Each to his own Don, there are racers that don't use it at all, personal, preference as well, some guys only use it to control wheel spin exiting corners, or stability mid corner, I mainly use it when riding slow for balance and stability, sometimes for scrubbing speed mid corner while holding a steady throttle, never with the throttle off {in a corner}, I've had guys tell me I'm mad because I use the front deep into the corner entrance, get to know your bike well and use the brakes as you see fit, Always buy the best tires you can, everyone's different.. The rear brake has probably thrown more riders down the road than any other factors combined....
PS, I'm a lot slower now {self preservation has kicked in}....
Who told you CycleX weren't selling them any more..{I inquired a little while ago and they could still get them}? As far as I know they never made the hub so its still a part that can be bought, they aren't the only shop selling light hubs either..
Cal, I wasn't referring to the "adapted" rear hub, I'm sure that's heavy too, its the one they used on their 750/4 race bike.
Interesting tidbit about rear brakes..
I had been riding bikes for 25 years and thought I knew how to ride? Well, I learned a real lesson about the rear brake. DON'T use it unless you are an "EXTREMELY" skilled rider. I still use mine when I'm just putting around town but once I hit the curves or open road, I move my toe back to the foot peg so I'm not tempted to use it. Any time you apply the front brake it takes weight off the rear tire and make it susceptible to locking up. And believe you me, it doesn't take much in certain situations. If you are hard on the front brakes and lock the rear tire, you just barely have time for a quick "Oh #$%*" and you are on the deck. I know, I was there!
When I attended Mike Sullivans Race School in Spokanne Wa. The very first thing he told us was if we couldn't ride like Valentino Rossi, "DON'T USE THE REAR BRAKE"! He said most of the crashes from first time racers was due to using the rear brake.
