How to Brake a Motorcycle Correctly?
2 Answers
Motorcycle braking methods: 1. When riding at high speed, the braking force on the front wheel must be greater than that on the rear wheel, and the front wheel braking force should not cause the front wheel to lock up; 2. When braking uphill, the front wheel braking force can be appropriately increased; 3. When braking downhill, the rear wheel braking force can be appropriately increased; 4. During emergency braking, the braking force should be slightly less than the force that would cause the wheels to lock up; 5. On slippery roads, the rear wheel should be braked before the front wheel. Always use both brakes simultaneously because the front brake is designed primarily to assist the rear brake in achieving effective stopping. Using only the front or rear brake alone will not achieve the shortest braking distance; combining both provides the best braking effect.
When braking on a motorcycle, I messed up a few times as a beginner, mainly due to not mastering the technique. The key is to coordinate the front and rear brakes: the front brake provides most of the stopping power, about 70%. I’m used to gently squeezing the brake lever with two fingers—don’t yank it hard or the wheel may lock up and cause a fall. The rear brake is lightly tapped to balance the bike, like when slowing down at an intersection by using both brakes in harmony. Also, always keep the bike upright and your arms relaxed to avoid losing control from sudden braking. On slippery roads, I reduce speed by half and increase braking distance. I often practice emergency stops in open areas, remembering that helmets and gloves are a must. Once you learn, it boosts safety and peace of mind—now I can handle all kinds of situations with ease.
