Hi Rick. I don't profess to be an expert rider (especially on a burgman!), but with the 650, with separate braking systems (front is front and back is back) it's simple. The front does all the heavy lifting (braking). My suggestion would be to get real used to using it as a primary speed-scrubber.
At speed (over 30) you should really use both when going relatively straight forward. Once I was put straight as to the fact that the braking system on the 650 was front and back per handle, I became much more relaxed knowing that there wasn't two ends working per one lever. I found that out yesterday. The 400, apparently, has both front and back disks slowing you when you pull the left lever. I thought the same was true for the 650. It isn't. With that being the case, all I can say is if its a 650 you're dealing with, work the binders like any other motorcycle you've dealt with (more front than back, in most straight line cases) and if its a 400, well.....I'm not sure. On my other bikes I got to the point where I could do "nosies" and now I will be testing the limits of the twin front disks on my maxiburg. I know they are robust, I just need to figure out what the rest of that big fat Chalupa will want to do!
Front most power. Rear - good for "checking up" or slow speed manuvering. Both - best for stopping from speed, letting off of your choice when slow enough.
Others - please expound. I think this is a very salient topic.
vr,
pete