This will save your life! How to trail brake on the street.

[@cjofatlanta5207]

Best I have ever watched! I mean "THE BEST"... THANK YOU

[@jeffhigginbotham1795]

Qqa

[@greyanaroth]

Even the simple rule mentioned at the end: we're never riding faster than the apparent and visible braking distance available to us, has saved me too often when I've seen other folks get surprised. You're right : these should be the MOST basic fundamentals taught to beginners. It just sets them up with the best tools to stay alive. Good one, Bret!

[@satyasidhu1]

Awesome video

[@MrDingus64]

Had a pretty bad crash about three years ago. Ever since I mastered trailbraking and use it even corners i can see thru. Dramatically changed and improved my riding. Im never taken by surprise and can make last minute adjustments with no drama.

[@Adam_Adamsky]

If you take his advice and ride on the wrong side of the road, you may well expect an even more spectacular crash rather sooner than later.

[@Adam_Adamsky]

@murraycharters6102 Well, I was clearly talking about those countries where they drive on the RIGHT side of the road. I mean, it doesn't take a PhD in rocket science to figure THAT out.

[@MRmUIREND1]

Like me sir, you know trail braking for safety is as much about applying the front brake through any part of a corner as it is about releasing the brake. So many just don't understand this, even instructors, who are missing out on a huge life saving skill.

[@InterimExec]

Best Trail Braking Explanation I have heard and seen. If you see only 1 this is it! Returning to Ride at 70 after a 6 year hiatus (hitting a deer at 60 miles an hour. Returning includes a lot of introspection. Airbags will remove "bad luck" of another deer darting in my way and breaking 6 ribs and a clavicule. Trail Braking will remove anxiety about "enjoying the twisties".NEVER BLOW A CORNER.NEVER COMMIT TO AN EXIT UNTILL I SEE IT. That's it...the secret sauce simply explained. Thank you for the best lesson on trail Braking

[@InterimExec]

PostScript: Thinking about it this beats any book i read on the subject,any online course and sure beats spening several thousand going to champ school....So I paid for the advice with a Patreon Subscription.Keep enhancing our skills!

[@greyanaroth]

Hi from the chaotic, crazy streets of India! I cannot tell you HOW many times trail braking has saved my ass, especially when hazards have jumped out mid corner, no warning, no vision, just boom. And I was ready. And could shave speed instantly and swerve out of the way. It also keeps you psychologically prepared to react QUICKLY to potentially fatal incidents. Note on rear brakes: again, since we're all human and some long sweepers just don't allow you to trail the brakes beyond a point, or if you've over slowed corner entry: I've got on the throttle but kept a very light foot on the rear brake, and when the radius has surprised me, just a little tap on the rear brake has helped me tighten up the corner considerably without losing the traction that being on the throttle gave me and I didn't need to lean further. Just kept everything else constant and added some rear brake. Amazing. Oh and Champ U saves lives. Legit.

[@dwhdclassroom2542]

Bret, I think that this is the best and most practical explanation of trail braking that I've ever come across. It's clear, not overly simplified, application oriented, and well illustrated. Thanks for your work.

[@LETSGOBRANDONFJB]

How would you do it on a trike?

[@LETSGOBRANDONFJB]

Riding the brakes is my term..

[@schizotony]

11:32 excellent camera angle to see the technique

[@brianglendenning1632]

Nice explanation. The critical point, to me, is carrying brakes to the point where you can assess when you will not be needing them - when you can see the corner and, importantly, the condition it is in and whether there are hazards. I see many riders riding roads they know well, committing to a well known corner and they know their speed and line is appropriate although deliberately close to the maximum for them and their skill - which is great until it is not, and they have painted themselves in to a corner where they have little in the way of options - diesel/mud mid corner, a pothole or related gravel, a dead or live animal on the road, a stalled car. Even on the track committing to a race line in to a blind corner means you are relying on a flag Marshall to warn you of dropped oil, a bike or parts of a bike, or a rider in the path you are blindly Committing to.

[@rotorhead5000]

Right there at the end before the outro, you put down what was one of the most important rules of driving that my dad taught me when I was a teenager; never outdrive your line of sight. I teach people how to drive school busses now, and same thing, if you cant stop in the distance you can see, you need to slow down, and this applies to corners, but also other low visibility situations like weather events, or lighting problems in the dark. I've had a few close calls riding where keeping that rule in mind is very possibly the reason im alive today.

[@johnhainsworth9330]

Probably the best explanation for real world road trail braking out there. Love that you included “stop on your side of the road in the distance you can see” that is often misunderstood or never applied. IMO, one thing you have missed is having the correct gear selection prior to corner entry. If you are in the correct gear, then using throttle control instead of the brakes will also slow you down. Another tool to have in the belt Good work Bret

[@ernier9033]

Riding downhill, use the same gear you would to ride uphill (engine braking prevents brake fade downhill)🕊

[@nortoncommandoupgradestrav2474]

Using the throttle and appropriate gear to slow down results in significant weight transfer to the front and instability whereas trail braking loads the front end and maintains stability through the bend.

[@4Kandlez]

@@ernier9033 That's not necessarily the case, just use the appropriate gear that works

[@dryogi4055]

It took me a while to realize that you are probably in Australia or NZ, and not simply showing people how to prepare for a head-on collision LOL Trail braking is something every rider should know. Thanks for the video.

[@robertrosicki9290]

Me too .

[@lorengrimes5293]

I love how concise your videos are. Although I know and use trail braking, watching this video was a great refresher. Definitely worth 17 minutes of my day.

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks, this is the best explanation of trail braking for the street that I’ve heard.

[@1egal1Liph]

Bret, great video and explanation of trail braking. As a retired highway engineer I recognize many many times the curves we ride into are compound curves where the radius does change and for a motorcycle the problem is when the second half of the curve is tighter, smaller radius. Another reason for the trail braking, awareness, and understanding that the pressure applied might have to increase, alot, and quickly.

[@Oculus729]

Hear, hear. Retired civil engineer here, too.

[@lovelessissimo]

An optimist sees the glass half full, the pessimist sees it as half empty. The engineer sees a glass that is twice as big as it needs to be.

[@volt8684]

@@lovelessissimotosh 0:35

[@Oculus729]

@@lovelessissimo actually you are wrong. The engineer sees the glass as always full (half filled with liquid, half filled with gas.) You're welcome.

[@YarraMates]

I was taught that brakes in the corner = upright bike going wide. 25 years of riding and just learned something new. Thanks for this excellent explanation, will be practicing and applying this.

[@johnbuffone3059]

I've watched a million trail braking videos and never really, truly felt like I understood it until this one. Fantastic explanation. I really appreciate that you applied the technique to street riding in an easy to understand and straightforward way.

[@thaspaniard]

Great video. One point I might stress more emphatically is the consequence of getting off the brakes completely on corner entry and then suddenly reaching for the lever AGAIN mid-corner if there is a surprise in the corner... which can often result in an overly aggressive grabbing motion with the brakes thus overwhelming and washing out the front tire. You mention loading the tire & being able to react to surprises & such, but this point could perhaps be stressed more, PANIC GRABBING THE BRAKES MID CORNER CAUSES CRASHES, whereas easing off and back on the brakes while maintaining light pressure on the brake lever the entire time (trail braking) does not.

[@fallinginthed33p]

Champ School teaches you to apply light braking to load the front forks, load the front tire's contact patch and to get you ready in case there's sand, gravel, deer or a downed rider up ahead in the corner. With the front suspension and tire already loaded, applying more gradual braking pressure won't cause the front tire to lose traction. On the other hand, going from zero braking to full braking causes a sudden load on the forks and front tire and *will* cause the front to tuck. There's a great Champ School video that shows a tire being leaned over and pushed with varying amounts of force to simulate loss of traction.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

This is the best explanation I have ever heard. I’ve actually been doing this for about 45 years. The very name trail braking is counterintuitive - we don’t ever talk about ‘trailing off’ the brakes elsewhere. You release them. My ancient 750 Bonneville loves this technique and I can ride her through the twisties faster than my bigger bikes, confidently knowing all is set up to feed her all 45hp on exit. The phrase “trail braking” kind of implies to my simple way of looking at things, the extensive use of the rear brake and we know that’s not always a good thing. But the rules don’t change: never ride into something you can’t see without making sure you can haul up before you get to that stationary van full of tourists taking pics around the blind corner! 👍🏻

[@spikeymikey8487]

Hi Bret. Great topic. I have had a motorcycle license since 1979. I do on average over 25,000 km every year. I was taught the technique of trailbraking very early in my riding career. I guess I was one of the lucky ones. I have always thought however that instead of calling it Trail breaking we should be calling it dragging the break because essentially I feel that’s what is happening. Just saying. Again thank you for the video :-))

[@guywolff]

Thanks Bret . Very timely .. I thought I have been doing this for years but did not know what to call it ... Being a back road rider and on a lot of roads with gravel or sand mid turn I have practiced many different ways to get around problems and set a line that works .. As a ski racer as a young-un we learned how to stay neutral when hitting ice and how to get off ones edges till there was something to grab traction from .. I have worked at staying loose enough to reset my line in a curve on the bike when needed or stand the bike up if a pile of sand is mid curve .. Keeping the frame stable and the front wheel loaded enough to do its job can be a wonderful dance . Thanks for the clarity here ... All the best from New England ..

[@johnquinn7777]

Trail breaking explained perfectly. 73 years old, sold my bike 5 years ago, just bought another and I can tell it's all about practice, and if you don't do that every time your out you're not doing it enough. Drive defensively. I like the fact that you talked about using the rear break as well which I always did.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

braking, slowing down - - not breaking things in half

[@markhollidge8514]

Thanks Bret! I have been trying to get my head around trail braking for years, and as others have already said, this is by far the best instructional video. Really do appreciate your time and advice. Thanks again! 👏👏👏

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

There is nothing like actually seeing his hand on the throttle and brake ! Moto Juitso did at least one great video on this.

[@doitdamnit]

Trail braking is a life saver! I never ran wide since I learned how to trailbrake. Thanx for your explanations, Bret!

[@slimfit767]

I don't trail brake and i never run ride

[@richardmiller4499]

Definitely has saved my life more than once. Now I always ride covering the front brake with two fingers. Safe travels. 🏍💨

[@robertobruselas3952]

One of the best "Trail Braking " video content. You have put a lot of effort into explaining and showing on the handlebar (throttle and brake levers). You highlighted very well the importance of "Rear Braking" as a secondary tool on the street. But a lot of professional riders on the race track use it as well (gliding technic). Congrats and have a safe ride. European Ninja 1000SX biker.

[@randymcnaught5583]

Probably the BEST explanation of the entire process of trail braking & cause & effect. I would sooner make a mistake on a track than on a public road. Roads must be shared with all users, in all directions. Track time is the place to make your mistakes, correct & learn. Thank you Sir! Stay safe and keep up the excellent content. Signed: a 71 year old rider with 50 years of riding experience and some mistakes.🇨🇦

[@Ram.Saketh]

Thanks for the tutorial. Happy to get a reaffirmation of the technique I have gained from trial and error!

[@colinwilliamson9114]

Thanks for the clarification on what is trail braking. I’ve heard numerous versions. What you are describing is exactly what I have been doing for 25 years of riding two up exploring new to us roads in the Pacific Northwest and Europe. The technique works well.

[@BluAlualu]

The best explanation of what trail braking ever it doesn’t matter what definition you have: stay alive, enjoy many more rides, be safe ride safe not just for you but other motorists as well. Thanks Brett awesome information 💯

[@TYRONE_SHOELACES]

I'm 64 years old and ONLY drive superbikes. I have never touched my back brake while leaned over in a turn in all of those 64 years and I'm still here. Yesterday I was doing 245 on "back roads" here in my twisty road Province of Nova Scotia, Canada. I have practiced using my front brakes while leaned over so much, that you could remove my back brake and I wouldn't notice it gone.

[@vincenzo2798]

I’m with you! 64 years old as well, and never use the rear brakes after attending a California Superbike school decades ago. Granted, he does specifically address that, but I have an injury to my right ankle where I can’t even bend my ankle enough to put my foot above the brake pedal. I’m afraid if you teach beginners to use the rear brake in a turn that they will lock it up and the bike will go out from underneath them.

[@KevinFletcher-c8u]

Excellent video, Bret! I appreciate that you emphasize all riders, regardless of experience, should be using this technique. It’s interesting that when I went through the training course here in Washington, we were penalized for ANY braking in a corner. Speed had to be set before the corner and they drilled that into us. A friend of mine is a former instructor at the Yamaha Champions school, and he taught me this technique early on and told me to quickly forget what the Endorsement class taught me. It’s helped me a great deal. You explained it beautifully in this video.

[@BretTkacs]

It's interesting that the class you took in Washington taugh Slow Look Lean Throttle but your instructor coached Slow Look Throttle Lean.... Hmmmm

[@kylesalmon31]

@@BretTkacshere in Oregon I was taught slow,look, roll then press.. so you are rolling on the throttle even before pressing. They drilled into as absolutely no braking in the corner as well.

[@starlordnetzero9633]

Good video thanks. In tight downhill twisties I'll trail break (usually just front but sometimes both front and rear brakes) through the curve. As a general rule slowly smoothly easing off the brake as lean angle increases (assuming no surprises) through the corner works well for me. If there is a surprise I have some brake applied and can just increase to slow further as needed. Accelerate only after I see and point the bike at the exit point of the curve.

[@jasongoodman4930]

From my experience - on a down hill turn ONLY use the front brake. Using even a little rear brake will result in a skid. You are already leaned forward going downhill, plus you apply the front brake which will compress the front shocks even more. So your rear wheel has very very little traction already. You apply the rear brake that rear wheel will lock up. I guess you could get away with it on a cruiser type bike but even a moderately leaned forward 'sportish' bike will lock up the rear wheel. I only use rear brakes when coming to a stop or slow speed maneuvers.

[@corujariousa]

Thank you for another useful video! Especial thanks for showing true knowledge and concern about your audience by mentioning: 1) Trail braking should be practiced first in a controlled environment; 2) The various conditions of when trail braking should be used and accessory braking techniques; 3) The considerations to be used in public roads. Amazing job! Several KZbinrs fail to mention those critical points.

[@Bwthomas2557]

You continue to increase my "longevity", thank Bret

[@debbieseaver551]

Great advice even for a veteran rider, Too many things are taken for granted, "always improving"

[@Grahamvfr]

Great explaination.. We have such a downer in the UK on trail, mainly because we have few 90 degree + curves, and also because it's sooo misunderstood here. I'm glad I'm not put off by this attitude and your video helps me keep the faith.. Thank you 😊😊

[@kaine4472]

I'm from the UK and agree 100%. There's so much dogma against trail braking. Many of the Advanced community are too hung up with IPSGA to entertain the thought that other techniques can be valid in certain situations. Fortunately my Advanced instructor had a more open mind and encouraged trail braking on steep tight downhill bends.

[@wavelife.explorers]

This is a very good explanation of trail breaking. I ride a lot in the alps, and use this in every serpentine. Even if it is not an emergency technique it is possible to increase the breaking a lot in a curve if something unexpected happens - an animal, dirt on road etc. If you don’t trail brake and grab the brake in a curve it is difficult to do a smoth break and it is difficult to increase the pressure on the steering smooth - to avoid the bike rising up and going straight…

[@c.y.997]

Love the description of rolling off the throttle while applying increasing pressure on the brake and carrying it through the corner that same way. Very intuitive.

[@boenq1908]

You are correct. Trail braking is the most important technique to be used in any 2 wheel vehicles, including bicycles. When I grew up, I did not know all this terminology , I just did it by nature and it works to my advantage as if I am really good in making turning in any corners. Until I learned the terminology, I started to realize I did it right. This must be taught at the beginning of learning skill so it will incorporate in the early skill and later will blend as one technique and skill as a second nature. I have been using it every time I am on 2 wheels. This is a great instructional video to anyone regardless of skill level. If you haven't done it or think it may be dangerous, think again, time to practice. By the way, where is the view you took it? Nice corner. I like to be in that kind of location from time to time. Thanks.

[@grounded7362]

A week and a half ago I had opportunity to put my trail braking skills to work when I was exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota. It made my ride so much more enjoyable and relaxing on roads I have never ridden before and completely unfamiliar with.

[@ThreeStreets42]

I learned to ride back in the NEVER break in the corners days. I picked up trailbreaking about three years ago and my riding is like night and day. 100% should have been taught this form the jump!

[@Vince1266]

Excellent vid, I learned very early on how much I hate scaring myself by running hot into corners. This is so important for new riders to learn. Mastering this well before going on sporty road rides will save you some skin or worse.

[@BretTkacs]

agree

[@Igor12822]

Fantastic video as always, best I ever seen... some guys did like 50 videos of trail braking, too long and confusing (won't say the name), but you do it so clear and to the point! You and Canyon chasers are top notch !

[@BretTkacs]

Stay tuned for follow videos on this subject. Why it works and 5 trail braking techniques are in the works

[@LloydGrace1]

Excellent video👍 I live and ride in the French Alps and learning to trail brake has been a game changer in terms confident and safer riding for me. Every rider should learn this technique from the get go

[@ddekeno1]

Appreciated the repeated point that trail braking is not just for high performance riding. Really appreciated that first example corner too--it helped illustrate how trail braking is the logical option for making it through the corner.

[@jeremymorse2087]

Great vid covering an essential skill set. This technique should be a critical part of basic rider training yet inexplicably along with counter steering it remains a gaping hole in the basic rider syllabus here in the UK. Yes they are covered in advanced rider courses but that's like leaving potty training until senior school! I use counter steering and trail braking in almost every corner and when I see new riders who have clearly not been taught these skills I feel so concerned for them. Great vid as ever Bret.

[@bharathyadav1589]

I ve watched 10 plus tutorials, could not get my head through the idea, but bro made me understand in a single video, you ve earned my respect and subscription man..❤

[@Chilllybob]

I've never heard of trail braking and I've been riding over 40 years.. I definitely will apply it Thank you so much for explaining it...

[@JohnLaCroixRenaissanceMan]

One thing I always think about with the tighter canyon-y types of turns is what gear am I coming into the turn with. That way the neutral throttle naturally provides a constant bit of engine braking through the turn. I also find that small changes of throttle in the turn allow me to fine tune my lane position easily, and when I hit the exit point I just need to twist a bit more, usually at the point where I'm letting the brake go. I might be full of crap, I'm in no way an expert rider, but it seems to be working for me.

[@jameshisself9324]

It seems so many have been taught 'only brake straight, never in the corner'. As long as your pace is very slow that practice can work, but always at the risk of the blind corner that is too tight for even that practice. Thanks for educating riders!

[@bjorn249]

I've seen many videos about this topic but as some people already pointed out here this has to be the best explanatory video i've seen about it. This is the one I'll recommend to whoever needs it from now on. Thanks a lot for the great free content. Greetings from Germany :D

[@jonathanrodela1024]

This is the best explanation of trail breaking I've ever heard & seen. Made the light bulb light up. The Eureka moment. Thank you!

[@BudoReflex]

I’ve had two instructors and will go for my second license attempt in two days. Neither of those instructors gave me any instructions on using the front brake apart from emergency stops. Zero. I only learnt how silly it was using the back brake to slow down when a friend helped shadow my bike from strobe to my apartment. Trial braking is what I do in a car all the time, brake into the corner. It’s what gives race cars the grip to corner at all.

[@MrD-moto]

Excellent coaching video. I developed my trail breaking skills on a late 80’s K100RS that provided me the best solution for controlling the squat and rise of the shaft reaction prior to the days of paralever. 35 years later it’s a technique as natural as using the clutch without having to think about the process. An every technique that enhances your control and safety.

[@aria8928]

Would be great if more riders used this technique regularly, would save many expensive and painful falls. But msf courses care a lot more about teaching what gives them the least liability rather than keeping us safest.

[@vijayam1]

Excellent. One skill I'd swear by is looking far ahead and turning one's head into the corner coupled with trail braking. It can improve one's visual aids and response time and it's fun. :)

[@GS_Johnny_ADV]

On my first set of 50/50 tires ever (Mitas E-07) what a different feel on the road when turning. Thanks for the lesson!

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

I started off-road and then to Auto Cross, trail breaking was a no-brainer for me on my GSXR. It will fix fixation. You watch the corner leave you and fly off the road, or you can trim off the momentum.

[@LenaScott-numoto1]

As a new rider, that was clear and great information! This will help me smile while I ride 😁 Thank you Bret!

[@Mickey_Bauer]

Trailbraking was a game changer. No guesswork and a lot more confidence in corners...

[@idkofone]

I started practicing this on the way to the Dragon. I think that’s how I kept up with my father-in-law while staying safe and within my comfortable level of risk. Great video!

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

I'll bet you used it alot at the Dragon! Makes me wonder how many riders on the dragon don't know about trailbraking.

[@ronvaughan8041]

Great video Bret. The difference in how the bike feels and performs with this technique becomes very apparent in an environment such as the Great Smokies or West Virginia where the curves come rapidly and are tight and/or have a compound or decreasing radius.

[@BretTkacs]

But they are Sooo much fun!

[@ronvaughan8041]

@@BretTkacs Yes they are, especially for a guy from the Midwest. 😆😮🤪

[@WielHansen]

Best video with explanation of Trail Braking I have ever seen on KZbin. Well done! I use it while riding in Europe as well: the Ardennes in Belgium and Luxemburg, The mountainous regions in Germany, Austria, Switserland etc. They should teach it as soon as possible to new riders. It will save so many lives.

[@rockway32]

very good visual explanation of trail braking ! trail braking when practiced enough it tends to keep people from snapping there brakes and if you are not going to use the rear brake at least always cover it just it case you need more braking power

[@AlistairCarter-fk9yo]

I’m currently in the process of practising this method. Haven’t attempted additional rear brake yet but will. I’ve found trail braking a real eye opener and really does work, although I’ve found it occasionally ‘ruins’ my line thru the corner bringing me nearer the inside line too soon - but that’s simply because it is such a proficient way to tighten your cornering. I’ve also risked entering corners that I know extremely well a little bit faster than I would do with the press n roll technique & found when adding the necessary extra small amount of brake pressure mid-corner (as you would upon discovering an obstacle/spilt sand etc), that the trail brake cornering method will definitely be a life saver on unknown corners that are possibly mis-judged. A lot of practising yet to go before I’ve perfected the overall method but it’s proving a fantastic way to give you that confidence in corners, both known & unknown.

[@fixento]

Interesting but I'm not sure how, trail braking on an asphalt road, principles used in what, loose/compact gravel, dirt or sand adds to paved road cornering techniques. Brake and/or using gears to slow before a curve, setting your track from outside towards the apex then outside for visibility and "straightening" the curve is riding 101. Ride at your skill level, if the corner is blind, or tightens like on cloverleaf entry ramp onto an expressway, being slower is expedient. One other consideration, roads next to steep mountain/hill slopes after heavy rains, beware of gravel/debris on corners.

[@leestevens4536]

Thanks Bret, I get so much from your content. I am a 100% street rider.

[@LouisGiliberto]

Learning trail braking made me feel more confident. When I first learned to ride, I had a few "press and pray" instances. After I learned to trail brake curves became easier. I agree it should be taught from the beginning.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

I'm conflicted on teaching trail braking in beginner classes. I understand the risks in the 'press and pray' method (lol, love that btw), but in my experience, many students don't develop the smooth control inputs needed during a 15 hour BRC. I've seen so many students that pass but are still very abrupt and jerky with their use of the clutch, brakes, and throttle, and I'd be worried about trying to teach trail braking at this point in their skill development. I do think, however, that trail braking should be taught earlier than it typically is now, and not reserved to advanced level courses that many riders will never bother to take. In fact, perhaps that is the biggest justification to adding this to BRC curriculum anyway: the fact that the vast majority of riders that take a BRC consider that the end of their skill development and never come back or seek out additional training.

[@BretTkacs]

As an instructor you can't add it to the BRC and the BRC isn't designed to facilitate a trail brake module. When I designed the Learn To Ride curriculum I built it into the program so it was integrated into each lesson to build into trail braking

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

@@BretTkacs of course, didn’t mean to imply I’d go off script in a class, just sharing my thoughts on adding it into existing curriculum.

[@beepbop6697]

What does the BRC teach for "how to slow down in a corner when entering it too fast"? The answer should be the trail-braking technique.

[@michaelsupple6081]

From a safety standpoint I consider trail braking to be one of the most important skills I've developed. It's saved my bacon on more than one occasion when Ive misjudged a curve. I'm always shocked at how resistant riders are to learning the technique. I'm usually told that it's a technique to be only used on the track by highly skilled riders. It's actually very easy to learn. I practice it all the time even when I don't need it. Next time you're going around a corner at an intersection in your car pay attention to your braking. You'll see that you do most of your hard braking as your approaching the corner then you ease off the brake slightly as you start making the turn and finally let off completely as you feel comfortable with your exit. Trail braking on your bike is exactly the same.

[@InterimExec]

Getting back to riding after a serious crash with a deer. Currently practicing trail braking with the car. Riding the motorcyle in my head.(Like the vietnam pow playing gulf in his cage)

[@trd4d]

I have never heard that term until today. Have never seen it in 50 years. Have never been told to brake after entering a curve. Makes a lot of sense, and I will practice on my next ride. Only change will be driving on the right side if the road! 😂

[@kenchang6084]

excellent explanation; this teaches me to practice/notice more of trail breaking on street and make sure no blind corner is gonna surprise me.

[@kdross6328]

First time I’ve heard the qualification… more than 90 degrees or downhill. This puts trail barking in a more practical context. I’ve found that, except when going downhill, engine braking with a closed throttle overrides any braking. It’s tempting to keep on a bit of throttle to release the engine braking while apply a bit of trail braking to get the added control.

[@inmoneywetrust3292]

As an experienced sport bike rider Excellent explanation nailed it!!

[@boenq1908]

Thanks for the video, it helps many people to understand more and how to use the front brake properly as it was designed for it. I have been using the front brake since I first learn how to ride a MC. The only thing I did not know is the terminology used as trail braking. But all the procedures and techniques have been in me since I was 16. It helps a lot in any situation and honestly, in any of my ride, I would say 90% of my braking is the front brake. I use rear brake just to cover before taking off or to stabilize before stopping. Sometimes I use only front brake to stop completely but it has to be consistent distance away before it comes to a full stop and it is perfectly fine. Thanks for the terminology and technical skills. It is funny, I remember the first time I learned and as long as I can balance it, and I figure it out the rest along the way. And the MC is our main transportation, carry cargoes, go to the market, put 2 bags of 50 lbs rice on the bike, one close to the tank and one at the back, tie it down and ready to go to any terrain, not a good road. If I started to think about it, I actually did the adventure riding without having a demand to have an adventure bike. :) But I still have to pick your brain. I wish I can meet you for a local training or practice, I am here in Puyallup

[@mikemerrill175]

Looks like most riders are apexing to soon. Great information. Best thing I learned was to focus on the exit as it moves.

[@BretTkacs]

The video was near the TouraTech rally and I have maybe 75 riders on video, of that less than a handful actually rode a clean line.

[@InterimExec]

You will notice little mention (if any of Apex) in the video...just staying wide,brake light on,until u see the exit.....until you see the exit Amen

[@riggs1971]

love the way you explain trail braking.. always wondered why i wasn't trail braking enough and now i know becoz not all corners are trail braking corners. Thank you.

[@peter.knupffer]

Ok, this guy is worth listening to. I've seen so much online riding 'advice' which will get people into trouble. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@JoshuaClarked]

It reallyyyyy does feel like a super-power once you've got it down. Just being confident in breaking well into a corner, and being cognoscente of your 100 points of traction means you are just in so much of a better position when inevitably something unexpected happens in a curve and when it's not an ideal situation.

[@emmahoeve]

Great video, best advice that can't be repeated enough : 'On public roads we never driver faster than the distance we can see and stop'. For me adding small LED beam- or fog-lights low on my bikes took care of that in the dark. The white lines on te road and road-signs light up very bright with very limited blinding effect for my 'opponents' (oncoming traffic) or people riding in front of me.

[@MrJacobdiego]

Awesome explanation! That was the corner I blew just before the final descent to Touratech 2023...

[@unulupu4246]

Your best video for all of us two wheelers out there. Thank you sir! (Bucharest, RO)

[@BretTkacs]

Wow, thanks!

[@steveoverstreet5635]

This technique is SO obvious on bicycle, e.g “10 speeds” with their caliper brakes. I say this because bicyclists pick it up almost instinctively. I did it during my basic rider course and of course was scolded. But I continued doing it after I passed the class. It was too me, at least as instinctive as it had been on my bicycle. On the bike we used to say we were “scrubbing off some speed.” We all knew it took a light touch and we all knew that a hard grab could lead to a broken collar bone. So guess what? We used 2 fingers to operate the the front brake.

[@Mvees]

100%. Why you wouldn’t use this technique instinctively is beyond me!

[@4Kandlez]

Agreed, it's just a natural thing to do if you've spent any significant time riding bicycles, it's all about modulating the front brake. As a kid if you were smart you only grabbed the front brake once, I remember it well.

[@person.X.]

Agree. Always the obvious thing to do.

[@Kamel419]

Got a bike with ABS... I've tried so hard to overcome my built-in instincts to never fully grab the front brakes but I can't do it lol.

[@steveoverstreet5635]

@@Kamel419 one thing that might relax you a bit - your ABS! Test it in the parking lot first, of course. But once you see how it performs, you can trust it when you panic. ABS does way faster than a human this “speed scrubbing” technique. Plus, anytime you hear the ABS “chatter” you know you have work on brake even softer. Don’t use ABS INSTEAD of trail braking! Only a handful of modern bikes have ABS that works in corners. But it might help you develop the confidence to work hard at developing your soft touch. PS; so does a bicycle, even a cheap, battered up one!

[@ken2tou]

I believe I know that curve. Very technical! Great explanation of trail braking. I’ve ridden for years in the Santa Cruz mountains. Lots of opportunities to practice.

[@susanneschnitker6712]

Hi Bret, thank you & your team for your intersting, informative and wonderfully entertaining. I'm Susanne (Lippstadt, Germany) reborn rider by G650GS after a 25-year-brake. Since I'm small and light I reach my physically limit to lift up the Single engine. You certainly know the foldable lifter which I ordered by Eastbound/NL. It's amazing because it's very handy!! Perhaps a lot of bikers don't know that its exists. Stay healthy and always good luck , regards

[@franciscomorales8102]

Thanks for the advice! I was looking to improve my turning-corners skills, and your explanation made great sense! The visuals help to understand the information way better! Continue on! and stay safe on the road!!

[@robinwells8879]

Intriguing! I have constantly heard this term and wondered what it referred to and now I realise that I taught myself how to trail brake unwittingly in the short time that I have been back on the bike.

[@BretTkacs]

I plan to do a video on 5 trail braking techniques and one explaining why it works

[@robinwells8879]

@@BretTkacs looking forward to seeing the video.

[@martinchapman3095]

great video... thanks. Wathced a few on this topic but this is by far the best. As you say, we are not racing, just staying alive on public roads

[@kevinmckenna5389]

50 years in and I am now learning about Trail Braking! Thanks for a great video. Question on your 2 fingers on the lever. I was always taught to cover with all 4...

[@Kevin-mw9yl]

You're absolutely right. I've seen guys on scooters, out ride others on sport bikes. It's about being fluid, every time you ride. For me, i'm always out there, trying to perfect my technique. Counter steering, and dare i say, correct usage of your gears, to match current road condition of the road, in line wit posted speed limits. I've found over the years, target fixation, can be a real killer, which doesn't mean, you shouldn't take notice, of signs, giving an indication, of the corner. My current ride, is a Tiger 1200 gt pro, which is a far cry, from my previous bike, which was a sports tourer. I'm 66, and have no plan, to stop riding anywhere soon.

[@LuminaxtheChargeKeeper]

The one thing I have not seen addressed here or in any TB video is correct throttle use. This is a great video for flat or downhill roads. What is missing, or actually incorrectly stated here, is that closing your throttle when trail-breaking can be a huge mistake. For example, a long tight uphill corner, If you close the throttle while trail breaking you may end up either on your side, or getting hit from behind. The other option is you can try and judge your speed but going into an uphill corner you just have too many factors, especially on an unknown corner, to “guess” your entry speed. So keeping the very small amount of break pressure is great, but at the same time you want to keep your throttle open some, in case this uphill corner is longer or steeper than you thought. In uphill corners it’s an interplay between constant controlled break pressure (trail breaking) and constant controlled throttle. It may seem unintuitive to have throttle and break in use, but on steep uphill mountain turns I can’t think of a better way to ensure cornering control.

[@BretTkacs]

When would I trail brake with brakes going uphill? On public roads dead throttle is typically enough to control slowing into and uphill corner

[@LuminaxtheChargeKeeper]

@@BretTkacsI ride a lot of mountain highways where a good bit of the riding is uphill (at least the first part) and many times I would have just slowed to a stop if I traikbreak, only with maybe 3-5% breaking force, going on an uphill curve. My entry speed to prevent needing to apply throttle while trail breaking would have to be crazy fast. Just my opinion.

[@juri2227]

But not only uphill! I want to add throttle on level corners as well

[@ugly8015]

Best explanation and demonstration of trail braking on youtube.

[@dave-d]

Totally agree this is level one school stuff. When you think about how the steering geometry changes through the turn it really makes sense. Thanks again Bret.

[@donsmith3573]

I live in the uk and where I live we have very technical roads a lot like a race track so I use trail braking most bends, but i take pressure of the front before apex and adjust the rear as I’m hitting the apex then on apex release rear and accelerate, after a while it comes naturally. This is an excellent video

[@davidwilliams8416]

Superbly and clearly explained. Appreciate the left hand drive perspective too. How about some clear (UK!) overtaking advice in forthcoming episodes?

[@VinceW-m2k]

Legend, the best explanation of trail braking I’ve had in 2 yrs

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

Best explanation of trail braking I've seen online.

[@RideLikeAChamp]

Best trail braking lesson for street riding , simply awesome

[@Peter-io2xs]

Great discussion of a VERY useful skill. I will often start to add throttle toward the end of my front brake release. I feel it adds stability and fun to the turn.

[@kdross6328]

Yep… adding a little throttle releases the engine braking. I think the beauty of this technique is that you are in the the best balanced configuration with both throttle and brake available for any situation.

[@Peter-io2xs]

Good point. I never thought of it this way. Thanks for the insight. Peter@@kdross6328

[@velikijoxotnik]

Excellent video. Subscribed. Over the last year, I've started riding again (after ~25 years of not riding, but having grown up on dirt bikes and rode a VFR750 in the late 80's and early 90's). I'm on a Harley Touring bike now. I've taken a few MSF riding course, to become a better, more skilled rider. What I'm finding is that I've really been doing the right things (mostly) all along, but didn't know that I was or why exactly I was doing that. For example, in the MSF slow-speed skills courses, they teach to never be on the front brake in a corner, yet I commonly used the front brake (although I was much heavier on the rear brake) and had trouble not using the front brake. Watching your video, I'm realizing that I've been doing a modified form of trail braking, but didn't know that I was. From your video, I better understand what I was doing and what I need to work on, to be more skilled in more aggressive corners. This is the first of your videos that I've watched, but have subscribed because I can tell your content will be very good and well explained.

[@BretTkacs]

I will do a follow up on 5 methods of trail braking as well as one explaining why it works

[@kiwiadventurer]

That is one of your best ever on road benifits to motorcyclists Bret, well described and much appreciated