light coast stopping, not sudden stops like JimC states.
⚠️ Last edited by G03 on UTC; edited 1 time
OP
@wsurandy avatar
UTC

Hooked
2010 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 126
Location: Wichita, Kansas
 
Hooked
@wsurandy avatar
2010 MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 126
Location: Wichita, Kansas
UTC quote
JimC, et al:

Thanks. I think I've been overgrabbing the front brakes. It's time for practice, practice, practice, which is always good.
@jimc avatar
UTC

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The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44557
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
G03 wrote:
You now are applying two sets of brakes on the front brakes. Like stated above, use rear then slowly apply fronts.
'Tother way round - don't get in the habit of using the rear brake to scrub off speed - firstly it won't work too well, secondly in an emergency you'll lock the rear wheel. Use just the front brakes to slow down normally in a straight line[1] - use some rear as well if an 'emergency'. Rear brakes should normally be used at 10mph or under (or thereabouts) for the final stop.

[1] Using only the rear brake can be useful for steadying the bike in a sharp turn.
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'12 BMW R1200RT
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Location: iowa city, ia
 
Hooked
@oldspice avatar
'12 BMW R1200RT
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Posts: 375
Location: iowa city, ia
UTC quote
I generally use both the front and read in tandem and haven't noticed any grabby-ness. I used to only rarely use the front beake until I took my MC license test and saw the the recommendation was to use both brakes. Using only the front, I could see there being some grabby-ness.

At any rate, your "practice, practice, practice" idea is probably the best. You'll get a feel for it soon enough.
UTC

Hooked
2009 Piaggio MP3 400ie
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Posts: 349
Location: Austin TX
 
Hooked
2009 Piaggio MP3 400ie
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Posts: 349
Location: Austin TX
UTC quote
excellent advice
jimc wrote:
G03 wrote:
You now are applying two sets of brakes on the front brakes. Like stated above, use rear then slowly apply fronts.
'Tother way round - don't get in the habit of using the rear brake to scrub off speed - firstly it won't work too well, secondly in an emergency you'll lock the rear wheel. Use just the front brakes to slow down normally in a straight line[1] - use some rear as well if an 'emergency'. Rear brakes should normally be used at 10mph or under (or thereabouts) for the final stop.

[1] Using only the rear brake can be useful for steadying the bike in a sharp turn.
Excellent advice, Jim. Thanks for that.
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