When braking a motorcycle, should you brake first or clutch first?
2 Answers
The correct method is to brake first and then pull in the clutch when the speed slows down. Here is some relevant information about motorcycles and braking: 1. Braking: The brake is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the speed, also known as a decelerator. 2. Car braking: The car brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake lever linkage to be pressurized and transmitted to the brake pads on the brake drum, thereby clamping the brake disc and slowing down or stopping the car. 3. Motorcycle: A motorcycle is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle driven by a gasoline engine and steered by handlebars to control the front wheel. It is lightweight, flexible, and fast, widely used for patrol, passenger and cargo transportation, and also used as sports equipment. Generally speaking, motorcycles are divided into street bikes, road racing motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, cruisers, touring bikes, etc.
In my over ten years of motorcycle riding experience, it's always safest to apply the brake lever before pulling in the clutch when braking. If you pull in the clutch first, the sudden disconnection of engine power causes the rear wheel to lose braking force, which can easily lead to wheel skidding or loss of control—especially dangerous on slippery surfaces. When slowing down on the road, I'm accustomed to gently applying pressure with either the front or rear brake first to reduce speed to a low range, around 20 km/h, before pulling in the clutch. This prevents engine stalling and wheel lock-up, making the braking process smoother. In emergencies, such as avoiding pedestrians, brake decisively without hesitation and only operate the clutch lever after sufficient deceleration. Remember, coordinated operation is key—braking first allows better control of your center of gravity to maintain balance and prevent rollover accidents. Safety first is always the golden rule of riding.
