Motorcycle Braking Guide
If you think braking a motorcycle is as simple as just squeezing both brakes as hard as you can, you couldn’t be more wrong. A motorcycle’s front and rear brake need to be applied judiciously in order to slow the vehicle down effectively. Knowing how to use the breaks and when takes some practice. This guide from SoCal Honda Powersports can help you improve your motorcycle braking skills.
Apply The Brakes Based On The Situation
A motorcycle has two braking systems, one for the front wheel and one for the back wheel. The front brake will typically be far more powerful than the back brake, to the point that in most cases it will be doing 70% of the work. Emergency stops may require that you shift that to 90% on the front brake and 10% on the rear brake.
Dealing With Lockup
If you accidentally overapply either of your motorcycle’s brakes, it might start to lockup. If you experience a lockup, don’t panic. Keep yourself as straight as you can. If your bike starts going sideways, steer into the skid until you straighten out. Once you’re properly aligned, you can release whichever brake has locked up. Some motorcycle models come with anti-lock brakes specifically to help avoid this problem.
Use Your Clutch
By using your clutch to shift your motorcycle into a lower gear, you can slow yourself down much more effectively. Just keep in mind that squeezing the clutch won’t activate your brake lights, so you should use your brakes in conjunction with your clutch to make sure that other motorists are aware of your intentions.
Practice Emergency Braking
In an actual emergency situation, it can be easy to panic and forget what to do. That’s why we recommend pressing emergency braking techniques in a safe place like a deserted lot.
Unusual Road Conditions
Unusual road conditions can make braking more difficult. If the road is wet and slippery, you’ll need to start braking sooner to compensate. Riding through standing water is also dangerous since you might start hydroplaning and lose your traction. If you are riding through deep standing water, ease off the throttle and try to keep the vehicle as straight as possible. One thing that gives many motorcycle riders trouble is the question of how to stop your motorcycle on a slope. Your best bet is typically to hold down your brakes and plant your feet on the ground to keep your tires from slipping.
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