How to brake on a motorcycle

[@robmitchell716]

It sounds better that what I do. Grab front brake as hard as I can, get up, pick bike up and ride away again.

[@blu9016]

+Rob Mitchell Thats good practice.

[@BhagwatiPrasadJoshie]

You have a follower here who basically did the same

[@LowTierPancakes]

I,ve done that already. I don’t care to wipe out again lol.

[@michaelkennedy8573]

That first click is the switch for the brake light mate

[@EnclaveDesigns]

^ This.

[@michaelkennedy8573]

Gary W its a bit daft teaching us how to brake not knowing how they work ahaha

[@Clearanceman2]

That makes sense, if you had to pull the lever twice to avoid lock up, there would be much lock up.

[@SadHippieMane]

"RESPECT THIS CLICK"

[@gabrielcristovaoantunes3835]

Thanks for the good tips. By the way, if someone want to know, this is in Cascais, Portugal. Beautiful place. Have a good rides.

[@ripkingpin]

The first click is your stop light switch ... LoL

[@joseguadalupetorrespadilla1900]

True XD

[@TonyRule]

As soon as I saw him describe the brake light switch click as something other than what it is I knew I had to read the comments before going any further.

[@markpulling12]

I THINK THE CLICK IS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ..NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER

[@aurorafrausto]

You're an excellent teacher! These videos are to the point, full of examples, and complete explanations. I enjoyed your counter-steering video most of all. The bit of physics thrown in there helped immensely to make sense of everything. Tyvvm for posting these.

[@schdl]

I think it is great, that you demonstrate this kind of things and explain!

[@KristianKumpula]

Also something that people should keep in mind about braking is that if you're pretty sure you're in a situation where you have to emergency brake but your braking distance would be too long but you might be able to dodge, do not immediately jump on the brakes, instead countersteer as strongly as you can and straighten up as fast as possible, then brake if still necessary. When I was starting out as a biker (and a road user), I got into a situation where the line of cars I was following was stopping but something distracted me so I did not realize it and was still doing 70-80 km/h. I was way too close to the car in front when I realized my predicament so I dodged and went in between the cars on both lanes. I couldn't think properly so I didn't consider the incompatibility of braking and steering and I got my braking timing and applied force wrong so my rear was behaving like an excited dog's tail, but I managed to focus well enough to keep the rear from bumping into the cars and come to a stop. All was well because a locked rear can be managed, but had I pulled the front brake a little bit more I would be pushing daisies or crippled.

[@IAMRONIN]

These beginner vids are great Cager. They are really helping me understand certain aspects of riding. I'll be getting into riding sometime in the next year so I'm trying to learn as much as I can right now! Thanks!

[@Azurel777]

I went to advanced motorcycle course, the instructors were police instructors. They said to always use four fingers when energency braking and to pull in the clutch.

[@kemot23]

hi, good point. What i normally do is to to downshift while emergency braking it took me a while to get use to it. But its better since i can take advantage of my engine brake giving me more stopping power. I have a 135cc bike bigger bikes might be different :)

[@Azurel777]

Miguel Landa Tabosky I am pretty sure there is a diffrence in opinion on this subject between professionals. The police instructors told everyone to try two finger break and then four fingers. Everyone stopped a lot faster with four. This was on a training track with good asphalt surface and planned stops. You do have a better chance to lock the wheel when you start breaking, however during breaking you need the extra strenght. If you have ABS, you got the best of both worlds :)

[@i94yeh2p]

Very informative. Probably the best "how to ride a motorcycle" series I've seen on KZbin. You don't over complicate your explanations. Lots of other guys scare you to the point where it all seems like too much. :)

[@Coloradoguy234]

"ABS- It's for bikers who want to live". I like it.

[@Kid574]

Knowing how to ride and brake, i still found this very helpfull and actually did learn something new: Instead of downshifting normally as i usually do while braking, i now know the benefits of using the slip zone while downshifting and holding it there. Keep it up!

[@gabor12800]

Good explanation in the videos! It really gives me additional info how to drive the motorcycle. I'm planning to get the license. Two things i missing in this video, but you can upload it in another video. One is how to break in turning. I heared that both breaks must be used gently. Otherwise the driver will fall. The other thing how to break on wet road.

[@jamierorison203]

Cager, your awesome mate! I really enjoy your videos! Ignore the guys complaining that you don't do this right or should do this.... AT LEAST YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING, which many people enjoy watching! P.S. I missed half of this video because the tyre went "WANK" legend! Keep them coming amigo!

[@Nedandchris5516]

the first click is actually the button that turns on the brake light

[@mrbigtime81]

i was about to say samething.

[@robinbaldrian3352]

Thank you dude. Your video is so informing especially for people who dont know how to break yet. I know how important it is, i learned it the hard way... Very nice i like your videos !

[@CoolBoyUltimate]

"The tyre just goes, WANK" hahaha

[@queenofyeay]

I don't know about other, newer ABS equipped bikes but the motorcycles that I owned in over 30 years of riding them, NEVER locked up the front brakes, no matter how hard I pulled on them... That may have been a function of metering because as you noted, if the front brakes lock up on you, you are going down. Or weight, because the Bikes I owned were in the 400 to 500 pound range. Having said that My VF1000R had both exceptional brakes, and it had anti-dive front forks. Not only could I pull my front brakes as hard as possible and there was no lock-up but there also was less weight transfer to the front end without diving so the brakes were more effective. More than once in a panic stop I was saved by those exceptional brakes... the rear brakes were another matter; almost ALWAYS in a panic stop I could hear the rear brakes locking up but it was easy enough let up a little on the foot brake pedal and feather them in and out of lockup. As I understand how ABS works, I believe that front brakes with ABS are meant to be able to stop momentarily before the ABS system actually begins to work. You should NEVER downshift in a panic situation; the rear brakes are liable to lock up anyway adding more braking force to the rear wheel by using engine braking is just going to get you to that point of lockup sooner and giving yourself extra things to do in a panic is not usually a good thing. Not to mention you might accidentally end up in neutral and you are compounding the lock-up situation of your rear wheel. As I'm sure you know the balance of front to rear braking effectiveness is aproximately 70 percent front and 30 percent rear brakes.

[@TonyRule]

Having owned a VF1000R myself, your brakes weren't working properly and it sound like none of your brakes ever were. I've had bikes for 30 years and I've never had one that I couldn't lock the front wheel on, on a sealed road.

[@edwindanieljacob]

Excellent tutorial. You're quite right, proper braking technique is not emphasized nearly enough, if at all, in safety courses.

[@johancotto8191]

Good tutorial !!! Learned from the brake locking got my first bike and learned the hard way not even .5 a mile up the road lol RESPECT THE CLICK!

[@brandonnixon7105]

When is the proper time to pull the clutch in while braking?

[@jamesieuan839]

at the end as your about to come to a complete stop or if you feel the bike to start stallbasically when you pull the clutch in your going to speed up a bit unless the brakes are on because with the clutch all the way out the engine is stopping the wheels going any faster allways brakes THEN clutch

[@MannyFBaby]

Came here to ask this same question

[@bandinator]

i would add some other note about the breaking power. when you use both breaks at ideal sircumstances 70% of breaking power goes to a front and 30% to the rear. in wet weather 60% to front and 40% to rear. i also know a guy -insane driver- who absolutely dismounted his rear brake. safe driving :)

[@DemoNiq]

actually, that "click" engages your break lights, to let people behind you know that you're braking.

[@NewMillionaire]

You are good! You make the most sense and I went to training.--and he was very good. Best on KZbin!

[@ENJ4321]

They tell you not to brake with 2 fingers in the msf class.

[@M6MRP]

The click on mine is the little micro brake light switch as well the master cylinder in silent.

[@TheYoyo2369]

I was just going to say that.. Every bike i've had, the click was that switch being pushed. Say if I am reducing my speed without using the brake (engine breaking due to down shift) I tap the lever to the click just to flash my lights. Wakes people up for sure!

[@marianagrilo7263]

for those who do not know, he is portuguese. great videos. thanks!

[@decky1990]

I need to practise this. I had a low side on Saturday because I didn't apply the brakes progressively enough. I learnt about the front tyre flattening over exponential braking but in the moment I didn't put it into practice well enough. Shame I didn't have ABS to protect me. Live and learn!

[@Azurel777]

ABS is great in an emegrency, that is typically the situation when you stop riding conciously and act out of reflex, hence grabbing the brakes and locking them. You can not learn how to break and be done with it. You have to practice it, possibly every single day. I did it every day before I arrived home in our street.

[@decky1990]

I'm happy to practise it every day until I get it right. I think tyres may be an issue but I'll take it easy until March and then get a set of Michelin PR4s in time for the MOT. Thanks for the comment, Azurel. Really appreciate it.

[@rykingdata6506]

the click on the front brake lever is just the sensor for the brake light. the lever is the pump and its the only pump on the front brake. also so many people keep saying "braking while turning is dangerous" and such, its not. Its called trail braking and its actually extremely easy. From personal experience, anyone that really wants to learn to ride a motorcycle should really go to a racing school and practice at a track with a coach. no matter what bike you ride (supersport, endure or cruiser) riding even a small dirtbike will help you immensely. 99% of people who ride motorcycles cant even ride a mini bike like a ttr-230 to its full potential.

[@jspope2008]

I have been riding various bikes for 40 plus years. I think a good way to try to stay safe is to assume nobody can see you!!! If you want to cain it try to do it when very little else is about especially side turnings. Always take huge care when overtaking coz most people in cars have no idea of what’s behind or beside them. Ciao.

[@gieduckqaz]

these videos are making me feel more confident, thankyou!

[@dulfo678]

Good Video! I Locked up the Rear Brakes of my Friends Underbone Motorcycle (Kawa , Fury 125R Dual Disk) Once (since almost everything here in the Philippines is a Moped) because there was a DEEP Pothole and it was a Downhill S Curve , the back.end fishtails and I almost crashed. good thing I Released the Brakes and didn't used the Front and counter steered back to my lane ..... KNOW THE BIKE FIRST BEFORE RIDING that was My Lesson ... i really need to practice braking downhill :)

[@keepup5063]

pull the clutch lever first before any kind of brake?

[@bryan_fm]

Thanks for this! Almost none of this was covered when I took the MSF course. :/

[@kemot23]

NIcely done. I am a sub of Roadcraft Nottingham. I learned a lot from him. Mostly what i do with my bike when i ride :)

[@SaleZli]

Hi, what is location of this beautiful landscape for ride in Portugal?

[@sobek]

i prefer to use my face to brake. clears the pores

[@jonathangliniak9961]

Clears the dermatologists debt too lol

[@-Tecky-]

hey Cager, would breaking while leaving it in gear be a little bit more beneficial since you would be combining engine braking and the actual disk brakes? Thanks

[@assemaltamimi6173]

did you squeeze all the front brake?

[@gustavowalkracer]

Cager, eu curto andar de mota mas tenho alguns receios de cair e partir-me todo. Tirar a carta de mota (atenção, quero uma 125cc porque não quero nem me dá jeito mais) para praticar estas coisas de travar e curvar com alguma monitorização de malta profissional? Ou basta ver alguns vídeos, entender e .... praticar muito?

[@Richiesrant]

Very much appreciate your videos. Keep them coming!

[@suljithsunil5601]

which is first clutch or frond brake to pull during giving a brake to motor cycle??

[@joshuajgrillot]

My father passed away a couple weeks ago and all He really had was his Harley. I have never had any motorcycle experience. Since i am going to keep the bike and ride it I'd just like to know somethings on braking, as that is My most feared area of riding. Now I am familiar with driving a stick on a car, I know how the clutch system works when breaking and what gear to be in depending on what speed i am going if I need to accelerate. My question is, is it the same way when braking a motorcycle? Do I hold in the clutch while slowly pressing the front and back brakes? And if I do not have to stop, do I put it in the gear for the correct speed? Since it is different to shift gears in a car, is it best to downshift at intervals as i slow down more and more? And advice is appreciated.

[@FranseFrikandel]

+JustaGuy Shifting is exactly the same as in a car, you only have a foot pedal instead of a knob, pushing up is a gear up, pushing down is a gear down.

[@EnclaveDesigns]

That really didn't answer his question at all lol.

[@riyasaslam9857]

first cluch catch and use the front brake?

[@vincentvangogh8092]

abs increases breaking distance if you lock up because it does on off on off on off as shown on mcrider

[@Kinniku_kai]

Crazy. I always thought that first little click for the front brake lever was the switch to turn the brake light on?

[@spacepod100]

why did you always hold the clutch in when you hit the brakes?

[@aurorafrausto]

#CagerOnTwoWheels, I understand that the gears on a motorcycle are sequential. As in, you can't go from 2 to 5 without going through 3 and 4. So, if I have to break while on 5th gear and I do NOT come to a complete stop, and instead need to go to third, (or is what I would do in a car), what do I do? Do I shift down through 4th and on to 3rd then release the clutch at 3rd? Also, am I to understand that I cannot shift down from 2nd to neutral, only 2nd to 1st (as a safety measure)? So the only way to get to neutral is shifting halfway up from 1st? How do I prevent from shifting up into neutral instead of into 2nd? Can that happen? Does it often happen? Thanks again for all your videos @CagerOnTwoWheels !!

[@kaimiller546]

Bulldog Dynasty, Inc. I occasionally flip into neutral on my 250cc bike when trying to get into 2nd but I'm new to biking and not to comfotatable with it yet

[@100percentserious]

if i downshift to engine break do i need to release the clutch everytime i go down 1 gear? example if im on 5th gear and i want to engine break would i clutch in>downshift>release clutch>clutch in again>downshift etc. or can i just clutch in>downshift all the way to 1st gear?

[@USHUAIAFILMES]

Boa tarde. Quero comprar uma Honda NC700X no Brasil, porém minha dúvida é: com ou sem ABS? Vale lembrar que pretendo pegar estradas de terra, porém sem grandes aventuras, apenas estradas não pavimentadas. Neste caso o ABS seria perigoso?

[@sseba_mu]

if you want to brake as hard as you can, how do you use the gears?

[@bibovskij9526]

Why do I have to use the clutch while breaking?

[@Evidore]

I use the same technic on my car since it does not have abs and i tend to lock the wheels pretty much, i use to downshift and brake slightly and then apply full brake so it does lock the wheels, its called Human-ABS xD. i know a car is not a bike, but physics do apply on both. Good video btw. Go Portugal :)

[@tylerbates6599]

I down shift while braking the engine rpms help slow it down. I don't fully pull the clutch in until i'm about 5 feet from where I am actually stopping.

[@Squirrel4361]

Thanks! An excellent video for a new hopeful rider!

[@RB-xq7qh]

where is this? this place is beautiful

[@subhammondal8918]

Hello thanks for the video.. I have a question to you... I am a new rider, so i need to know did you use catch to slow the bike while breaking... Thank you

[@MatiasKorpela]

please make a tutorial of how to get smoothly moving on moped and changing gears.

[@michaeljordon704]

So if you're driving up 2 a stoplight and your in 4th gear would you brake and downshift or just brake and hold on the clutch until u stop

[@KingLies]

Is that a Honda NC700S? I am looking at one of those after I do my full test.

[@benkenny3220]

On my dirtbike, in the lose dry dirt, you can pretty much just death grip the front and lockup the rear, the front has pretty much all the traction for stopping... I wonder how it would work on the street.

[@Einungbrekke]

I thought I saw a license plate that said Poland.

[@michaelevans3284]

Where did you buy that sport windshield or manufacturer name?

[@thomask365]

I am doing the bike test soon and have been riding a 125 KTM for a year. The KTM tells me what gear I am in. Need to get used to not looking. Where is this area,it's beautiful, looks like Spain.

[@Joe163music]

Here in Sweden it seems like ABS is standard now, and I think that is a good thing.

[@General_Li_Shin]

Should you pres s clutch while braking ?

[@UltiMogr]

if you want to get benefit of the engine braking, then you do the second thing you said. but in low speeds in a city, it doesn't really matter. you can pull the brake and the clutch at once.

[@bad-T-REx]

Viva, ando indeciso entre a NC700S e a NC700X, sou um pouco adepto de naked bikes, mas acho a NC700X brutal, o que me aconselhas?

[@DimitrisSfounis]

Hey Cager, Do you pull the clutch in at the start of the breaking action or only juuuust before the end to save the engine from stalling?

[@yony120]

Are there any cases in which you should only use the rear brake? What if you want to slow down while cornering?

[@yony120]

+CagerOnTwoWheels Thanks.

[@forte2523]

+Yonathan Zarkovian Also on a steep down hill. You can easily lose the front under braking on a steep hill.

[@yony120]

+forte 2 thank you.

[@Ulelelele]

+Yonathan Zarkovian yes, on gravel and sand. because locking the front wheel will cause you hit the ground. braking while taking corners is very very bad idea

[@tumosa0]

can you tell me the difference between braking in your front, rear, and both? And when to apply each? I didn't hear u state that in the video

[@Savemeee3]

AstroTv Using the only front can cause you to end up over the handle bars, using only the rear will not have enough power to stop you, just as on a car your rear brakes do next to nothing to stop your bike, When your using both together they work together to keep the physics even

[@tumosa0]

so when braking I always apply slight pressure to both brakes? Theres never a situation where I apply only one.

[@antoniokeser9634]

So,I have to hold clutch while breaking?

[@NormaNsNs]

if we re moving fast at the 4th gear and we need to stop fast, we hold the clutch and drop the gear to the first gear ? or we hold the clutch and drop the gear to the 3rd and so on while breaking with the front and rear ?

[@lucagevaert61]

StYyx Ns if you put it in 1st gear... you will rev like hell

[@ekspace5710]

Why do motorcyclist downshift when going faster or doing an overtake? Arent u supposed to shift up?

[@smartodd]

Love your enthusiasm. If you're not a teacher, you should be ;)

[@heroic318]

Good job. Thank you for the video. I will be more knowledgeable now when I start riding.

[@InDaAirHitta]

does your bike go forward on the front wheel or is it just u going forward when u hit both brakes smoothly

[@moardub]

I just bought my bike and the thing I dont fully understand yet is downshifting, and im afraid of locking up the rear wheel by trying to slow down too fast. My bike doesnt have a slipper clutch so from what I understand its a very real possibility. But say for example im shifting at 8K RPM and im in the next gear and I let the RPM go down to 6K and downshift is that bad? Or the other scenario if I shifted previously at 6K RPM and this time I'm in the next gear and downshift while at 12K RPM will that lock up my rear wheel because of the 6K RPM difference? And how long do you have to wait between engine braking can i downshift feel it slow for 1 seconds and downshift again? Or does it require more time to slow down and how do you know?

[@dagirblade]

whats the name of the song at the begining ? :)

[@ansenramsawmy5770]

Hey what gloves are you wearing? Thanks

[@tomsgorky3617]

thanks brother. nothing is perfect but your good will much appreciated

[@philipcooper8297]

First, don't use both brakes, it's distracting. Then, ABS + dual braking system is not the perfect stuff to train braking. Once you get on something without those systems, you are going down. Also, the click is the rear brake light switch. Not worth watching... after about 1 minute and 40 seconds. Also using one/two fingers, to use the brake progressively is the right way of doing it. If you grab the lever with the full hand, you've got way too much leverage on the lever, which gives you less of the control. A GoPRO does not mean, someone is right.

[@sirstoic1187]

Philip Cooper fuck that. use both brakes it isn't distracting unless your own mind can't handle it. they created the bike with 2 brakes for a reason... for you to use them both. your not smarter than the the companies that have been producing bikes for decdes

[@TonyRule]

@@sirstoic1187 The rear brake in an emergency stop is only of use on a poor surface such as a wet road when you can't get the front brake doing enough to almost lift the back wheel. In an emergency stop on a good surface with the bike on the verge of doing a stoppie, using the rear brake is just a liability and can cause the rear wheel to skip and upset the balance.

[@smackgod18]

Just Subscribed! Thank you for the lesson. This information will come in handy when i get my first bike. :D

[@rajkumar.r7662]

while braking are you holding clutch or not ?

[@akakaksk]

I have zx10r and i only ride it on track when i brake i press brake hard and lift the rear tier before turning.

[@rimun5235]

I don't know how ABS works. It's a new thing but on more traditional bikes absolutely do not break on a corner. If you do, only use the rear breaks not the front otherwise, you will go down.

[@peterhenningsen9440]

I had a emergency brake 2 weeks ago. The road was semi wet and my instinct was doing me counter favors. My wheels blocked and instead of releasing the brakes I probably just hung on for dear life. The bike crashed and I got bruised. Luckily the bike only sustained minor injuries. I had it transported to the repair shop before I went to the hospital

[@billinrio]

Você está em Portugal, certo? Ou existe um hotel Oitavos em outro lugar?

[@Maxxplayne]

Man, I love your your accent

[@SolidTheMighty]

Is it not like a bicycle? Where if you just slam the front break you'll just flip over? Excuse my ignorance.

[@SolidTheMighty]

CagerOnTwoWheels I see, thanks!

[@SuperMadmax1970]

you can sleep over but not instant like on bicycle

[@SuperMadmax1970]

irina filipova depends on speed

[@RoadRider10001]

So you pull the clutch at the same time you break? Sorry if it is dumb question I have never road a motorcycle before.

[@progpalace]

RoadRider10001 No. When braking, don't pull the clutch unless you have braked satisfactorily. Then you can pull the clutch to keep the engine running. Not pulling the clutch will also add engine braking to your regular brakes which is good for braking.

[@vinaykumarmsd]

hey bro!! which bike are you using in this video?

[@mmdirtyworkz]

Worth saying is that on non-ABS bikes if you lock up the rear tire leave it locked. If you ease off the brake while the rear wheel is locked and bike already has started to sway what will happen is that the bike will automatically right itself up (while it is sideways due to sliding) and it will throw you overboard.

[@ANDY1985UK2011]

i've done that went head first downhill and broke my thumb. would ABS prevent this from happening again?

[@TonyRule]

This is completely wrong. If the rear wheel is locked and remains locked, then yes, the rear of the bike will move well off centre and if immediately unlocked it can flick you off. But if it has just locked, you should remove some brake pedal pressure and reapply before the rear gets too far off centre.

[@v1j7k]

Dude how about braking in corners, how dangerous is it ?

[@janpieter1993]

Wich windscreen do you use??

[@benfoster9935]

No wait - Portugal?

[@johnbradley379]

CagerOnTwoWheels hi, can you test ride the zontes 125 monster, and give your usual honest vote!!

[@joshymantou]

love your vids! Do you have a video on cornering?

[@ItchyBrain2023]

Gday , Im an aussie and thinking of getting a bike, the rules are a bit different here but i found your videos very helpful , for starters you explain your self and actions very clearly , and well i love your accent , and the scenery as you ride by , where are you from ? Portugal ?

[@Lordaniel899]

+Aaron C Hello Aaron, speaking as a fellow Aussie (I'm an expat in Cambodia), i started riding bikes about 7 years ago in Vietnam - as well as endorsing Cager, i can highly recommend the Twist of the Wrist videos- they saved my life when riding in the mountains around Hanoi, coming into a corner way way too hot, and remembering to NOT brake, NOT let go of the throttle - but instead keep the throttle gently rolled on and lean my body forward and down - the bike zoomed around the corner like it was on rails! happy trails.

[@nribeiro5401]

Acho que o CBS só é activado quando se usa o travão traseiro. Pelo menos na minha PCX e do que tenho conhecimento é assim que funciona em todas. Já a VFR do meu pai era assim. Posso estar enganado mas...

[@conservativemacro80]

ive never road a bike before, why do you hold the clutch well braking?

[@conservativemacro80]

Cager on Two Wheels - V.P. I'm going to get my beginners for car and bike next week