1 Simple Change Could Save Your Life

[@TMCmakes]

Roll off the gas, fingers on the lever. every time. even if i don't think i need it. The improvement in confidence and control took me from being "surprised" when something happens to being "smug" that i already have the control i need in my hand to resolve the situation. Adding 2% to the brakes when you're already using them at 5% is way easier than going from my whole hand on the grip, rushing and trying to magically find exactly 7%

[@CanyonChasers]

I Love it!! Yes! Well said!

[@lndcrsrmoto2407]

It’s a game changer, right.

[@2UpVids]

It's just natural to do put a finger on the levers especially when you are really pushing it

[@antlerr]

if you use more then one finger on your break your doing something very wrong.....

[@antlerr]

oh thinking in percentage lol beginer alert..........

[@Zookeeper101]

I cover the front brake with two fingers probably 90% of the time. I also tend to be hyper aware and when I see a vehicle approaching from the side at an intersection, whether controlled or not, I roll off the throttle a tad and get myself ready for them to pull out just in case. When I was learning to drive a car my dad always told me "it came out of nowhere" is an excuse for "I wasn't paying attention close enough". Covering the brake is a very important fundamental skill, it's the first step in being able to stop quickly. Learning to progressively brake smoothly is much easier once you are comfortable covering the brake.

[@DanDanTheFireman]

Almost lost my best bud to an intersection crash. One big reason why I do what I do.

[@DanDanTheFireman]

BTW. Great video. I'm always telling people to cover the brakes to reduce total stopping distance time. Milliseconds at these speeds can save lives. "Stop wasted movements" has been a big thing in firefighting. Setup for success!

[@CanyonChasers]

Hey man! Thanks for the pop in! Yes, covering the brakes is such a simple thing we can do to reduce those reaction times, right!?

[@brianperry]

I'm a Brit living in España where the road making/systems are similar to UK...We don't have the four way stop like USA. One road always has priority...thats not to stop you being T-boned if you're not vigilant. l agree junctions/ intersections are one of the biggest dangers. Always assume Cagers..(motorists).. haven't seen you, because in a great many cases...they haven't.!...Unintentional Blindness.!!

[@monsterslayer4317]

I've ridden with the front brake "covered" for thirty years or more. I'm sure that is what the pros like Keith Code and Jason Pridmore always taught. I'm shocked to hear that is not what they teach in the "motorcycle safety" courses. Glad I never bothered. Talk of percentages has never been useful for me, either for traction or braking. The key is squeezing, not grabbing. I like to look for an opportunity to practice emergency stopping on every ride, just to establish muscle memory. I do three sequential stops, starting with an easy one, and braking harder with each of the second and third stops. Keeps me ready. No, I don't do this in town. It may seem extreme, but I really don't want to hit something if practice can prevent it. With intersections, another key is expecting trouble. It is not always possible, but I try to prepare for trouble at every intersection, get in ready, set state, and try to look for cross traffic not stopping. I watch for traffic approaching from behind when I'm stopped. Riding is dangerous. That's why I like it. But I try to reduce the danger where I can.

[@neilf335]

I totally agree about practicing and maintaining muscle memory. It's important to do this in all conditions: dry and wet. Feather the brakes on to load the front tyre (tire), build up to maximum required and feather them off again. With practice, it's possible to get ABS to kick in on the front while still maintaining full control. You never know when you might need it. Start slowly & build up.

[@flowerofash4439]

yes, also watch crash footages so you know what to expect when going fast in intersection. doesn't matter how quick and calm you are, pass the intersection quick but not fast.

[@alasdairmacdonald9221]

Always predicting others too helps, always 2-10 steps ahead of I can. Well said by the way!

[@ZildjianMan30]

The reason the basic rider courses teaches you to be fingers off the brake and fingers over the clutch, is strictly for the rider course. It is correct form for the closed course beginner rider training. Those courses are set up for the lowest common denominator. A brand new rider is more likely to stab the front, thus dumping their little 200cc bike. That means damage, possible injury, and paperwork for the instructors. Covering the clutch is the safest bet for when a new rider has a sudden brain fart, locks up mentally, and is about to hit something or go off course. At these courses the bikes only travel from 5-15 MPH. Sometimes a brief spurt of 20 MPH. The problem with all of that is the instructors don't delineate between methods only used for the course, and proper methods used after the course on open roads. My time in the Army yielded great instructor training and experience. Dealing with the various equipment, vehicles, weapons, and ammo is potentially very dangerous. A lot of the training involves some sort of 'training only' method or a simulated physical action. The instructor also makes it damn clear what the full-on method is for real-world environments. This is where the various basic rider courses need to make big improvements. Instead of just a final "celebration of skills" test. These courses need to use that second half of the final day to transition riders into the proper open road techniques - how to cover the front brake, how to squeeze the front brake, and you don't need 4 fingers covering the clutch. Also, at least a brief explanation of front tire grip, similar to what Champ School teaches, would be hugely beneficial for new riders.

[@daviddiienno]

I took the course in Pennsylvania 25 years ago. They taught covering the brake. They also taught about how accelerating through the turns lifts the bike. The one thing they taught that I never knew was to press the direction you want to do. I always thought it was all about leaning

[@alanbal1816]

I have been grinding gears for fifty years and I have always used this configuration to cover my front break. I tend to cover my rear break too when I roll up on an intersection. I have been trail breaking to line up my corners as long as I can remember, but had no idea what it was called until I saw this guys videos! The fighter pilot analogy is spot on. Situational awareness (along with sobriety and a little hi viz action) is what will save your life. Ride safe!

[@CanyonChasers]

Good stuff!

[@jefife750]

Like many others, initial training taught me to avoid the front brake. But, I have covered the front and rear brake for many years, as a result of a serious intersection accident involving a drunk driver. However, I only did it at the first sign of a possible threat. Now, I will re-learn AGAIN and cover the front brake always, and in addition, the rear at the first sign of trouble. Makes sense to me.

[@Lee-in-oz]

another great video Dave. Yep, I am a massive proponent of covering the front brake. I got into an argument recently with an instructor when I went to do a refresher course. He tried to tell me that covering the brake was a track only thing and had zero place on the street. I responded that I felt sorry for any of his new students and left.

[@beniniandrea]

I think that covering the brakes is most important on the streets than on track. Maybe that instructor runs in a track with a lot of intersections, parked cars, animals crossing and hidden gravel!

[@sqlb3rn]

I ain't a racer but I hear they roll off the throttle to the brake. Hard (and pointless) to cover the front brake when you crack it wide open on a long straight.

[@CanyonChasers]

I may have walked off mid-sentence speaking with other "well respected" riding school owners/operators for similar reasons. 🤣

[@Rski1234]

Same thing happened to me. Lol

[@xouijit77]

I agree with covering the brake. But it seems to me that everyone in the comments are well seasoned riders. Experience cannot be taught in a weekend. Just like you cannot learn technique by watching videos. New riders, me included many years ago, would probably have dragged the brake constantly by covering, causing excessive wear and basically, rendering the front brake useless. I never hear anyone saying 'I drive with 2 feet in order to cover the brake'. Practice practice practice!!! The only thing that will equate to experience.

[@SsgtHolland]

The best mantra for me was: Load the tire before you work the tire.

[@The333]

Bravo! Too many channels spend way too much time discussing why new riders cannot be taught certain techniques, analyzing crash videos ad nauseum or beating their chests about how they can get a knee down in a parking lot. Your channel consistently provides the best advice for safe practical street riding that all riding levels should learn and apply. Excellent post.

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you! I put a ton of effort into each of these video's. I sure hope its helping riders reduce risk and enjoy the sport more.

[@WatThaDeuce]

I feel like I know exactly which channels that those examples represent 🤣

[@zeplin4078]

Might sound silly, but I saw this method of keeping the front brake covered on you tube when still learning and at an early stage it became natural for me to cover the front brake whenever on a bike, even when moving it around my driveway and it has saved me on occasions, great advice, stay safe.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yeah, I'm a big fan of doing it like this all time - like pushing the bike around the driveway.

[@mikesbikechannel4387]

Funny, when teaching my 16 yo daughter how to drive a car, I taught her the concept of covering the brake with her foot in uncertain situations. Either way we reduce our reaction time.

[@davidhenningsen2851]

I have learned a lot from you You explain everything so well I also watch MC Rider and Motojitso Have not ridden since I was 30 no one taught anything here’s the keys good luck Now l am 70 and want to ride again I dream about riding Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@Ch-iwi]

Oddly enough, that's what I have always done on my mountain bike, especially on single track or downhill. When I did this during my very first motorcycle course I was told, no no no, bad. Let's see if I can unlearn what felt unnatural for me to begin with. Love your content btw, I've learnt heaps!

[@Amcm1a]

Had exactly the same problem for the same reason. It felt so weird to ride around "uncovered"

[@zyoungson215]

In mountainbiking we call fingers off brakes death grip. Always ride with at least one finger on the brake, particularly in traffic.

[@I_am_archie]

@@zyoungson215 I haven't been on my mountain bike for so long. I realize now that is where I first learned about front break and covering. Except my front brake is still on the wrong side.

[@brianglendenning1632]

@@I_am_archie you can swap sides relatively easily to how we have it set up in Australia and as it is in other places such as UK and NZ. If you follow the GCN Zwift competition (where riders competed for a place in a pro team) a mate of mine, Sam Hill, was slow down a descent because he had to ride a bike is US/Euro set up brake levers, rather than the Aust/UK set up He was used to - so if you do swap be careful until you adapt

[@I_am_archie]

@@brianglendenning1632 thanks for the heads up.

[@jarrod2276]

Left hand trigger finger on the high beam and thumb on the horn as well.

[@alasdairmacdonald9221]

I’ve always been one to cover my brakes 24/7. Comes naturally for riding bikes all my life. I also like to engine brake with rear brake and I stop crazy fast if needed. I practice to not just get the muscle memory or fluid reactions and movement but to fully master the feel and capabilities of my motorcycle. It’s all second nature. Every season I always practice some more, one should never stop learning to better themselves for the ride :)

[@goggleboy2464]

What an amazing job on these videos. I had a friend that was a very experienced rider. He kept me alive for my first year or so on a sportbike. These videos are literally saving lives.

[@ninjaguysith]

Amazing video on a small but important detail. I learned and refined the "peace sign" method of covering the brakes from lane filtering in downtown L.A. freeway traffic. There are times where my work commute requires me to cover the front brake for 30-40 minutes at a time with intense focus on my surroundings as I filter. The "peace sign" method gives me the most feeling of control, reaction time and reduced hand fatigue. I also noticed that this grip gives me the most leverage to turn my handlebars for swerving, since the gripping fingers are on the outside creating a long lever.

[@CanyonChasers]

Exactly and well said. Lane Splitting LA/SF traffic is a whole new level of concentration and precsion.

[@MrElucid8]

I went through the Australian basic rider course roughly 6 yrs ago and the instructor loudly harangued anyone for covering the break lever. As soon as I was on my own riding I started covering the lever when I wasn't on wide open roads. I practiced emergency stops on sandy road surfaces to get a feel for each of my bikes limits of grip and whenever I replace a set of tyres. As always your advice is spot on and delivered brilliantly.

[@CanyonChasers]

Awesome! Thats how we become Veteran Riders. No room for complacancy!!

[@hankjones3527]

And I got busted because I was only using two fingers whee he made us use all four :( I don't know what to believe.

[@mikeadz1]

Yep they still teach 4 finger braking and no fingers on the levers unless you’re using them. Been riding about a year and a bit and feel like I’ve been taught the wrong thing coming across these comments and videos 🤦‍♂️ no idea what to believe really

[@gf7926]

Yep, same thing for me when rider training in Australia - told not to cover my brakes. I’m mountain biker and always cover my brakes when riding my pedal bike, BUT, on my motorcycle, I don’t normally cover my brakes on the open road or freeway/motorway, but do in the twisties, city traffic or when filtering in slow or stationary traffic. It comes down to how I perceive risk and I always try to ride with margin to react, swerve and/or stop.

[@rmd1960]

Great teaching. I started covering the front brake way back when you taught me trail braking. Trail braking is probably the best thing I ever learned along with "wait fir the weight" referring to front emergency braking. This "covering the brake" just comes naturally now. You have taught me so much! Thank you! 👍

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you! Ride on!!

[@gfunk63901]

Haven’t watched video yet but I’ve been covering the front brake from day one because I figured or read that I couldn’t afford to lose that one second of reaction time. So I use thumb and index for throttle and the last three covering brake.

[@lukaslombardo4736]

I use this exact braking technique. I can feel the front weight transfer, and once that happens I know I can squeeze the front brake slightly harder.The other thing I do is grab the bike with my legs and tighten my core. This way my weight isn’t slung onto my arms. The claw technique is perfect.

[@I_am_archie]

I like the Tighten the core and grab the bike with your legs. 👍

[@prashantprem1]

👍👍 grab the bike with legs and tighten my core... exactly what I do and the bike seems under control in almost every situation.

[@b.h.7430]

I've only been riding about 3 months, naturally I've come across situations where we have to brake hard (deer, cars, ect) videos like this have taught me to practice braking techniques and I was able to avoid all of the problems ahead of me so far. Thanks for these videos and keep up the good work bro!

[@peterkonecny3530]

I have been using the method for a while, saved my ass one time at least. It gives me more confidence while riding and spotting unexpected hazards on the road, meaning I am already ready for whatever is going to happen. Keep up the excellent work, thanks.

[@eastcoastrider8971]

Another very good video Dave with lots of helpful information. 6 months ago I returned to riding a motorcycle after a 35 year break. I definitely try to cover my front brake for most of the time, but not all the time i.e. when I’m out a good clear road, as here in the UK when it’s cold I need to feel the heated grips on those two fingers! I know that I definitely need to keep practising getting that first 5% of front brake right and not grab it so fast in a panic. I can do this no problem when I practice but not so well otherwise. Hopefully over time I’ll get it. I think one of the reasons for this is that I’ve been riding bicycles for so long and I’ve had a habit of grabbing both brakes when needing to stop quickly. Thanks again for passing on your knowledge and hopefully helping us all to learn more and become better riders.

[@CanyonChasers]

Whats cool is you can get get through that fist 5% super fast without any abruptness.

[@grahamriches7859]

'Hear, hear!' (as the nobs say in Parliament here). It's great to see you recommend not just keeping fingers over the front brake, but also advising new riders to ensure they adjust lever reach to suit their fingers! I have freakishly small childlike hands and when I started riding as a spotty 16 year old, 38 years ago, I always had problems blipping / rev matching - not to mention emergency braking - which fortunately I never had to do until I'd learnt to adjust my levers... Doing so made riding so much easier and safer. However neither the motorcycle training or the dealer I bought my first bike from ever mentioned the importance of such adjustments! Keep up the good work. 👍

[@CanyonChasers]

Bravo! Adjusting the controls to fit our needs makes such a big difference!

[@CubanRider]

On point as usual, excellent video. I've been covering the front brake intuitively since very early on before I started having discussions with more advanced riders. Some of my buddies said their track instructor told them not to cover the front brake, and that may work fine at the track with unchanging corners and no intersections, but they're taking this knowledge to the street and that's where the disconnect exists.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yeah, I'll be honest. I got lazy about covering the brakes on the track because it's like a dance, right. You do the same sequence over and over. And then a rider crashed in front of me, and I almost hit them because it took me too long to adjust what I was doing and to get to the brake.

[@peterv1806]

I'm thinking that the contents of this superb video will save lives and/or prevent injuries. Thank you! Well done!

[@CanyonChasers]

I sure hope so!

[@JBMotorrad]

I am grateful for this channel and how you address topics such as this one. It's extremely important that the newbies (and us "experienced" riders) not become complacent. Complacency is a dangerous thing out here.

[@CanyonChasers]

So much truth brother! Complacency is the biggest enemy we face!!

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Smoothness pays the piper.

[@josepcidraque2774]

Very good video. I cover the front brake with two fingers too and, in top of that, I brake a little with the rear brake when release the throttle. It helps to keep the geometry of the bike more stable and the transition of weights smoother. Thanks Dave!

[@knoxx79]

This is a great advice! thanx! I am a fairly new rider and always use both brakes when stopping, but I've never thought of using the rear brake when releasing the front brake. Always stressed because when I try to trail brake and release the front brake while rolling the throttle it gives me that whiskey throttle feeling. I'll put your advice to use and I'm sure It'll be way better the next time.

[@1337PB]

@@knoxx79 I think he means that he hits the rear brake after releasing (so deaccelerate) the throttle. This is fine in controlled situations. But my advice, in emergency situations, just focus on that front brake. But as Dave said in the video, do it slow until you feel the pressure on the front shocks.

[@CanyonChasers]

The rear brake is a great tool for controlling the rear shock movement of the bike. We can use it to, basically, keep the rear shock compressed, or slow down the rebound. But, @Midlakecity is correct. If you are a new rider focus on really getting great at that front brake. As experience grows, you'll be able to start playing with some of the less critical controls in different ways.

[@innocentwaison7647]

One guy who make riding simple and safe. Love your videos. Watching from South Africa

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you and hello South Africa. I want to ride there some day!

[@lostwithasmile485]

This is how I taught myself to ride (covering the brake) just to be told at my "experienced rider" MSF course that I was wrong, lol! I will start covering the brake again! I find that my throttle control is smoother this way as well.

[@CanyonChasers]

Right on, and you are not alone!

[@Wroteread]

Anatomy lessons, fighter pilot visual scanning lessons, and a KTM prominent in one of your videos. Wow. The times they are a-changin. Effective front brake control however - is an eternal truth. Preach it Dave!

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh, don't give away the surprise coming in the next video. 😉

[@mrsnuggles3116]

New rider here, just started intentionally doing this and it certainly helps improve my sense of security on the road. As an added bonus, this immediately improved my throttle control as well. Makes it much easier to dial in small adjustments to the throttle and manage shifts having the fingers on the brake as a reference point.

[@CanyonChasers]

That's awesome to hear! Keep it up. The best riders I've ever met are the ones who constantly work to improve.

[@caoimhin7122]

I'm so glad you posted this. During my MSF course (I had been riding a bit already), I kept instinctively covering the front brake with my index and middle finger. The instructors kept scolding me to keep my fingers off the brake lever. I told them that I had developed the habit riding in traffic. (Heck, I did it for decades riding bicycles!) I feel vindicated after watching your video. I just hope the other riders in my course that had never ridden before will break the habit of wrapping all four fingers around the throttle when they get out into traffic!

[@MCrider]

Great video Dave, thanks for sharing!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thanks Kevin!

[@soujrnr]

New mantra: Do not be afraid of the controls. Do not be afraid of the controls. Do not be afraid of the controls. Do not be afraid of the controls. DO be afraid of abruptness. DO be afraid of abruptness. DO be afraid of abruptness. DO be afraid of abruptness. This video is so great, Dave! Thank you for making everything so very clear and easy to understand!! I just can't get enough of these videos. I've learned so very much over the last several years watching them. Thank you so much for all that you bring to the motorcycling community!

[@CanyonChasers]

I fall back on that one myself all the time!

[@snappycattimesten]

I was scolded for pistol gripping during my final licence practice. To pass I had to only hold the throttle. Being competent I complied to pass, but back on the road it was covering break most of the time.

[@CanyonChasers]

Lots of riders tell me very similar stories. They ride worse to pass the "safety" course, then go back to using the safe methods again. It's rather frustrating.

[@jakao6969]

These videos are so valuable. Thank you. When I was a new rider a car didn’t see me and turned left in front of me. I panicked braked and went down. Thankfully low side slide and just a little road rash. Hard lesson to learn but thankfully lived up learn it. And All The Fear All The Time from that moment forward forever

[@davidbesant]

Holding the brake lever with the index and middle fingers means you apply force close to the pivot point; limiting the power. Some Dog-leg levers bring these finger further to the right but I can understand why so many people use all 4 fingers so they can apply force further from the pivot point. Remember, not every bike is fitted with top-of-range Brembos. There were bikes with brakes that had the pivot on the outside (at the bar end). Wonder why this wasn't continued.

[@CanyonChasers]

This is an excellent point - and may determin how riders with different size hands may choose different methods of covering/using the front brake.

[@markchoitz443]

great tips, for some reason I always have covered the front brake. You are correct - the beginner, safe driving courses frown on covering the front brake. I just took my operators class and the first thing the instructor told me was get your fingers off the brake lever. I haven't ridden for 18 years but it was a habit back then and will be a habit. Thanks for the channel and all your great tips.

[@geraldwest3428]

The problem as you mentioned is 'abruptness'. I've been covering the front brake just as you described. My problem was the car pulled out in front of me I swerved and 'abruptly' hit my front brake and down I went. It was like a two finger spasm/panic lol. So learning how NOT to have a spasm/panic while covering the front brake is where experience comes in. That mistake cost me a few thousand bucks, a broke thumb, bruised ribs. I'll continue drilling in the parking lots, thanks!

[@adamkreuz9068]

I was just wondering what's a good way to practice that safely? Practicing emergency braking yourself I find you anticipate it too much, you have to practice being surprised I think.

[@CanyonChasers]

Adam, it's a lot of muscle memory. Its how our brain works in connecting synapsis up there. Just always always ease through that first five percent, even when pushing the bike around the garage. Every stop sign. Start slowing for that stop sign a few feet later than your normally would, but focus on that first five percent. Before long it'll become a habit in how your hand moves.

[@geraldwest3428]

@@adamkreuz9068 Yes sir, I agree! However as canyon chaser so kindly elaborated and I'm paraphrasing, practice practice practice, make it habitual. 👍

[@fallinginthed33p]

@@CanyonChasers That 5 percent equates to enough front braking force to light up the brake lights, just enough to get a click from the lever. It's also good to apply gentle front brake pressure even when you're using engine braking, so other vehicles behind you know that you're slowing down. Engine braking on motorbikes is stronger than regenerative braking on EVs.

[@gideonrubenelichaoff]

Best bike videos available on KZbin. I have been keeping 2 fingers on the front brake for the last 44years. Sometimes I find I need 3 fingers to get more power to the brake despite still hitting the gym at 62..you can never know enough. Bikes are my zen 🏍❤️

[@Moath90]

Honestly, by far, the best content for teaching new riders. You cover specific topics others don’t consider. Thank you!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you!!

[@darrencanady5078]

As a new rider, this technique was "inadvertently" shown to me, while shopping for a motorcycle, after having the completed the MSF course. I was honestly a bit more convinced I didn't want to ride, after having "successfully passed" the course. My "biggest issue" in the class was actually rolling on the throttle while applying the front brake. I "knew" what was going wrong, tokd the instructir about it, and got no feedback on how to correct it. I realized that, perhaps, when I got my own bike, (if I chose to do so), was to rotate the front brake lever up, so that pulling on the lever would cause me to roll the throttle back. While the instructor agreed this would be helpful, it wasn't until visiting a motorcycle store and talking to a salesman and through some demonstration, I saw out the corner if my eye that he only used two fingers to pull the brake lever. (I, by the way, was using all 4 fingers, whhile my thumb was still wrapped around the throttle). I, in amazement, and having a lightbulb moment when my eye caught that, asked him to do it again. He did, and again used 2 fingers! OMG! The mental connection!!! I then explained to him why I asked him to do it and the problem I had in the course, because I realized, my issue could actually "kill me" on the road! The primary videos of yours I've watched were about running wide in corners because I would say, that has been my biggest issue, probably also partly because of that lesson in class about NOT braking in corners. Honestly, I didn't heed that advice in class, because to and for me, i felt safer doing so. It was after getting my own bike, then getting in the road, that I went back to their technique and began having that very frustrating problem, (fortunately, in safe spaces, where my methid of corrctiin was slowing more before and into the turns - which was also problematic, because to make that type of turn, caused me to slow too much when I was actually out in traffic and STILL had me run wide a few times). I realize after watching your videos, that trail braking was what I was doing in class, (which was a term I don't believe we even covered - but also had me kinda flying through turns in class), but is also my solution out here in the road. And using 2 fingers is the proper method of doing that and applying the front brake! I have found that I can effectively brake and control the throttle using the 2 fingers and the rear brake simultaneously, where appropriate and truly appreciate the wisdom and common sense techniques shared in your videos! THANKS for what you do! Though I acknowledge I'm still a new rider with skills to build, you help build my confidence indoing so each time I go out to ride and each ride is skill building practice! Thanks again!

[@XRedJar]

Having your brake lever position is a key point to reducing abruptness going to the brake. As you said, when you roll off the throttle, your two fingers should start taking up that first 5% of pressure on the brake. Same for going back to the throttle. As you get to the point where the throttle begins to open, your fingers should be coming off the last 5% of brake. Each time I ride I work on this skill and trail braking. It takes consistent practice to be smooth, and it builds muscle memory. So when you find yourself in an unexpected situation, it's not a ham fist grab on the brake. Important to note that getting into and releasing that 5% can be done very quickly, just not abruptly. Riding this way has caused quite a few situations that could have become bad, to be non issues.

[@CanyonChasers]

Exactly!!

[@jeffruebens8355]

Years of dirt riding improved my scanning for hazards, but made me overuse the back brake for a street bike. I needed to start using the front brake a lot more for pavement, especially a bike with 2 front rotors/disks that quickly makes the back tire light or off the pavement surface.

[@rszewczyk]

On my MSF equivalent course we were told (repeatedly over 40 hours mandatory training!) that we should not cover break to avoid panic-break. And to keep motorcycle in neutral on stop lights. I really really quickly realized were dumbest ideas ever...

[@CanyonChasers]

Well said!

[@fallinginthed33p]

It's worrying that most riders don't go beyond the basic MSF course so they're stuck with bad habits. Covering your brakes and being ready to move off in first gear can keep you alive.

[@danijelkresko3456]

Thank you for this tip about covering front brake all the time. Helping me a lot. It was hard for few days but now i covering brake levers all the time when i ryde.

[@CanyonChasers]

Nice!

[@beniniandrea]

I've always covered the brakes, BUT I used to do it with my middle finger and my ring finger. This thing now breaks my hand in two, but I was used to it, so I felt uncomfortable using my first two fingers. The problem is that when I started practicing the trail breaking (thanks to your videos) i found out that I cannot figure it out. I was unable to roll the throttle and brake at the same time. I've switched to the first two fingers and after a bit of adaptation it worked like a charm. So my little advice is this: if the majority of Pro riders do something give it a try, but most importantly, give your body the time to accept it. A little detail like squeezing the brakes with the first two fingers or the second and the third has a domino effect on everything else. But if you are used to the wrong technique, you'll find yourself uncomfortable with the correct one at least for the first time.

[@CanyonChasers]

Thats an awesome story. It will be retold to future students. 👍

[@fallinginthed33p]

Some pro riders use the middle and ring finger for braking. Some use the last 3 fingers. Using the index and middle fingers is still easier for beginners.

[@64t120r]

In the beginning of a lot of your videos you mention something that I promote everywhere. You don't call it what I do, but the concept is the same. It's mental flexibility. Willingness to change techniques and ideas is an incredibly important aspect of riding and in most aspects of life.

[@MrDingus64]

Saved a crash just yesterday at an intersection. Dude ran the red, braking fingers were in place...all i had to do was squeeze. Honestly careful attention to my braking has dramatically changed my riding.

[@CanyonChasers]

Whoah! Nicely done!!

[@MrDingus64]

@@CanyonChasers Really appreciate your content. Your channel has been an invaluable resource

[@ashgupta1]

Memorable words - "We have to stop dying at intersections" and "This (two fingers) is for world peace (with the acompanying sitar)." But much more than that - BREAKING GENTLY UNDER CONTROL IS VERY VERY GOOD ADVICE. Great video. Thank you.

[@carlrendell333]

Great tip. I ride 100% of the time - even when training on the range - with 2 fingers over the brake. The only problem that I had was cramping when I first started. I concentrated on moving the throttle tube with my last two fingers until that was smooth, and the cramps went away. The other tip for me was to relax my thumb while on the throttle and use more of a "screw driver" grip for a more relaxed hand.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes! One of the things a lot of the pro's do too in some situations is they roll the throttle with pressure from the palm of their hand, intead of an actual grip from the thumb.

[@luisfabriciogarbato9656]

Man, WHAT a content, very good- THANKS!! Just one small caveat, many schools are offering the intermediate and the advanced courses for drivers with riding experience beyond the basics. I moved to the US in 2018 and had a Motorcycle license and riding experience back in my home country and I did the intermediate course straight away, and will sign-up for the advanced one. For the riding school I attend to, they do teach the threshold braking + squeezing them VERSUS just having your fingers there to a situation you might need, that in order to shorten the reaction time.

[@aaronbrown5252]

I used to cover the front brake lever when approaching traffic and intersections, but I've adjusted my riding to the point that I feel awkward if I don't have the brake covered all of the time. I believe that slow hands/loose hands are the key to smooth inputs and reactions, both from myself and from my motorcycle. Each time I ride and find myself in a situation where braking quickly is needed, I have to remind myself not to just grab a handful, but to gently and quickly squeeze that lever. Riding in what's called "Yellow Stage" by DDFM, greatly helps to avoid situations where panic braking is the result of a flight or fight reaction.

[@CanyonChasers]

Spot on!!

[@scottspringer6036]

Great advice in a learner friendly teaching style. There are many things in life that are subtle AND powerful. Subtle application of the front break at the right time helps moves you from a beginner to advanced rider. It’s a skill, skills are learned, let’s practice! Love your stuff! Love It!

[@gorzi28]

I do not agree with this tehnique, because, a lot riders in emergency situations will grab the front brake and lock the front or rear wheel more likely if they have fingers over the lever all the time. I believe, we, as riders should more focus on mental readiness, and what i mean by that is, we should constatly scan the road, and when we approach to the intersection we have to be mentaly ready to react, and not to panic, and if you have good braking tehnique, that 0,1sec will not make difference, especially if you adjust your speed to the enviroment, if you arrive at intersection at 150km/h, fingers on, or off the lever want make any difference. And if you ride for longer period of time(1h, 2h...), this tehnique, figers over the lever all the time will make you more tired, and tired means you have less focus. I apply this tehnique, fingers over the lever, only while driving through heavy traffic, and slow speed when you are constantly ready to brake, but on open road, i do not agree with this tehnique.

[@RushworthRob]

Agreed that riding to the conditions is the most important consideration, especially around other road users. I'm a city commuter 95% of the time, so rarely travel fast enough for that reach for the brakes to make much of a difference. I cover the font brake when I see conditions changing or am approaching unpredictability, but I'm not hair-trigger ready to pounce. Keeping my speed suitable for where I'm at and being relaxed enough to react smoothly sees me better placed, I think.

[@starlordnetzero9633]

I use the technique and its saved me more than a few times. On the open road I immediately go to this technique if conditions change or the environment has more threats (cars, people, dogs, deer whatever) - you are correct for long tours on open roads I don’t use it to conserve my energy

[@CanyonChasers]

You're not wrong. Mental rediness is critical. But this gives us an edge. And we need to be adabptable to the environment we are riding in. But there are already a few stories in the comments where riders are saying they wish they could have had that half-second back.

[@Sw33tum]

Adjusting speed is important, looking up is important, and practice is important. None of that negates the time to get to the brake, eating up precious distance and increasing the chance of being abrupt with a fistful of brake lever. Covering the brake decreases this chance - which was clearly explained in the video.

[@Sw33tum]

@@CanyonChasers Half a second at 60 mph is 44 feet. I will take 44 more feet of stopping distance all day long.

[@PaulDinwiddie]

New Subscriber here. I've been riding bikes since I was 10, and now I'm pushing 68. I have owned all types of bikes (except Harleys and any kind of chopper; I will keep my reasons to myself.) I've had a few years without a bike because of moving around ALOT! At my age ( it’s NOW or NEVER, the Dream bike (2015 or newer, BMW RT 1200.) So, I bought one about a week ago. It's time to get well acquaintanced with this Ultra engineered "like no other driving machine," Sport-Touring dynamo. After finding your channel, I've watched 3, or 4, of your videos so far; they are well thought out and provide GREAT info on moving ahead on becoming a Canyon-Chaser! Thanks for all your work on these videos. I know, first hand, they're not easy; keep em coming!

[@CanyonChasers]

Aw man! I love it!!

[@PaulDinwiddie]

@@CanyonChasers You're the man, Sonny!

[@jazzcam2799]

Excellent information, thank you so much 👍🏼

[@PMitchell106]

3:30 One of the problems with teaching new and experienced riders about good braking is that most instructors talk in terms of 'slowing down' the application of the brakes, but what we really mean is to 'smooth out' that application.

[@ianay5263]

Mate, good content, you and Ryan TO seem to be some of the few folk who are producing for real riders. Ref covering the brake, MTB MTB MTB. And not rushing, but trying to be smooth ALL the time is the key. If you're whacking open the throttle, then you're likely grabbing the brakes, too. Roll on.

[@jairocantillo5678]

Great lesson...Since I listened to you about Trail braking, I began to practice and since then, it had saved me at least two times on corners...At that moment I did thank for had listening to you..It really works guys...These two fingers and the initial 5% smooth brake, really saved me. Thanks again...I am just now, working with the Champ U training which is very valuable..also from one of your videos

[@cloud9847]

about to buy my first bike and have signed up for a rider safety course in my city for August. Can't thank you guys out here making safety videos enough.

[@CanyonChasers]

YES! Good luck!

[@johnhinds6540]

Smooth…. It’s all about keeping your control and comms with your bike smooth. Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze.. look further down the road. Great video brother. Ride safe.

[@CanyonChasers]

Well said!

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

when in traffic or you think you entering a interesting zone, take up the slack on brake levers, have your thumb covering the horn, you will rapidly improve your response time.

[@CanyonChasers]

I totally agree. I cover my horn all the time!

[@MeWrecks]

When I first saw this video, it was always a conscious effort to keep 2 fingers on the brake, a couple of weeks and it became comfortable, now it's muscle memory, it doesn't feel right to not have 2 fingers on the brake. Thank you for your videos!

[@sofahousechurch8266]

Brilliant... I'm new ISH to on road riding and have always covered the front brake... Most of my instruction for my UK big bike test has been to NOT cover the front brake.. But that's exactly what I do and will continue to be ready to stop in an increasingly control manner rain or shine. Big thanks for the encouragement

[@CanyonChasers]

Awesome and keep it up. The best riders in the world are the ones who are constantly working to improve!

[@melhinshaw9550]

I didn't realize that everything in this video is what I've been doing for many years. When my wife started riding at 59 years old I told her: Look ahead, think ahead, make a plan, execute the plan, re-evaluate, then repeat the sequence, continuously. There are many no threat times when I am not covering the front brake, but as soon as anything comes within my big bubble of possible influence I sit up (riding a sport bike) and cover the brake. I don't even think about it. I like how this was presented and I will share it with my wife. Of course its always better to have someone else teach your spouse or family member since the dynamics of your family relationship always negatively impact the teaching/learning process. Seems messed up that after all my years of racing and instructing I have to pay other experienced people to teach my wife, but the result is what's important. If I want her to survive and enjoy motorcycling with more confidence and safety, then I'll pay, whatever it takes. Love this series of videos.

[@andyhallme]

The passionate plea to change has convinced me to do so. I was never taught this during training, this is the most common sense easy to implement safety tip I've seen in a long time. Thank you.

[@CanyonChasers]

Excellent!

[@andyhallme]

The advise does make sense @@CanyonChasers and I love the user name, I can only imagine riding through the canyons in the sunshine, instead of the wind and rain we have in Wales.

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh, but we just adore Wales (and the UK) Those single track roads with passing places sure keep you on your toes. Go Wrexham. Haha!

[@unwantedsucctoy]

DDFMcrew checking in, this is such a cool video I never really thought to be constantly covering the break lever. Great stuff

[@osaze61]

New rider and I am soaking up all the fundamentals and implementing when practicing. Very helpful video, thank you

[@leavinskids8999]

As a very new rider fresh off the MSF being told not to cover the brakes this was news to me, will definetly be practicing covering the brakes going forward, thank you!

[@martingamlin4144]

Yep, all good advice, I tend to sit over that front brake most of the time just in case, and the urge to grab too fast is THE killer. Thanks for all you content man, by far the best bike youtuber, always bang on the money...all the others wind me up and talk rubbish at least half the time, you're the only one I can still watch ...and a septic too, who'd a thunk it! ; )....Keep on keeping on and ride safe.

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@johnreed1840]

Fantastic summary - thank you !!

[@chrisscibisz9231]

Another fantastic video. So much training and life saving advice. Thank you:) Best motorcycle channel on KZbin!

[@CanyonChasers]

Aw man! Thank you!! I put a ton of effert into each of these videos. I'm hoping it helps riders have more fun with less risk.

[@sealteam6319]

The responsibility of learning & becoming experienced in the craft of riding is the rider.

[@CanyonChasers]

Absolutely!

[@iallso1]

I have been doing two training sessions sessions a year since starting to ride 4 years ago. In each one they have had the attendees practice emergency braking at speeds from 30 to 80kmph. It is only through practising the skill that we can develop confidence in our ability and that confidence and skill will be essential when we need it for real.

[@jasondunn8894]

Great video. Food for thought and practice

[@fasttourmantv]

Now I fully understand why we need to put our two fingers always on the front break lever, watching from Pila, Laguna, Philippines, Godbless!

[@CanyonChasers]

Hello Philippines!!

[@m1cky6]

Yes I cover all the time...I made myself do it early on probably about a year after I first started riding....it felt a bit unnatural at first but soon enough becomes second nature and I believe it has saved me from disaster once or twice! Good advice indeed.

[@CanyonChasers]

Same story for me too, actually. After that initial learning curve it became so normal.

[@colinm1325]

@@CanyonChasers Another great vid with worthwhile advice. It only needs to save your bacon once to know this should be taught from the start of your riding. You give not only great and practical riding advice but maintenance and other tips n tricks. Thank you. 😎🙏🙂👍👏☕🍻

[@bobmetzger51]

The best part of this channel, beyond the skills you teach, is that you respond in someway to almost each and every video. That is awesome Dave and rarely seen elsewhere. I wish a had $5 for 10 years as a motorcycle trainer every time I coached “smooth”! Do I constantly cover my front break, honestly no. Do I cover my front brake in high traffic interaction areas or when the ride gets spirited. Yes!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thanks, and yes. Context is everything, right. We need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances. And geeze, coaching for so long, you learn really quick that you can get away with some really awful riding techniques as long as they are done smoothly.

[@ninjs2932]

This being my first of your videos, I am having to pause to subscribe when you swithced to anayomy form covering the front brake.. Outstanding.

[@parkerscheuermann7431]

Thanks!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you so much!

[@calablanca]

Great video again. Thinking about it, I happen to cover the front brake always on my scooter, but not always on my maxi trail. I’ll take it into account from now on. Thanks.

[@AaronSwitchgear]

I had the habit of covering my front brake and clutch with two fingers ingrained in me from mountain biking. It's saved me a few times on my motorcycle!

[@erickdorsey556]

Real great video, I've been riding sportbikes before they had fairings, worked with bikes for 20 years international rentals. I have videos with my two fingers on the breaks, many many years ago.

[@adrianmadaras]

In a BMW Road Safety course, I was taught to roll off the throttle, engage clutch and break at the same time, because they say that most riders are not fully roll off the throttle, the breaking distance is reduced when engage the clutch on emergency stop. Thank you for the lesson.

[@steve362ridger5]

A very good habit to acquire. Like you said we need to always be ready to ease on the brake.

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes indeed!

[@NMalteC]

This is an extremely valuable lesson. I ride in Vietnam six months of every year. Anyone not covering their front brake best bring their own body bag. Not everyone rides in an environment where people largely respect traffic code

[@Jehron]

Same here for Champ School, their videos helped me become better and safer. Practice!! Practice!! Practice!! Early morning every day for 1 month, I went to my local Bus Station Parking Lot, found a empty open space and practiced stopping by using random events to decide when I braked... Bus engine started? Brake! Wind blew harder? Brake! My Music changed? Brake! Don't forget your back brake but treat it like you're stepping on an egg and trying not to crack it. Over time you can feel how much traction is on that rear tire so you know how hard you can press. I still go there to this day to practice when I come home on the bike and to challenge myself to stop quicker and remain stable as I put my left foot down. .....You, YES YOU!, You Got This!!!

[@CanyonChasers]

Yes! Awesome!!

[@tjzulu1]

I’m 67 now, been covering the front brake since I was 14....thanks dad!! 🙌🏻

[@CanyonChasers]

Experienced riders understand. Yeah?

[@mikeyd6031]

I lived on mountain bikes before I ever got on motorcycles and I always covered the brakes while riding. So when I got my first motorcycle I naturally rode with fingers over the brake lever. Until the old timer I bought my first bike from said not to because it contributes to panic stopping and front wheel skid. Well after a while, as I learned more, I practiced emergency stops while gradually squeezing the brake lever. And now I tend to cover the brake again. Your message is good positive affirmation of a habit I was gradually getting back into. Thanks.

[@CanyonChasers]

As a lifeline mountain biker myself, I don't think I could not cover the brakes. Also I think you'll like this video we did recently: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5bQhGtnirqEgs0

[@dddon513]

I can't not cover it. The one thing I do different is instead of using index and ring, I use the middle ring and pinky. My thumb and index remain on the throttle like my hand is making the "ok" sign. It just feels more natural for whatever reason.

[@CanyonChasers]

I love it! It's less important how we cover the brakes and more important that we do!

[@megan1852]

Such amazing tips as a newer rider- thank you SO much! I plan on heading out to practice these for muscle memory! 😊

[@henriliu9851]

i like that anatomy part of explanation, radius part and ulnar part, useful, tks for your vid

[@CanyonChasers]

The benefits of my "mortgage-paying" job being in the medical world. I can ask all my Doctor buddies these kinds of questions and get really insightful answers.

[@NJMOptom]

Excellent advice - I would add that as well as covering the brake, take up the slack at every opportunity up to the bite point, it will increase reaction time further and makes it harder to mash it to quickly. Ryan F9 has a video on that…..

[@1050cc]

Good point. I realised, doing a skid pan course, there is no such thing as emergency braking on a bike. There's just proper controlled braking, that's all ;-)

[@CanyonChasers]

I like it! There is no such thing as emergency braking on a bike. I think I may steal that from you. 😎

[@arthurb8631]

Got into numerous arguments over this. I completely agree thanks for this I always cover brake and clutch.

[@yodomcat]

I use to two finger cover the brake, I then stopped because I would snatch the brakes in slow speed scenarios (5mph stuff with my bars turned)... not good! So I stopped covering the brake. That was until Champ-U and this 5% method. I am so glad I can cover my brakes again as it was a hang up. Love the way you explain things. Thanks as always.

[@stilldajoker]

adjustable levers just seem like a must have from a safety standpoint let alone looks or feel. When I put grip puppies on I took both levers towards the bar a notch to maintain the right distance for me. Options are a good thing.

[@deauvilledad07]

Been doing this for years in and around town. Tend only to do it on the highway when it's busy. 🤓 Ride safely 🤓 💙

[@brianperry]

The greatest advancement in motorcycle brakes is the hydraulic disc brake, coupled with ABS it is now possible to use the brakes more as a control system rather than just those...Oh, Crap!! ...moments...I've watched your videos about trail braking...looking where you want to be, and avoiding target fixation...l ride the wonderful twisty country roads of España where all those senses are invaluable... Excellent work CanyonChaser

[@CanyonChasers]

That or radial tires