Use both brakes
When you brake, weight shifts to the front wheel, so the front tyre can grip more and the rear less. That is why the front brake does most of the work in a hard stop. The rear brake still helps to settle the bike and to control speed at low speed and in slow turns. Learn how your own bike reacts, and check the owner’s manual for anything specific, such as linked brakes.
Squeeze, do not grab
- Take up the slack in the lever first, then squeeze progressively. Think of squeezing a sponge, not snapping a switch.
- Increase pressure as the weight transfers to the front, and release smoothly as you slow down.
- Keep your arms relaxed and your eyes up. Stiff arms and a fixed stare make every input rougher.
Look and plan ahead
- Scan far ahead so most stops can be gentle, spread over a longer distance.
- Keep a larger gap in traffic than you would in a car, and in the wet or on a poor surface make it larger still.
- Cover the brake lever with your fingers in busy traffic, junctions and anywhere something might happen.
Brake before the bend
Do most of your braking while the bike is upright and in a straight line, then release and roll through the turn. Braking hard while leaning uses grip that the tyres also need for cornering. If you must brake in a bend, do it gently and progressively.
ABS and emergency stops
- ABS helps prevent the wheels locking, but it does not shorten every stop or replace good technique. Read the manual to understand how it works on your bike.
- In an emergency, squeeze firmly and progressively, keep the bike upright and look at where you want to go, not at the hazard.
- Practise emergency stops in an empty, safe area, building up speed slowly. Consider an advanced rider course if one is available near you.
Braking limits depend on the bike, tyres, surface and weather. This is general guidance, not a substitute for rider training.
Sources: Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Links do not imply that these organisations endorse MotoCircleX.