Buzz
Understanding how to effectively utilize your brakes is a crucial aspect of motorcycle riding. Whether cruising on your bike, ensure you engage both the front and rear brakes to achieve a smooth stop. While maneuvering corners, initiate braking early if you find yourself exceeding a safe speed. With consistent practice and vigilant attention to road conditions, you can confidently navigate your motorcycle!
Procedures
Achieving Controlled Stops
Initiate braking at the appropriate moment based on your velocity. On average, your reaction time prior to braking is approximately 0.62 seconds. The faster you're traveling, the longer it takes to come to a complete halt upon applying brakes. For instance, at a speed of 30 mph (48 km/h), the stopping duration is roughly 2.39 seconds, covering a distance of about 66 ft (20 m). Always engage your brakes to maintain a safe gap between your motorcycle and other vehicles ahead.
- Remain constantly aware of your surroundings and nearby traffic to react promptly when necessary.
- If your motorcycle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the braking time and distance may be slightly reduced.
- Factors such as road conditions also influence braking distance. Slippery surfaces, such as gravel or wet roads, can significantly extend the stopping distance.
Gradually release the throttle. The throttle, located on the right handlebar, is twisted towards you to accelerate. Slowly rotate the throttle forward when you intend to decelerate or come to a halt. By disengaging the throttle, your motorcycle will naturally slow down as you cease giving it gas.
- Continuously twisting the throttle while braking can strain your transmission and brake pads.
Apply pressure to the rear brake using your right foot. Positioned in front of your right foot, the rear brake lever on your motorcycle is engaged by gently pressing it with your toe to decrease your speed. Exercise caution to avoid applying excessive force, which may result in your rear tire locking up and potential loss of control.
- Avoid solely relying on your rear brakes, as it could lead to skidding and an extended stopping distance.
Engage the front brakes simultaneously with two fingers to smoothly initiate braking. Located directly above the throttle on the right handlebar, the front brake control should be operated with your index and middle fingers while applying pressure to the rear brake lever.
- Your front brake accounts for approximately 75% of your braking power and is most effective in slowing down.
- Avoid using all four fingers to squeeze the front brake, as this may result in tire lock and loss of control.
Pro Tip: If your front tire locks during braking, release and reapply the lever firmly.
Utilize the clutch to aid in deceleration. Positioned on the left handlebar of your motorcycle, the clutch lever should be squeezed as you slow down. This action further reduces speed and facilitates shifting to lower gears.
- While holding the clutch assists in slowing down, it does not activate your brake lights. Ensure to apply your brakes for awareness to other drivers.
Downshift to first gear before coming to a stop. While decelerating, use the shifter lever located near your left foot to shift down to first gear. Engaging your motorcycle in its lowest gear facilitates smooth starting and stopping during your ride.
- If you were already in first gear prior to slowing down, no adjustments are necessary.
Place your left foot down once your motorcycle halts. Upon reaching a complete stop, firmly plant your left foot on the ground. This action helps maintain balance and prevents the motorcycle from tipping over. When preparing to resume movement, gradually accelerate before returning your foot to its position.
David L. Hough, Motorcycle Safety Expert
Mastering motorcycle braking demands expertise. It's not just about halting; it's about controlling the bike. Always utilize both front and rear brakes harmoniously. While the front brake provides primary power, the rear brake aids in stabilization. During emergencies, apply brakes firmly and progressively to avoid wheel lock.
Decelerating for a Turn
Gradually reduce throttle before initiating your turn. Approach your turn by slowly turning the throttle away from you to decelerate. Adjust your speed to ensure you can safely execute the turn without coming to a complete stop.
- If entering the turn too swiftly, you risk drifting into adjacent lanes or oncoming traffic.
- If your speed allows for a turn without brake application, lightly engage the rear brake to signal your deceleration. This alerts other motorists to your intention to slow down further.
Engage the brakes before entering your turn if additional slowing is necessary. While easing off the throttle typically suffices for deceleration during a turn, tighter corners may require brake application. Gently apply pressure to the rear brake lever with your right foot and squeeze the front brake lever with your right hand. Ensure the motorcycle doesn't halt completely unless necessary.
- Excessive braking may lead to traction loss and loss of control.
Lean into the turn. Securely grip your bike's body with your knees to maintain balance. Direct your gaze toward the turn and apply pressure to the handlebars in that direction. As you initiate the turn, lean your body towards the bike's side to preserve balance. The motorcycle will naturally lean into the turn, aiding in control.
- During standard turns, align your body and motorcycle at equal angles.
- During slow, tight turns, strive to keep your body upright while leaning the motorcycle to maintain equilibrium.
Caution: Avoid braking mid-turn to prevent skidding.
Gradually accelerate as you exit the turn to maintain equilibrium. Maintain consistent speed throughout the turn by maintaining throttle position. Upon exiting the turn, twist the throttle towards you to increase speed and stabilize your motorcycle.
Applying Brakes in Various Road Conditions
Utilize both brakes when decelerating regardless of the circumstances. It's advisable to always engage both your motorcycle's brakes when you need to slow down or stop. This practice ensures readiness for emergency situations. Apply both brakes evenly to achieve a controlled stop in the shortest distance possible.
Initiate braking earlier than usual on slippery surfaces. Surfaces such as gravel roads or wet pavement can lead to decreased traction during braking. When riding on uneven or wet roads, maintain awareness of your surroundings and other vehicles. Apply brakes in advance to mitigate the risk of accidents.
- When possible, ride within the tire tracks of other vehicles to minimize the risk of slipping.
Caution: Even common road features like manhole covers or lane markings, which pose minimal risk in cars, can destabilize a motorcycle. Exercise caution and avoid excessive speed when encountering them.
Gradually reduce throttle when traversing standing water if necessary. High-speed travel through standing water may result in aquaplaning, causing loss of tire traction. If the road appears shiny ahead, ease off the throttle and maintain a straight trajectory to reduce speed.
- In the event of loss of control due to aquaplaning, refrain from applying brakes as it may exacerbate the situation.
Maintain brake pressure when stopping on inclines. Stopping while riding uphill or downhill may cause the motorcycle to roll downhill. When coming to a halt, align the motorcycle as vertically as possible to maintain balance. Ground your left foot and apply both front and rear brakes to prevent tire slippage.
- Alternatively, attempt to ground both feet and utilize only the front brake, although traction may be compromised on steep inclines.
Recommendations
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Practice riding and practicing braking in areas devoid of traffic, such as empty streets or parking lots, until you feel confident.
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Consider enrolling in motorcycle safety courses that offer instruction on braking techniques for various scenarios. If you haven't already attended one, it could be beneficial.
Cautions
- Avoid abruptly engaging only the front brakes as this action could lead to the motorcycle flipping.
- In emergency stopping situations, strive to keep the motorcycle upright rather than tipping it over. Remember, your tires possess greater stopping capability than the motorcycle's frame.
