Why can't the rear brake be used for motorcycles?
3 Answers
The front brake of a motorcycle is usually configured to be more advanced than the rear brake. For small-displacement motorcycles, front disc brakes and rear drum brakes are commonly used. Here are the relevant details: 1. Rear brake: When the speed is relatively slow, using only the rear brake is generally sufficient. At higher speeds, both the front and rear brakes should be used simultaneously, with a reasonable matching of the braking force ratio between them. This ratio should be adjusted flexibly according to the situation, and sufficient practice is needed to fully master the motorcycle's performance. 2. Front brake: At higher speeds, due to the forward shift of the center of gravity, the front brake plays a more significant role. High-speed braking is relatively dangerous and should be gradually adapted from slow to fast. When braking, do not press 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. After braking and reducing the speed to a sufficiently low level, you can then pull the clutch and downshift to the appropriate gear.
After riding motorcycles for so many years, I've learned that the rear brake isn't something you can't use, but improper use can lead to accidents. During braking, the bike's center of gravity shifts forward rapidly, causing the rear wheel to lose weight support and significantly reducing traction. If you stomp hard on the rear brake, the wheel can easily lock up and skid—especially at high speeds or on slippery roads—which is practically a prelude to losing control. The front brake is the real backbone; it can handle that impact force and provide steady deceleration. I always remind myself: use the rear brake gently, like lightly tapping it to assist with slowing down before a traffic light, or to stabilize the bike in a curve. But emergency braking? Firmly squeeze the front brake! Beginners often make this mistake, thinking the rear brake is safer, only to end up crashing faster. Practice your braking feel more, so you can react instinctively in dangerous situations. Remember, motorcycles aren't cars—their center of gravity dynamics are different, and braking techniques need to be finely honed.
When learning to ride a motorcycle, I only used the rear brake, and during one emergency stop, I almost flipped over. The coach immediately corrected me. Now I understand a bit more: when braking, the weight of the bike shifts forward, making the rear wheel light. If you apply the rear brake too hard, it's easy to lock the wheel and skid, which is very dangerous. The front brake takes advantage of this weight transfer, making deceleration much more efficient and safer. Normally, I only use the rear brake as an aid for low-speed maneuvers, such as controlling speed downhill or preventing skids during turns. For high-speed braking? It's all about the front brake. The rear brake is even less reliable in the rain—one skid and you're in trouble. Fellow riders often say that developing a habit of primarily using the front brake not only shortens braking distance but can also save your life. In training class, the instructor emphasized: the braking system is designed with the front brake taking most of the load, so don’t go against its intended function.
