How Would You Stop?

As promised, I’m going to quickly go over a couple of stopping scenarios. Make sure your bike is in good shape and you have all the proper safety gear on before you start practicing this stuff.

The front brake on a motorcycle typically provides 70% to 100% of stopping power. Bringing the back tire off the ground while stopping (called a stoppie), is an example of 100% of braking power.

Locking the tires is not good, but it’s worse if you lock the front tire. Locking the front tire on a good surface while straight up and looking forward is very difficult; the back tire will often come off the ground first.

Don’t worry too much if it happens. It usually happens slowly at first, and you’ll know that it’s happening.

Straight Line
Stopping in a straight line is the most preferred way, and doing it on a good surface is quite easy. Use both brakes along with the clutch to stop. Pull in the clutch to keep from stalling the engine if you lock up the back tire.

Lean backwards and stay vertical to prevent the bike from leaning or bringing the back tire off the ground. Attempting to turn sharply while hard on the brakes will likely result in a crash. If you have to turn, slow down as hard and fast as you can before you initiate the turn, and let up on the brakes before leaning over.

On Dirty or Wet Surfaces
Braking hard on dirt, oil, water, steel (RR tracks or manholes), or on paint (the paint they use to make the lines on the streets) can be dangerous. A significant loss of traction means you must use more back brake than front.

Excessive front braking on slippery surfaces will result in the tire skidding and likely cause a crash. Use the back brakes more when traction is at a minimum.

Braking While Turning
Braking hard in a turn can cause a “low-side”, where the tires lose traction and you fall over in the direction you are leaning.

If you’re in a turn and have to brake hard, you need to be mindful of losing traction and be aware that the bike will want to stand up straight when you apply the brakes, sending you off your preferred course.