Proper braking technique on a motorcycle is something that even experienced riders can get wrong. And a momentary lapse in judgment or a little panic can result in poor technique rearing its ugly head, causing you to slash your tires. Every road, motorcycle and rider is slightly different, and there are no universal safe-riding techniques, but there are some useful guidelines.
The 70/30 rule is a strong standard practice for motorcycle braking in regular riding situations. The 70/30 rule states that in every braking scenario, the rider should apply both front and rear brakes for stability, and it is best to use the brakes in such a way that approximately 70% of your braking force is applied to the front wheel, and the remaining 30% of braking force is applied to the rear wheel.
Due to weight transfer when braking, there will be more weight on the front tire. As a result, the front brake will do the bulk of the work. Obviously, if you brake so hard that the rear wheel lifts off the pavement (also known as stompy or endo), you are voiding your rear tire’s traction, and putting all the work on the front tire. It’s best to leave your rear tire on the ground, so you want to brake hard enough to maximize the work of the front wheel without transferring too much weight.
Applying the rear brake with the right foot first helps to stabilize the bike during braking and also helps in reducing its speed. The irony is that the rear wheel becomes lighter anyway when braking, so you need to know how much rear brake you can use without locking up the rear and skidding.
learning the dynamics of your bike
Many riders will abandon the rear brake altogether, arguing that due to weight transfer, it doesn’t really do much. However, don’t let that schizophrenic mentality poison your brain, and don’t be afraid to use both brakes; They are there for a reason. The rear brake is incredibly important for proper cornering and is equally important in an emergency stopping situation.
It’s also essential to know your specific bike and its braking system, and the only way to really learn how it works is to ride a lot and learn how the bike reacts to your inputs. That experience creates muscle memory, and your body will know what to do in an emergency. The most effective braking occurs with a soft initial touch, gradually loading the front tire and controlling pressure on the lever and foot brake to slow the bike. Apply too much brake, and you can go over the handlebar, apply too much rear brake, and your rear tire can slip. Knowing how much pressure there will be in any given situation will make riding safer.
There are certainly scenarios where the 70/30 rule shouldn’t be followed, including low-grip situations like riding on a rainy day or on dirt roads, or bikes with irregular weights, like when you’re carrying a large load or passenger. For example, the rear brake itself can also be used when you lean into a corner to correct your line and slow your speed (if your bike does not have corner-sensitive ABS, use this method with extreme caution). But learning to ride in those conditions must come after learning how to apply the brakes safely in a straight line, without putting pressure on the front or rear tires. First practice using both brakes in an open parking lot or in rider training classes; This way, you learn how to get maximum effectiveness from your brakes before an emergency situation occurs.
