Front or Rear Brake - Which Is Safer For Trail Riding?

[@MotocrossHideout]

Which brake do YOU use more often? Part 2 on PROPERLY using the front brake without crashing - Coming Soon! (Subscribe)

[@Dirt_Serpent]

I almost exclusively use my front brake in all situations.

[@pyrostwistedride4821]

I use the front brake all of the time and add the rear when needed. I also practice locking up the rear brake in different conditions to get used to the feeling of it sliding out on me. I also rode the street before ever transitioning to dirt. Downshifting, for engine braking sometimes, is all the rear brake you need.

[@MarkM-ke6cn]

I use a combination of both front and rear brakes, depending on what I'd like my bike to do. I think the key is anticipating how the bike will react to different trail conditions...and using that knowledge to your advantage. Example: Packed trail...no dust...great traction...I'd use more front brake. Loose trail...dusty...rutted...rocky...muddy...I'd use more rear brake.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Gotcha, thanks for sharing, Mark!

[@markkotishion2379]

I, unfortunately do not have trails in my area. I ride on roads with a Honda crf300l. When coming to a red light or stop sign, I brake gently with the rear brake as I downshift to first from fourth or fifth gear. I finally stop by tapping the front brake when I have slowed down sufficiently.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Sorry to hear that you don't have trails nearby, Mark. Yes, there are 3 main ways to slow down, as you mention; engine braking, rear brake, and front brake. Most of the time you can get away with using the engine and/or rear brake, but what happens when an animal or car jumps out in front and you need to slow down a lot faster? I say this because I see many riders forming bad habits that don't allow them to brake efficiently, and then they end up locking up the brakes and wiping out.

[@wwar1423]

My worst wipeouts have been from front braking

[@MotocrossHideout]

I'm sorry to hear that, Walker! Why do you think that is?