Should You Use the Front Brake or Rear Brake on a Motorcycle?
3 Answers
Motorcycle braking should primarily use the rear brake. Function of the front brake: When traveling at higher speeds, the center of gravity shifts forward due to the high speed, making the front brake more effective. However, braking at high speeds is more dangerous and should be gradually adapted from slow to fast. When braking, do not depress the clutch or downshift. This allows full utilization of the engine's braking performance to shorten the braking distance and more reliably ensure that the braking does not lose control. Once the speed has been sufficiently reduced through braking, you can then pull in the clutch and downshift to the appropriate gear. Motorcycle braking principle: The pressure for the front brake is generated by the master cylinder located at the base of the brake lever. Squeezing the brake lever moves the piston inside the master cylinder, applying pressure to the brake fluid. This pressure is transmitted through the brake line to the piston in the brake caliper, which then presses the brake pads against the disc rotor.
I've been riding motorcycles for nearly a decade, and braking is never a black-and-white choice. During emergency stops on dry roads, the front brake provides 70% of the stopping power while the rear brake stabilizes the bike to prevent fishtailing. I remember once taking a corner in the rain—instinctively grabbing the front brake almost made me wipe out, teaching me to first test with the rear brake on slippery surfaces. Using just the rear brake is more convenient when maneuvering at low speeds, but above 40 km/h you'll need both. Most crucial is anticipating road conditions—easing off the throttle early at red lights is far safer than sudden hard braking. Practice varying pressure combinations during routine rides to find your bike's braking balance point; muscle memory could save your life in critical moments.
From the perspective of motorcycle physics, brake distribution is quite nuanced. When the front wheel is under pressure, its grip increases, making the front brake more efficient. The rear wheel tends to lighten during deceleration, and abruptly applying only the rear brake can easily cause skidding. My advice is: use the rear brake more for low-speed control during initial acceleration, and develop the habit of applying both brakes simultaneously during normal riding, with a force distribution roughly 70% front and 30% rear. In emergencies, don’t hesitate—apply both brakes firmly with hands and feet. Remember to check brake pad thickness monthly, replace brake fluid every two years, and promptly replace aging brake lines—I witnessed a rubber hose burst accident last year. Braking isn’t a performance; smooth deceleration is key.
