How to Brake Properly on a Motorcycle

Learning how to use your brakes is an important factor when you’re riding a motorcycle. When you’re on a bike, always apply the front and rear brakes to come to a controlled stop. During a turn, only apply the brakes at the start if you’re going too fast. As long as you practice using the brakes and stay aware of the road conditions, you can ride your motorcycle safely!

Start braking at the proper time depending on your speed.

Your average reaction time before you apply the brakes is around 0.62 seconds. When you use your brakes, it will take more time to come to a complete stop if you’re going faster. If you’re going 30 mph (48 km/h), it will take approximately 2.39 seconds to stop but the distance you travel equals about 66 ft (20 m). Always apply your brakes to maintain a safe distance between you and any vehicles in front of you.^[1]

• Always stay aware of your surroundings and other traffic so you can brake when you need to.
• If your bike has an anti-lock braking system (ABS brakes), then your stopping time and distance may be slightly shorter.
• Your braking distance can also be affected by road conditions. Slippery roads, like those made from gravel or covered in rain, will increase the distance it takes to stop.

Start braking at the proper time depending on your speed. 

Your average reaction time before you apply the brakes is around 0.62 seconds. When you use your brakes, it will take more time to come to a complete stop if you’re going faster. If you’re going 30 mph (48 km/h), it will take approximately 2.39 seconds to stop but the distance you travel equals about 66 ft (20 m). Always apply your brakes to maintain a safe distance between you and any vehicles in front of you.^[1]

• Always stay aware of your surroundings and other traffic so you can brake when you need to.
• If your bike has an anti-lock braking system (ABS brakes), then your stopping time and distance may be slightly shorter.
• Your braking distance can also be affected by road conditions. Slippery roads, like those made from gravel or covered in rain, will increase the distance it takes to stop.

Start braking at the proper time depending on your speed. 

Your average reaction time before you apply the brakes is around 0.62 seconds. When you use your brakes, it will take more time to come to a complete stop if you’re going faster. If you’re going 30 mph (48 km/h), it will take approximately 2.39 seconds to stop but the distance you travel equals about 66 ft (20 m). Always apply your brakes to maintain a safe distance between you and any vehicles in front of you.^[1]

• Always stay aware of your surroundings and other traffic so you can brake when you need to.
• If your bike has an anti-lock braking system (ABS brakes), then your stopping time and distance may be slightly shorter.
• Your braking distance can also be affected by road conditions. Slippery roads, like those made from gravel or covered in rain, will increase the distance it takes to stop.

Squeeze the front brakes at the same time with 2 fingers to ease into the stop. 

The front brake control is the handle directly above the throttle on the right handlebar of your motorcycle. As you press down on the rear brake lever, use your index and middle finger to slowly squeeze the front brake controls.^[4]

• Your front brake controls about 75% of your stopping power and will be the most effective when braking.
• Avoid squeezing the front brake with all 4 fingers since you might lock the tire and cause you to lose control.