This thread brought a bunch of good info out!!!!!!!!!!

Always be careful on new tires, like Del said. They're worse than bald tires in my humble opinion!!!!!!!!! I've used sand paper before to scuff up new tires. Works like a charm!!!

As for rear brake usage; another good discussion. I rarely use it. No real need on the road in normal riding conditions in my opinion. Some swear by it and some never use it.

Like Del said; in an emergency you should be on the front as hard as you can without bringing the rear up. Another good thing to practice in a parking lot. get the feel for how hard you can mash on the front brake while keeping your rear tire planted. You'll be surprised by how much it takes to actually get the rear up.

Then practice locking up the rear at the same time you're mashing on that front and you'll be able to stop on a dime!!!!! (locking up the rear is actually a plus in emergency braking conditions in dry weather if you can keep the bike in line and stable)

As for the "I'm cool, look at me skid my rear tire around" thingy........I do it all the time on pavement. Another reason why I'm constantly needing new rear tires. Just put that left foot out there just in case. The only bad thing is that you can only skid to the left....................