How to slow down on a motorcycle: useful tips

A motorcycle is considered to be a risky mode of transport, mostly because this kind of equipment has only 2 wheels. Experienced bikers say in one voice that the ability to properly brake is considered an integral part of riding a motorcycle. Due to the instability of the transport easily falls on its side, which leads to emergency situations. It is not uncommon for beginners to reject before the wheels are completely locked, causing a fall and a so-called “slipper” (sliding a motorcycle on the asphalt).

The risks of braking on a motorcycle

Bikers with experience know firsthand that braking needs to be worked out long and tedious. Such a move will eliminate premature wear of parts, as well as prevent possible accidents.

1. The primary mistake that novice riders make is to fully depress the rear brake pedal.In this case, the motorcyclist also opens the throttle, which leads to a skidding vehicle. In such a situation it is almost impossible to level the motorcycle, the result is one - a fall.
2. It becomes especially risky to brake on a motorcycle in cold weather, when the asphalt is not sufficiently heated. Under such conditions, the rubber badly “clings” to the coating, as a result of which the stopping distance increases. The same applies to driving in rain when the dust is nailed to the road, forming a slippery canvas.
3. A frequent mistake made by motorcyclists is considered to be excessively slow reaction and inexperience. A beginner does not have time to concentrate and use two brakes at the same time, this leads to a loss of control over the vehicle.
4. In most cases, accidents occur because of an incorrectly estimated distance to the vehicle moving in front, the weight of the motorcycle, and the contact area of ​​the rubber with the coating.
5. Inexperienced motorcyclists often forget to use the rear brake pedal, as a result of which they try to stop the front in emergency situations. As a result of such an outcome of events, the wheel is blocked, which, again, provokes an inevitable fall.

Normal braking on a motorcycle

When driving on a flat surface laid out in a straight line, the contact patch of the front wheel with the asphalt is not much less than the rear. During braking, the tire weighing changes under the influence of various factors, whether it is gas opening / closing or possible irregularities.

As a result, the front wheel is loaded more, which is why the stopping distance is overcome using a handbrake. In cases where the braking will be performed by the rear brake, the braking distance is automatically increased by 2-2.5 times, since the wheel is not loaded in this part of the bike.

For this reason, even novice bikers know that you need to brake with a hand brake (front), but do not forget about the foot, because when braking, the weight is automatically distributed to the rear axle. This suggests that the use of a foot brake at the beginning of the braking process will help to carry out the procedure smoothly and several times faster. Consider an approximate analogy.

To properly slow down as soon as possible, first press on the rear brake. You will feel the motorcycle "sags", then confidently, but do not fully squeeze the front brake.The front-rear weighing should be in the ratio of 60: 40%, it all depends on the stopping distance.

Emergency braking on a motorcycle

Moving around the city, many motorcyclists more than once face the emergency situations that other road users are subject to. Hence the need for emergency braking, which must necessarily be mastered.

First of all, sit on the bike correctly. Move the basin away from the tank as far as possible, while holding the tank with your knees, grouped. Straighten your elbows, in any case do not fold them. Next, follow the instructions described below.

Close the throttle completely and start to squeeze the rear brake smoothly, in no case do not push it all the way down, otherwise the wheel will lock. Make sure the bike is vertical (perpendicular to the cover, not at an angle).

Move the pelvis away from the tank to load the rear wheel, restoring balance. Still keep your foot on the foot brake, and two fingers on the hand. Press the rear brake again, then slightly to the front (about 15-20%), squeeze the clutch to the end,appreciate the degree of pressing on both levers. If you have blocked the wheel, release the desired brake, wait for the restoration of work.

Braking on slippery road

The emergency braking described above consists of using a rear brake for the most part. Similarly, the motorcycle is stopped on slippery roads (ice, rain, sand, etc.).

However, there are features that must be considered. Always remember that when stopping in the sand, the stopping distance increases by 3.5-5 times, the same applies to driving in the rain (the first drops that nail dust to the asphalt are especially dangerous).

The first thing to do if you need to slow down is to focus. After that, start to brake the rear wheel, trying to align the bike. Next, continue to press the foot brake, adding to it a manual (about 20%).

When you stabilize the bike, continue to brake, but do not block the wheels. If this happens, release the desired lever, wait for the resumption of work.

Braking on a motorcycle requires concentration and attention to detail.A similar skill comes with experience; it cannot be learned for 2-3 days. When driving on a straight straight road, use the front brake in combination with the rear (about 35-40%), in emergency situations, load the rear fork, focus on the foot brake.

Video: how to brake on a motorcycle