A very important factor when riding a motorcycle is learning how to use the brakes. When riding a motorcycle, be sure to always apply the front and rear brakes when approaching a stop sign. When turning, you should only apply the brakes early if the vehicle is moving too fast. As long as you practice using the brakes and pay attention to road conditions, you can definitely ride a motorcycle safely.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Approaching the Stop Sign
Step 1. Start braking at the right time, depending on the speed of the vehicle
The average reaction time of people before hitting the brakes is approximately 0.62 seconds. You need more time to fully stop the vehicle when braking at a very fast speed. When the vehicle is traveling at 50 km/h), it will take you approximately 2.4 seconds to come to a full stop, and the distance covered is approximately 20 m. Be sure to always apply the brakes to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Always pay attention to traffic and the surrounding situation so that you can brake when needed.
- If the motorcycle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) braking system, the stopping time and the distance traveled to a full stop will be shorter.
- Road conditions also affect the braking distance. A slippery road, for example due to rain or a lot of gravel, will increase the distance you have to travel to stop.
Step 2. Loosen the throttle
The throttle is located on the right handlebar which will increase speed if it is turned towards your body. Slowly loosen the forward twist to reduce speed and stop the vehicle. When the throttle is released, the motorcycle will naturally slow down because there is no fuel supplied to the engine.
If the throttle continues to rotate toward your body when braking, this can put pressure on the transmission and brake pads
Step 3. Use your right foot to apply the rear brake
The rear brake lever is in front of the motorcycle's right foot. If you want to reduce speed, press the rear brake lever gently with your toes. Don't apply too much pressure on the brakes as this could lock the rear tires and make you lose control.
Don't just apply the rear brake as this can cause the motorcycle to skid and increase the stopping distance of the vehicle
Step 4. Press the front brake simultaneously using 2 fingers to stop the vehicle
The front brake control is the handle that is right in front of the throttle on the right handlebar of the motorcycle. When stepping on the rear brake lever, gently press the front brake lever using your middle and index fingers.
- The front brake controls approximately 75% of braking force and is the most effective tool when you brake.
- Do not press the front brake using 4 fingers as this can lock the tires and make you lose control.
Tip:
If the front tire locks when you brake, release the brake lever and press firmly again.
Step 5. Depress the clutch to help slow down the motorcycle
The clutch lever is located on the left handlebar. Press the clutch lever when you reduce speed. This helps slow down the vehicle and can be used to shift into a lower gear.
While depressing the clutch can help slow down the vehicle, it will not activate the brake lights. Always apply the brakes when decelerating to let other road users know this
Step 6. Shift into first gear before you stop the vehicle
When decelerating, use the shift lever in front of your left foot to shift into first gear. By shifting to the lowest gear, you can start the vehicle again smoothly, or stop comfortably when you ride a motorcycle.
If the motorcycle is in first gear before you slow down, you don't need to change gears
Step 7. Place your left foot on the ground when the motorcycle is stopped
When the motorcycle has come to a complete stop, move your left foot from the motorcycle stand to the ground. This is to help maintain balance and prevent the motorcycle from rolling over. If you want to move back, start slowly on the bike, lift your left leg and return it to its original position.
Method 2 of 3: Slowing Vehicles Around Turns
Step 1. Loosen the throttle before you enter the turn
As you approach the turn, reduce your speed by loosening the twist of the gas away from your body. You have to slow down to keep turning, but without bringing the motorcycle to a complete stop.
- If the motorcycle is going too fast when turning, you may enter the lane of another vehicle, or the lane in the opposite direction.
- If you've already slowed down, and don't need the brakes to do so, slightly depress the rear brake lever to turn the brake light on. This will let other road users know that you are slowing down.
Step 2. Press the brakes before turning if you need to slow down
Reducing the speed is actually enough to slow down the vehicle when you are about to make a turn, but you may need to apply the brakes if the turn is very sharp. Gently press the rear brake lever with your right foot, and press the front brake lever with your right hand. Make sure the motorcycle doesn't come to a full stop, unless you really want to stop it.
If either brake is applied too hard, you can lose traction and control over the motorcycle
Step 3. Tilt your body in the direction of the turn
Put your knees on the body of the motorcycle to maintain balance. Pay attention to the direction of the turn and tilt the motorcycle handlebars in the direction of the turn. When turning, tilt your body in the direction of the turn to maintain balance. The motorcycle will start to tilt towards the turn so you can control it.
- When passing through regular turns, tilt the body and the motorcycle at the same angle.
- When taking sharp, slow turns, keep your body straight and only tilt the motorcycle if you need to maintain balance.
Warning:
Do not apply brakes when turning, as this can cause the vehicle to skid.
Step 4. Increase speed when you exit the turn to keep the vehicle balanced
When turning, maintain the same speed as holding the throttle. At the end of the turn, rotate the throttle towards the body to increase speed and keep the vehicle steady.
Method 3 of 3: Braking in Various Road Conditions
Step 1. Use both brakes when stopped, regardless of the conditions
When driving, it is best to always apply the front and rear brakes when you want to slow down or stop the vehicle. That way, you don't have to change any actions when you encounter an emergency. Apply both brakes to the same degree when you approach a stop sign in close proximity.
Step 2. Brake the motorcycle earlier than usual if you are walking on a slippery surface
Roads made of gravel or paving in wet conditions can make the motorcycle lose traction when stopped. When you are on an uneven road, pay attention to your surroundings and traffic. Press the brakes early to prevent collisions.
If possible, use tires that are suitable for road conditions so you don't slip
Warning:
Even some things that a car would normally be able to pass safely, such as gutter cover and road marking protrusions, can make a motorcycle lose control. Do not run the motorcycle too fast when passing it.
Step 3. Loosen the throttle as you pass through the puddle if necessary
Speeding through puddles on the road can result in an aquaplane, which is a condition in which the vehicle loses the bonding power of the tires to the road. If the road in front of you looks shiny, loosen the throttle and keep the motorcycle upright to reduce speed.
Do not apply the brakes when you lose control of the motorcycle as this can exacerbate the problem
Step 4. Press and hold the brake when stopping on a slope
When you ride a motorcycle and stop at an uphill or downhill location, the motorcycle will start moving downhill. When stopping, keep the motorcycle pointed straight up to maintain balance. Lower your feet on the ground and keep pressing the front and rear brakes to keep the tires from shifting.
You can also put both feet on the ground and just press the front brake. However, you can lose grip if the slope is very steep
Tips
- Practice riding a motorbike and braking on quiet roads or parking lots until you get good at it.
- There is a type of course that teaches how to ride and brake a motorcycle in various situations. Try signing up if you want. They usually offer their services on the internet and only exist in big cities.
Warning
- Never press the front brake too hard because it can make the motorcycle fall over.
- Keep the motorcycle vertical, not tilted when you make an emergency stop. Tires have a stronger braking force than a motorcycle body.
