Which side controls the front and rear brakes on a motorcycle?
2 Answers
The right-hand side controls the front brake, while the left-hand side controls the rear brake. For scooters, the front brake is always operated by the right hand on the right side. However, there are two types of rear brakes: one is a hand brake, operated by the left hand (similar to bicycles—left for rear, right for front), and the other is a foot brake, operated by the right foot on the footboard. Additional notes: For belt-driven scooters, engine braking is effective as long as the speed is above 20 km/h. Below this speed, the clutch disengages. New riders often misunderstand this principle, especially when going downhill at speeds below 20 km/h, which can be dangerous for scooters.
I always ride a motorcycle to commute, and for the brake setup: typically, the right-hand lever controls the front wheel brake, while the left-hand lever or left foot pedal controls the rear wheel brake. The right-hand one is the front brake, as the front wheel provides stronger braking force, achieving about 70% of the deceleration effect, making it suitable for emergencies. The rear brake on the left side is smoother and used for daily deceleration and stability during turns. Beginners often get confused, so I recommend practicing in an empty parking lot—first using the rear brake for gentle stops, then reinforcing the feel with the front brake, avoiding sudden pulls that could cause a flip. Regular maintenance is crucial: check the brake pad thickness and brake fluid level monthly, and prioritize the rear brake in rainy conditions to prevent skidding. Sharing a small experience: last year, I skidded after an emergency brake in the rain, but thankfully, using more rear brake stabilized me. Since then, I’ve paid more attention to coordinated operation. Safe riding starts with familiarizing yourself with the brakes—always test brake response before each ride.
