Your Guide to Motorcycle Braking

The correct braking techniques can help you enjoy safe and stress-free motorcycle riding experiences. That's why our experts at Gina's Motorsports of Monee have created this guide to help you familiarize yourself with this essential riding skill. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us in Monee, IL, to explore our impressive collection of motorcycles for sale. We happily welcome our friends from Chicago and Kankakee County, so reach out today. 

Apply the Brakes Based on the Situation

As you know, your bike has both a front and a rear brake on it. Though you may want to apply both brakes to bring your vehicle to a stop, you’ll likely be leaning on one more heavily than the other.

Your front brake is more powerful than the rear, and it gives your motorcycle most of its stopping power. So, in a typical situation, your front brake should provide your bike with 70% of its stopping power, and the remaining 30% should come from your rear brake. On the other hand, in a crisis, 10% of the stopping power should come from your rear brake and 90% from your front brake.

Adjust Weight Accordingly

As your front brake is responsible for the majority of your bike’s stopping power, you’ll need to push forward a large percentage of your weight and your motorcycle's weight onto its front wheel and suspension. Doing this will compress the front forks and increase your tire's grip and contact with the road. All of this helps generate a safer and smoother stopping experience.

Use Your Mirrors

Your motorcycle’s mirrors are your best resources to help you apply your brakes when needed. So, you’ll want to engage them to keep an eye on your surrounding traffic conditions. Before you start braking, check your mirrors to see whether other motorists are following at a safe distance or if they are even paying attention.

Avoid Locking Up Your Rear Wheel

Another essential braking technique that you’ll need to practice for safely riding your motorcycle is avoiding locking up the rear wheel. When you apply the brake to your rear wheel too heavily, it can shift a lot of your bike’s weight towards the front, causing your rear wheel to lock up and making your motorcycle skid.

To prevent this, you’ll want to remain focused and as steady as possible, then gradually release your pressure on the rear brake to reduce or eliminate the skid.

Practice Emergency Braking

When you’re experiencing a crisis, your brain can fail to respond quickly and accurately, which is the exact opposite of what is required. However, if you have practiced applying emergency braking techniques, it’ll likely be etched in your muscle memory, allowing you to react swiftly and safely.

We hope these tips help you apply the correct braking techniques when riding your bike. If you want more advice or are still in the market for a new motorsport vehicle, visit Gina’s Motorsports of Monee. We have an extensive inventory of motorcycles for sale, and our knowledgeable team can suggest models for your budget. To look at what we have available, swing by our dealership in Monee, IL, where we proudly serve those from Chicago and Kankakee County.