How to Brake Properly on a Motorcycle

Motorcycles have two brakes - the front operated by the right hand, the rear operated by the right foot - and both are needed to stop effectively. Below are some important guidelines for braking safely on a motorcycle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle Gloves
• Motorcycle Jacket
• Motorcycle Pants
• Motorcycle Owner's Manual
• Traffic Rule Books For Motorcycles
• Motorcycle Insurance
• Motorcycles
• Eye Protection For Motorcycle Riders
• Federally Approved Motorcycle Helmets

1. Use both brakes each time you slow down or stop. If you use only the rear brake, you may never learn how to use the front brake properly when you need it.

2. Squeeze the front brake and press down the rear brake smoothly, gradually increasing pressure as needed. Jerking the front brake or hitting the rear brake hard can cause the brakes to lock up, resulting in skids and control problems.

3. Apply both brakes simultaneously. Many riders believe the rear brake should be applied first. On the contrary, the sooner you apply the front brake, the sooner you slow down.

4. Complete your braking before entering a turn, when possible. If you need to brake when turning, you can use the front, as well as the rear, brake, as long as the road isn't very slippery and you apply the brakes gently - you've less traction available for braking when you're leaning the bike.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the front brake provides about three-quarters of your stopping power. It's safe to use in quick stops when you apply it properly.
• Some motorcycles have combined braking, which applies both the front brake and the rear brake when you use the rear brake pedal. Check your owner's manual for a detailed explanation.
• Jamming the front brake hard on a slippery surface can be hazardous. Squeeze the brake lever cautiously on wet or icy roads. And begin applying the brakes sooner than you normally would.
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

on 8/8/2006 Applying the rear brake first increases the chance of a skid and an accident. Application of the brakes shifts the weight of the motorcycle forward, making the rear of the machine light, decreasing grip at the rear and increasing skid risk. The correct method is to apply the front brake first, and after a short delay, the rear brake. This ensures that some of the weight has settled back onto the back tire, thereby increasing the grip.

on 6/30/2006 Watch your front suspension when you apply front wheel brake - weight is being shifted there. I use my rear brake first to settle the bike on a wet road before squeezing the front. Get in an empty parking lot and practice.

on 11/22/2005 As previously stated, the front brake does 75% of the stopping work, allowing the bikes weight to shift forward. On slick surfaces this can cause a tail-spin. You want to apply the rear brake first, then the front brake. That keeps the back end behind you. On a dry surface, apply the brakes evenly. Allow for proper reaction time when following behind others. Dry surface - 2 second rule. Wet surface - 5 second rule. Ride aware, and ride safe!

on 11/22/2005 The time to learn how to stop quickly is BEFORE you need to. Spend a Sunday afternoon in an empty parking lot where you can ease off the brakes if you feel uncomfortable. This builds confidence, experience and familiarity with your bike.

on 11/22/2005 If your hand brake locks up your front wheel, ease off and let it regain traction.

However, if your foot brake locks up and your back wheel begins to skid, allow it to continue skidding; keep the brake locked up. The reason for this is that the back end is going to angle to one side or the other, and if you allow the wheel to regain traction, suddenly your rear wheel is going to be driving in the direction the wheel is facing, NOT the direction you're actually going. This'll make you lose all sorts of control. If it gets locked, keep your rear wheel locked.