Is the left side of a motorcycle the front brake or the rear brake?
2 Answers
The left side of a motorcycle is the rear brake. The maintenance methods for brakes are: 1. High-temperature protection to prevent corrosion of the braking system, avoid brake pads from seizing due to high temperatures, and eliminate brake squeal; 2. Regularly replace brake fluid; 3. Clean the brake discs, brake drums, and any parts of oil stains, dirt, and friction dust to ensure good heat dissipation of the brake discs; 4. Regularly check the thickness of brake pads or brake shoes. A motorcycle is a two or three-wheeled vehicle driven by a gasoline engine, steered by handlebars to control the front wheel, known for its lightweight, flexibility, and high speed, widely used for patrol, passenger and cargo transportation, and also as a sports equipment.
My motorcycling friends often ask me this question, as getting the brake positions wrong can be a big deal. Having ridden in mountainous areas for over a decade, I can tell you: on a scooter, the left handle is the rear brake, while the right one is the front brake. However, it's completely different for a standard motorcycle—the left handle is actually the clutch, and the real rear brake is positioned at the right foot. The front brake is usually on the right handle. Once, I nearly had an accident riding a friend's bike simply because I didn’t notice the model difference. Always test the brake positions yourself before riding, especially when switching between different bike types. In emergencies, you rely on instinct—getting it wrong is dangerous. I recommend beginners practice braking habits in an open area first.