Fix Your Brake Lever Now - Don't Wait!

[@MotoJitsu]

Adjust and practice your fast stopping asap!!! :) linktr.ee/GregWidmar

[@DougSJBrooks]

But adjust while wearing gloves.

[@tonyz417]

@@DougSJBrooks ,x

[@Vicegoodn]

Adjust your levers with your gloves on

[@patlevv7382]

Y❓⁉️

[@MadStylee619]

Smart

[@GoodBoySifsHuman]

@@patlevv7382 um... Cuz you'd probably be riding with your gloves on so it'd make sense to adjust it in way that's actually comfortable when you're actually riding?

[@patlevv7382]

Fair enough... My street ride has 4 DISTINCT settings. The glove\ gauntlets worn DON'T factor 🥺**OFF road mayhaps another thing tho. ☮️🥵

[@MrKangee]

@@patlevv7382 do you need an ambulance, are you having a stroke

[@stanleyshaffer7631]

I just want to thank you for your you tube channel. I have ridden motorcycles since the spring of 1972 with no formal lessons. I have been struggling with this and my short fingers. Lever too far away fingers to short, lever too close, hits my knuckles. The technique you just showed me looks like the solution to my problem. I will be practicing this along with the other lessons you have provided. I strongly urge everyone out there to not follow my lead and get as much formal training as possible. I have learned so much from these videos that I never knew before. Thanks again

[@everythingsbetternaked473]

So you have ridden motorcycles for 50 years and never figured out in all that time how to properly adjust your brake lever? Okay...

[@stanshaffer5629]

@@everythingsbetternaked473 I have never had a MC, 1972 Kawa 250,, 1974 Kawa 900, 1977 Harley XLCH, 1974 Honda XL 250, Honda 500 Interceptor, 2005 Harley Low Rider EFI. None of them had adjustable levers. Bought adjustable levers for the Low Rider last year.

[@everythingsbetternaked473]

@@stanshaffer5629 Okay makes sense then, sorry if my comment brought any negative connotation! I only ride supersports and even my 1996 fireblade had an adjustable lever. Forgive my ignorance and judgement.

[@stanleyshaffer7631]

No problem. I think my Honda Interceptor was a 2004 and that did not have adjustable levers. Safe riding out there!

[@nabilzayed5933]

When I was a new rider , I used to brake with all 4 fingers because I thought it would give me much more control over the brake lever. But once I tried braking with only 2 fingers , it never crossed my mind again to brake with 4 fingers. To my surprise the amount of control , total power AND comfort while 2 finger braking is far superior than 4 finger braking. ( Much respect for your work, videos and tips Greg , keep up the awesome work you are doing )

[@233kosta]

Yeh, you don't want to let the examiner see you doing that at the test, but other than that I paid it no mind until I realised that even though I'm covering with all four, mostly I use the first two, sometimes the third (if I need to get that much more pressure on it)

[@wilsondiscgolf00]

Two fingers will prevent you from accidentally locking your brakes in most scenarios, because it is harder to apply that much pressure in a short amount of time

[@r1learner178]

I just use my middle finger to brake with, it is more than enough. All depends on how good your brakes are but.

[@Wile_E._Wolf]

@@233kosta surprisingly here (Australia) they teach you to brake and clutch with all 4 fingers. I was told off constantly during the practical aspects for only using 2 fingers

[@233kosta]

@@Wile_E._Wolf Same in the UK. Hence, don't be seen doing it before you pass your full test 😉 It'll vary from bike to bike as well. For instance the front brake on my Honda CB125F is decent, but it's not what you'd call grabby. You have to put a good bit of effort in to get stopping power out of it. That didn't stop me locking up for a split second when a family of deer picked the wrong time to cross though 🤣

[@alexgrigoreas4825]

Had this discussion with an OTS instructor on Friday. I'm sending him this video. Thank you Greg.

[@rustyscrib6071]

Thanks for explaining the adjustable brake. I'm a new rider. One of many things I was taught was to not keep your fingers on the brake lever. I know a lot riders do that though. Also, you showed your wrist going high to grab the brake at one point in the vid. I actually did that and when I pulled back the brake I turned the throttle and crashed into a curb. Newbie mistake im sure, but I'm now trying to keep my wrist flat and be able to grab the brake lever. The adjustable lever helps a lot.

[@GonkVR]

all these years later, and you helped me. thank you so much for this video! now i can ride safely and feel more comfortable

[@MotoJitsu]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@dixoncider7256]

Funny, I have been thinking about this the last few days of riding. Thanks!

[@Randomhero413]

This is exactly what I was searching for. It was useful for me settling into my first cruiser.

[@MotoJitsu]

instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@EllaBananas]

Funnily enough, I've already been doing this for ages. Ever since my motorized bicycle I've been making sure my lever was far enough I could get full pressure with 2 fingers so I can have better control of the bar under braking.

[@joernlindstaedt7731]

Thank you - I like these short clips addressing certain issues. On this one… I’m little unsure about the finger position when trail breaking… you got to work the throttle but still apply some break pressure … any tips on that?

[@joernlindstaedt7731]

@@gnarthdarkanen7464 Thanks so much for your detailed description and tips … great practice guide and cant wait to try it out and practice 🤟🏼

[@killroy2993]

Hell, even move the master/clutch inward if able... Can't break levers in a tip, most leverage, can't pinch the inside fingers, really helps on very heavy cable clutches

[@vijayam1]

The far the lever, the higher the leverage, the closer lever, the lesser the leverage. Setting the leverage at optimum setting gives exceptional front brake confidence and tactile feel.

[@sFde46]

leverage is distance between applied force and rotation point. If you grab the lever by the very end of it you will have higher leverage over if you grab the lever as close as possible to the pivot point. Distance between lever and handlebar does not affect leverage.

[@vijayam1]

@@sFde46 I'm not into physics classes, I'm into what actually works with the experiences I accumulate, old school if I may. If it helps, it helps, you can't argue with that, can you? 😁

[@sFde46]

@@vijayam1 physics is actually what works. Just like counter steering - it's physics.

[@Cheezmonka]

@@sFde46 OP is using the term "leverage" loosely, but they aren't incorrect about what they're saying overall. It's not hard to understand what they actually meant.

[@sanjeen2503]

the correct word is 'travel'. Leverage benefits from travel. Nearer the lever, lesser the travel. And please don't diss off physics. You may hate physicists and your physics teachers, but if you ponder, physics is the pillar supporting your experiences.

[@satseetal]

Thanks!

[@abhi92704]

Excellent 👍👍 Gonna do this the moment I receive my ninja 650.

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Awesome, I was thinking about this all day.

[@vlhj94]

DONE at 5:26am in New Zealand. Thanks Fast Eddie

[@lililililililili8667]

I don't like how when it is adjusted to stop right before my knuckles the lever is further away than I would like maybe it's the aftermarket asd levers

[@MyZxcvb12]

I saw a top Moto gp rider he always used four fingers. The power of bikes front brakes is unbelievable. I think set the brake to where you're happy and can stop the bike.

[@nulla9601]

You can't compare a motogp bike to a road legal bike tho. 2 fingers on all modern bikes is plenty enough

[@camerancole8433]

Mine came on 2 and it was a brick. I very much enjoy 3 I get a nice smooth pull.

[@crazybiscut]

Uhh next bike, my moped doesn't have adjustable levers😅

[@jack_johnsongftf]

Sem😭😭

[@3RDOOR]

🙂😉

[@kalbelloz153]

Just buy aftermarket levers

[@crazybiscut]

@@kalbelloz153 nah im about too buy a new bike ill wait

[@jack_johnsongftf]

@@kalbelloz153 it's 100$moped that i just do wheelies on and beat up i'm not buying anything for it🤣🤣

[@iamtheonethatwonagain8354]

99% sure my bike doesn't have this adjustment, but its fairly new to me. i shall go check.

[@tuscanrider8985]

Good points. Did I hear you say you can do pull-ups with those two fingers on each hand??? Can we have a video on that because I'm struggling with all fingers! 😂

[@user-by1ke8co9j]

Drum Brakes left the chat.

[@schalex77]

Don't forget the gloves thickness 😉

[@icaruscomplex5588]

didnt know I can do pull up with 2 fingers, tried it and it works, thanks

[@alexk4804]

any advice on how to adjust clutch lever?

[@ADDONRACER]

Great tips thankyou

[@rudedog3529]

Saw a normally decent rider go into the guard rail at the Big Lookout, South Grade Palomar. Lever adjustment too far in, so 2 of their fingers got trapped and they couldn't back off the throttle entering a corner.

[@MotoJitsu]

happens a lot

[@stevecariggillio4139]

I use just my middle finger when on the road, any problem doing that?

[@tommyy.tt.]

Everyone's different! If you're comfortable, keep doing it

[@morginstjarna]

I'm so glad you joined the Darkside with that MT.

[@gunnerm1]

the problem is when I'm just cruising my fingertips just barely touch the brake lever. I could like to have my fingers able to apply pressure from cruising speed without lifting my hand and rotating my wrist forward. I think my fingers are too short even when adjusted as close as can be. Should I consider a brake lever that has a slight inward bend?

[@abdimuna]

...I have leaned to use only one finger for front break which rests there all the time , and two fingers for clutch.

[@WFO.Ian.30]

Mine are in 6. Both brake and clutch, Still bang my fingers so I clutch with three fingers and break with two but I brake with ring and middle finger sometimes lol. I need to find levers with just flat out different geometry for hands.

[@floatv777]

I just took the course to get my endorsement and got lectured for braking with only 2 fingers. They are pretty serious here about using all 4 fingers, but 2 is much more comfortable for me

[@rudedog3529]

The 4 fingers on the front brake is a leftover, out of date method when bikes of the past had crappy brakes. Nowadays, 4 fingers can cause you to brake too hard in a panic stop.

[@ringsting]

Adjust until just past the first knuckle crease dangles over

[@paulbragg1423]

What's your thought on the height of the brake lever.. it feels like I have to reach too far.down to grab them.....

[@HeliNomadic]

Search this: Sportbike wrench hand control adjustability by Motofeeder. It's an old video but it's still relevant. Only 5ish minutes. Dave Moss says it so simply

[@ta5351]

Thanks,well explained

[@cliff1551]

Should there be 3 mm to 5 mm free play on the front lever as is the rear brake foot lever free play

[@noonsun533]

Thank you

[@stevek4449]

Ok, my Africa Twin has a non adjustable front brake lever. can it be replaced with an adjustable lever/converted to, or not?

[@MotoJitsu]

yes instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@davidruggles996]

Yup. We're good. 😁👍

[@SimonTAMG]

Are the lower or higher numbers traditionally closer/further away? 1 - 6?

[@yasminrodriguez6298]

What's that clicking sound when u pull the lever...I gOt repairs done to my bike now it makes that clicking sound and it use to not do that...ITS DRIVING ME MAD

[@thomatofpv3546]

My driving instructors keep on telling me to use 4 fingers on the clutch and brake. They tell me I will not pass the exam if I do not do that since the examiner will look at it. Would you say to immediately delete that from my memory when I get my license?

[@rudedog3529]

The 4 fingers on the front brake is a leftover, out of date method when bikes of the past had crappy brakes. Nowadays, 4 fingers can cause you to brake too hard in a panic stop.

[@blastradiu5]

There's a balance point between too far and too close... The closer to a closed fist, the stronger your grip and ability to modulate brake pressure.

[@NhemF]

Thanks previous owner had smaller hands, didn't even think of this

[@bhtradinggroup5340]

I actually got moaned at by my examiner for only using 2 fingers on the break lol. Even though everyone does it. He said should have 4 fingers on it for braking pressure. I still don’t do it tbh

[@Mech.E]

Same and when you actually use 4 fingers you just keep realizing how much more force you actually can apply.

[@rudedog3529]

The 4 fingers on the front brake is a leftover, out of date method when bikes of the past had crappy brakes. Nowadays, 4 fingers can cause you to brake too hard in a panic stop.

[@amolambli]

Which bike is this

[@positivelynegative9149]

I like how he assumes everyone has adjustable levers.

[@erniepulido5968]

You can add them

[@t-90atank35]

There's plenty out there

[@angeljoy5234]

Aren't all have adjustable levers? I used to ride japanese motorcycles entirely

[@jimmac1185]

@@angeljoy5234 I currently have 4 Japanese motorcycles and 1 US motorcycle, none of them have adjustable levers. Years range from 1975 - 2017. Come to think of it, in the 20+ years I've been riding, I've never owned a bike with adjustable levers, neither have any of my friends that ride....

[@jayzed6662]

Did you actually listen or just trolling? Go back and listen...👌

[@MinhNg180]

how about bikes with un-adjustable lever ?

[@EVAN__WILLIAMS]

Adjust right now aye aye sir!

[@578_]

Man it’s a bad habit of mine to leave the pointer finger on at all times , it’s just the MX in me lol

[@pappaclutch3266]

No way man. You should cover both brakes at all times. 2 fingers for street and 1 finger for dirt.

[@578_]

@@pappaclutch3266 nah, one finger is enough for front brake on both bikes. I’ve been racing 2 decades in the dirt, this is nothing new

[@ChrisChettriVlogs]

What's that clicking sound when you apply the brake?

[@fijiarc2090]

Most motorbikes don't have that dial? What about bikes that don't have it...?

[@robinboy135]

My riding instructor in the Netherlands told me to use 4 fingers on the brake is this a good or bad thing? I've seen a lot of people only use two fingers.

[@KristianKumpula]

I've also encountered a riding instructor who recommends four fingers, though I don't know why this is. I think he said something about how it maximises braking power, but you can easily maximise it with just two fingers. Plus, I find that it's easier to modulate braking power with two fingers, and having three fingers on the throttle makes it possible to rev-match while braking.

[@rudedog3529]

@@KristianKumpula The 4 fingers on the front brake is a leftover, out of date method when bikes of the past had crappy brakes. Nowadays, 4 fingers have cause you to brake too hard in a panic stop.

[@vinaysjain]

What’s that tick sound on pressing brake lever

[@soniawade4176]

Does the "two fingers" also apply to the clutch hand, or just the brakes?

[@therealrealshocker]

Depends... I personally have a RSC clutch lever which is a easy pull one finger lever. Great for popping the clutch (wheelies) and/or just much easier to ride imo. RSC also sells 2 finger levers and full length but I prefer more fingers on the actual bar for grip and only one for my clutch lever. And for my front brake I like using 2 fingers.

[@soniawade4176]

@@therealrealshocker Thank you! Much appreciated. :)

[@therealrealshocker]

@@soniawade4176 😎

[@N269]

Matter of preference really.

[@ozcanciftci5050]

Clockwise rotation makes the lever closer?

[@MotoJitsu]

depends on the bike...go see

[@ozcanciftci5050]

@@MotoJitsu u released a video about transalp..i cant find it...i just bought transalp ,wanna watch ur point of view..

[@itsneverlupus5544]

Mine doesn't come with that adjustable dial

[@rabgahere1640]

What about clutch

[@triumphrider6836]

I don’t “think” I want my digits covering the front brake. I want them too. But I am going to try this 👍🏻

[@empathy9800]

Guessing it's the same principle for the clutch lever?

[@Allaixendre]

I am sorry but you are saying that the strongest fingers are the index and the middle fingers but it is wrong. I do rock climbing and to keep you hanging on a small hole you are taught to use the middle and ring finger because they are the strongest fingers. Moreover, by the lever principle, you will get more leverage and breaking force by pressing the lever from the outer portion of the lever where your ring and little fingers are, so using your index is not ideal because he is on the inner portion of the lever so it will just make your hand more exhausted for nothing at the end of the ride. So if you need to brake hard you are going to use the middle and the ring fingers and keep the index on the bar to add more sensitivity to your steering and if you need more force you will use your little finger to help out because even though he is weak, he is at the best place for leverage.

[@MotoJitsu]

I can do pull ups with only my pointer and middle finger, can't with ring and pinky alone. I climb too, I'm doing 5.11d's/V5's and pointer and middle are 100% the strongest. I can also do stoppies on my bike with those two fingers alone, can't do that with the other two alone. But it's your life, do whatever you want.

[@crivera99]

Do you have a video for the clutch lever?

[@MotoJitsu]

no because it doesn't matter much compared to front brake instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@nlee5034]

What about brake levers without adjustable ability?

[@MotoJitsu]

get ones that are

[@nlee5034]

@@MotoJitsu asking, because my non-adjustable brake lever has too much play in it. And I’ve only seen one video that addresses it by zip tying it closed over night. That only helped a little. Is there anything you know of, that I can do to remedy this?

[@idaretofall8888]

I knew a guy who lost his two right fingers, cuz they got smashed between the brake lever and handlebar, during an accident. I use all 4 fingers

[@SauvikRoy]

Or better buy a knuckle guard. It has saved me once. The car ahead of me unexpectedly braked at an empty crossing and I was adjusting the other mirror while I was trying to overtake this car. Realising the impending crash, I braked all I could but still had a good one side collision. The bike threw me and I sustained relatively minor injuries. The handlebar was bent 90 degrees and the knuckle guard was barely hanging onto it. It saved my wrist, possibly fingers.

[@ziting5756]

This seems like something from Yamaha Champ School is it ?

[@correykeen2956]

It's general motorcycle ergonomics, but Champ U did cover it as well.

[@banjopatterson3574]

On todays video: A hand model with a voiceover will teach us how to sensually caress the front lever in order to work the lube levels of the front disc when your bike is cold!

[@usr-coffee]

oof to new rider in cohntrys where u fail your L-P course if u dont use 4 fingers for braking

[@richarddavidson2343]

And do it with your riding gloves on

[@garethprice2245]

I only use 1 finger

[@forgiven88]

lets see those pulls ups

[@iefie]

i use al my fingers to brake. it give's ME more control than 2 fingers

[@jimmac1185]

That's similar to what I tell my wife....

[@iefie]

@@jimmac1185 😄😁

[@therealfakecaptain7978]

*Laughs in non adjustable brake lever*

[@Eriksi]

What is the clicking noise?

[@MotoJitsu]

brake instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@AbhishekJoshi]

Middle finger up the front brakes?

[@planetphatness]

Position 4 is still a little too far out for my liking

[@Crimson_Strider]

you cant do that... you gotta learn how to ride your bike the way the manufacturer build your bike.

[@backroadjourneys7674]

Attended a 'Ride to Live' training session taught by experienced motorcycle police officers- the 2 finger technique is strongly discouraged. I stopped using it. Decide for yourselves.

[@sFde46]

why is 2 finger technique discouraged?

[@dixoncider7256]

I got in trouble all through my MSF class for using two fingers, but I only ever use two fingers. Not sure why we are supposed to use all of them. The two finger technique is even better on a dirtbike because you can have a firm grip on the bars and still be able to slip the clutch and use the brake.

[@backroadjourneys7674]

@@sFde46 they teach how they ride; all fingers apply more force and control to the brake lever than only two. Trail braking is an off road technique and also used by pros on closed circuit tracks.

[@rudedog3529]

The 4 fingers on the front brake is a leftover, out of date method when bikes of the past had crappy brakes. Nowadays, 4 fingers can cause you to brake too hard in a panic stop.

[@chasingsunset9801]

Dumb Asian mechanics almost got me killed because of their dumb break set ups...and that is why Im the ones setting up my bike

[@MotoJitsu]

you always set up the bike for yourself...they don't know the size or preferences of who's going to buy it, duh instagram.com/motojitsuclub/

[@rajdeepdas5653]

I'm the one who disliked this video. I'd apologize in advance. But, that looks like mere common sense you develop with just a few months of riding fast. Disappointed, how people have to be taught simple ergonomics.