Keep dropping the bike

[KaribKLR]

When I first got my KLR in '07 I dropped it six times at slow speed. So embarrassinghttp://www.klr650.net/forums/images/smilies/icon_redface.gif. This was due to two factors: 1) At 5'9" not being able to flat-foot both feet when coming to a slow speed stop, and 2) hitting the front brake.
I solved the first problem by installing a 1.5" lowering link to the rear suspension and a more comfortable, dished seat that allows me to flat-foot at a stop.
I solved the second problem by STAYING OFF THE FRONT BRAKE AT LOW SPEED BEFORE A STOP. I realized that the habits left over from my (low seat, low center of gravity) BMW touring days were causing the problem. Now I will use both brakes until I get down to walking speed, and let off the front brake before coming to a complete stop. This may feel weird at first; instinctively, we want both feet ready to support the stopped bike, so we forgo using the foot brake and depend on the front brake for the final stopping. It may be counterintuitive, but don't hit the front brake, and keep your braking foot on the rear brake until you stop. Then put both feet down.

When you hit the front brake you move your body's center of gravity forward and the momentum tends to carry you forward into a weak position to "foot" the bike and support the bloody top-heavy KLR. If the wheel is turned, even a little bit, your body's momentum (actually vector) will not be on the centerline of the mass of the bike as it comes to a stop, and you may also be scooted forward out of your strongest position relative to the bars and the ground. If you hit the front brake with even just a little turn on the front wheel, the weight of the bike will tend to throw you offline, and the bike will go one way, and you will go somewhere else, because the bike comes to a complete stop but you don't.
Glad to say it hasn't happened in 4 years.http://www.klr650.net/forums/images/smilies/cheers.gif

[kwaka-man]

hb2301 made most sense to me,from reading the first page at least..
Since today i did my first 'practice' on the new klr 650,.having stepped up from a ttr250 yamaha. I too ,rarely use the back brake.
Doing very slow circles with a full tank today,.on semi wet road with gravel patches ,was not a problem using the front brake and clutch..
The back brake is best for hill-starts IMHO,.and used gently for extra stopping power in unison with the front brakes and down-shifting.,when maximum stoppage is needed.
If i use the back brake for slow stops etc..i find it reduces my options for getting feet down if needed,.since one is already committed.
Parking on slopes needs correct technique. Especially with the KLR side-stand which can disengage more easily than my other bikes. It needs to lock into place better IMHO. Since you (nooby) used to ride a cbr125,.i would think most of these things were best learned on that smaller bike.
I fell off my ttr250 in every different way possible and have no plans for any repeats on the heavier more fragile KLR !!
Maybe practice with the front brake so you have both feet available for the ground?
Someone else also mentioned the great idea of looking to where you WANT to go ,.rather than towards where you do not want to go. Most of all,.just have fun regardless of any awkward moments.
Ummm..i might be wrong from reading other posts. Will try the other way tomorrow