Are You Making this Fatal Mistake When Braking on a Motorcycle?

[@aaronpettigrew9674]

On road strategy: while my skills are improving with practice, my most saving grace is that I've been a trucker for 19 years and no matter what vehicle I'm driving, I drive like I have 80,000 lbs. to stop and maneuver. With the extra following distance, the habit of looking farther up the road and the predictive experience, even in bad traffic, I can usually stay calm and relaxed because I give myself time for other people to make a mistake.

[@MrBCRC]

Similar. I drive a car like I'm on a bike (minus the leaning, LOL) and my family were truckers so I have a lot of respect for them. It's terrifying to be in a car with someone that has never ridden a bike nor has knowledge of trucks. Their driving is totally reactive and not all predictive.

[@lucascarracedo7421]

Spot on. Sadly, most "accidents" are just negligence and misunderstanding of the rider's own skills. And we all have to live paranoid because of that. In most cases where there was an accident, almost all involved parties were pushing things further than they had to.

[@vincenttarquini4235]

Agreed, I have over 3 million accident free miles in a Semi. It is the best possible discipline for strategy while on a motorcycle.

[@aaronpettigrew9674]

@@vincenttarquini4235 yep, still a little shy of three million but getting there.

[@wesrobinson7366]

I drive an 88,000 pound fire truck and drive like I am in that thing all the time. All the training I have taught me that everyone around me is not paying attention, so plan on stupid happening all the time.

[@aldolajak1267]

"Not having to emergency brake at all." is ALWAYS my primary strategy. I am well aware that four-footed vehicle drivers are often annoyed when I ride at, or slightly below, the posted speed limit, and maintain a four second following distance. But the strategy has served me well for fifty-two+ riding years. The only emergency braking incident I have experienced in all my years of riding, was when a deer popped up out of the ditch and proceeded to cross in front of me. Decades of country road driving, on two and four wheels, have conditioned me to be constantly scanning the the ditches and prairie for wildlife. (I think we avoided each other by about four feet.) P.S. The comment about "Countries where scooters and cars are going everywhere on the road", reminded of our pilgrimage to Italy in 2014. Thank you, Kevin, for all you do to to keep our clan of riders safe and informed.

[@starkhalessi0000]

Do you ever feel it’s acceptable for a rider to NOT use there brakes during an accident and if they do not. Hit a vehicle- and get injured do you believe that it would be their fault.

[@uncleal13]

Good Road Strategy. Reminds me of a trucking phrase I heard. A superior driver uses his superior knowledge to avoid situations that require superior skill.

[@stephenp8644]

Everything he said was spot on. And what does parking lot practicing do for you? It improves your action and reaction skills. But to me the primary lesson is getting to KNOW YOUR BIKE! Every bike is different, even the same model/same year. When I went from a GL1500 to a GL1800 I thought "okay, different design bike, different caricatures". But when I've ridden other GL1800s, I've noticed different handling, different braking... Bottom line, slow speed parking lot practice is always a great place to start and get to know your bike!

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

I ride with two fingers covering the front brake lever at all times. I trail brake into corners and practice squeezing the lever while I count 1,2,3 really quickly. It's become muscle memory and normal now. 🏍️💨🇬🇧👍

[@dracphelan]

I also live in the DFW area. I can't count how many times the skills I've practiced have allowed me to avoid collisions with inattentive drivers.

[@williamstephens3351]

My emergency stop was on a canyon road in Colorado with no one else in the same zip code. As we came around a bend we were presented with a small herd of Big Horn Rams. The plus side was they didn’t seem too bothered by us and stayed where they were for a bit and we were able to stop and watch and enjoy the wildlife. Fortunately my father-in-law was on his game behind me and didn’t run into us. It was a very special moment that could have been bad without some good braking skills.

[@Minja1111]

A racer that lives out in Aspen, CO told me to treat every corner in Colorado as a dangerous one.

[@MrGF1582]

Been watching your videos now for years and they are all GREAT! To share, I to did the same thing back in 2009 on a newly purchased Triumph Bonneville. I was riding south on Park Ave & 51st Street, NYC when a Yellow Taxi cut across 3 lanes(parking lane first) from my right while I was in the far left lane and slammed to a stop to make a left turn! Welllll, instincts kicked in rather than "skills" and gripped the front brake hard! BOOM!! Down I went on my right side and as I was sliding/skidding up on my right shoulder, my bike skidding awat fro me, I even pushed off from another Yellow Taxi that nearly ran my over. The crash sound was so loud to me I thought I totalled the bike! Adrenaline pumping I got back up on my feet! The taxi driver that almost ran me over stopped and ran over to me and in Spanish asked if I was ok, and even helped me pick up my bike. Another bike rider at the intersection parked his bike and ran over to me. He said "Dude! That was the scariest crash I ever saw! Are you ok?"... I said, yeah help me get the bike out of the street. Well, with only a bent brake handle, a permanently crimpled epaulet right side yet discovered on my Triumph Shirt...I had "road rash" on the outside of my right elbow. Bleeding there on the scene but not knowing it yet, Tourists gathered all around like an attraction and one woman said after several asked am I alright...and I said yes, she said you need to go to the hospital your bleeding! Well, my first inner voice said, "get back on the bike because you need to!". So, bent the brake handle back to center and started her up and rode off to Jersey City Home Base. I learned that day, this ain't the way to do an emergency stop! Been practicing every chance I get and did only just today too. Still have the shirt to remind me, the Triumph is long gone. And, no freckly have ever come back on that "road rash" from then. Just wanted to share, from a fellow USAF Vet. Keep'em coming!!

[@MKandKCCampbell]

Proper space cushion and progressive braking are KEY!

[@murraehaynes3182]

Nicely done..practice braking and swerving every time you ride, uturns once a week👍🏼

[@katherynscleaning5807]

I rode dirt for 4 years before street, rode in mud snow and even an iced over canal. I also learned how to ride a unicycle when I was fourteen. When I took my test for my license, I was complimented that he wished all of us had my skill level well some of us may. But most do not and that is why they need to practice! Thank you for this video!

[@buellosaurusrex4046]

We covered emergency braking in the ERC course I took. We started out by stopping "as quickly as possible" without breaking either tire free. By the time we finished our exercise I was stopping in nearly half the distance. Our instructor told us, like you did, that this is a skill that needs frequent practice in a parking lot to keep sharp. Thanks for covering this, Kevin.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin! Looking forward to another riding season! My Daughter is learning to drive a car. We were off to school and work, when she stopped at a stopping and the car behind us didn't. There were no injuries, so that was the important thing, but reminded me of always looking in the mirror when I stop on the bike. It's great that you mention that in your braking videos.

[@zakialherz1201]

I tend to manage the traffic behind me by leaving extra space in front of me forcing the behind car to take notice of long slowing down and the flashing on-off my brake lights

[@rcw2434]

Training & practice r invaluable. I was travelling in the 2nd lane; city bus in curb lane slowing and indicating a stop; car behind made sudden change into my lane. I initiated emergency braking saw rear of car quickly approaching my bike. Elected to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid being pushed there anyway. Swerved back into my lane when offending car cleared my front wheel. I can still see the oncoming driver’s eyes. Glad I had good training. I stopped offending driver; pointed out his mc designation on his license when he argued with me; wrote out his ticket when my hand stopped shaking. Glad I had good training & didn’t need the hospital I stopped him in front of.

[@robertmann6890]

We agree. Road strategy is the most important. So many times I have avoided emergency breaking, swerving, ect just by leaving a good space cushion, slowing down early, ect. I also practice a lot. I’m in the part of the country with the most motorcycle crashes. My head is on a swivel out here, but I don’t feel like I’m in danger ever because my road strategy is very good. I also wear high visibility gear which helps a lot. I noticed that people pass further away from me now, stop further back at lights, ect.

[@grantodaniel7053]

Don't ever feel that you're not ever in danger!!

[@susanwesterfield6953]

Agree on using BOTH brakes. In 08, I had only been riding for 6 months. We had finished a Patriot Guard funeral mission and the vehicle in front of me still had his flags flying. I didn't see his brake lights when he stopped for gas. Hwy 100 in Nashville Tn & I couldn't see around him on the 2 lane. My training saved my life. I was riding an 07 Honda Aero. I automatically applied both brakes hard and the only way I can describe it was my tires began bouncing, so I let off the brakes and came down on them again. I don't know if that was right..but it worked, Thank God & my training, I had a ways yet to get home, I was shook up the rest of the day.

[@robertmercer9117]

Kevin, great video. I ride a 2023 Honda Goldwing that has linked brakes. As I apply the front brakes, a portion of the rear is also activated. In a panic braking situation, my attention is focused instantly on the front brake lever without taking the time to move my foot to the rear brake pedal. If there is enough time, I can move to the brake pedal. The best possible strategy is don't get yourself in a situation where panic braking is needed. Distance is your best friend.

[@thedude2601]

Excellent info! Before I put new tires on my bikes I try to find wet concrete (slicker than tarmac) surfaces to practice braking techniques and of course do some donuts. We have a warehouse distribution complex here with ramps that overwaters their landscape which can really get your attention while practicing tight turns and braking. Thank you.

[@bigdaddyjoe2819]

For the second time in as many months, I get to practice what you preach right after watching your video. Luckily, I was only going 25 when I was cut off by a truck turning left. Love practicing what I learn the same day I learn it!!!! Thanks again Kevin!

[@kjetillien4677]

Great video, Kevin! I will be out practicing as soon as the snow is gone here in Norway!

[@kimmberlybaker7344]

Thank you so much for going over this!

[@lynnsample4549]

Great video, Kevin. As I have small hands, I use my index & middle fingers on the front brake for every stop or slow. This, it is in combination with using the rear also. I've had to have a quick stop a few times, and this was the braking I applied without, thought. Practice can occur in a parking lot, but we can also affect our habits by repetitive applications of those skills when we ride. Keep the good stuff coming and 'see you on the road.'

[@fixento]

First ride this week on a valley pkwy through a park, portable men working sign near apex of a blind curve, as I start slowing down I finally spot an excavator with two orange cones next to it is blocking my lane cleaning out the bar ditch. Then notice a SUV coming towards me in the open lane. Being 80 with reflexes of a sloth thus avoiding panic braking, I applied the rear brake to load the front wheel and then apply the front brake. Luckily I stopped within two feet of the cones, I could have seriously damaged that excavator.

[@jayztoob]

Every time I bought a bike, the first couple days are spent in low-speed drills. Next thing I do is practice panic stopping on wet grass. As long as both wheels are turning, it's possible to keep a bike upright. Thanks for reminding me to go practice panic stopping.

[@riderramblings]

I've had a couple of occasions when the ABS has malfunctioned but the brakes have continued to function perfectly - just no ABS. You can still ride the bike safely provided you know how to brake properly. Got me home so I was able to fix it rather than sitting by the side of the road on a Sunday evening!

[@wadeblake3451]

Great discussion Kevin. When practicing emergency braking I check my tires at the end of the stop for “skid” marks on the tire. If they are there, I know I have more practice to do. Very good advice regarding fine tuning your stops beyond proper front brake application. E.g. holding on with ur knees, loose arms, head up,and being conscious of handlebar position.

[@markrumfola9833]

Good day to you Kevin. Thank you for helping so many Riders to have a safe day. Have a fun weekend

[@markhc4581]

WOAH what a refresher! Thank you sir for this, I recently got back on the saddle after a 1 year hiatus & your vids are priceless. Have a good one, keep 'em coming & always keep the rubber side down.

[@austininmon8064]

I just locked up my front in a Sandy patch doing about 45 when a dog ran out in front of me Monday. Glad to be able to sit here and learn this. There was a Camaro in the incoming lane my bike stopped about three feet from and suv right behind me. I’m out a pair of gloves and a vent on my helmet. My highway bars saved the bike. I want to know how to avoid that happening again. I’ve only been riding two weeks btw.

[@rickroberts9182]

I've always used both brakes together in traffic and avoid the front in low speed maneuvering and go lightly on the front on gravel or during cornering. I've never had an incident in 40 years of riding. I attribute videos like this to keeping me safe and smart. Thanks.

[@DimaGT]

Thank you for your wisdom. Brand new rider, just passed my MSF. And man, made all mistakes you mentioned. So hard not to react. But I will learn.

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

I have the ‘21 Super Ten. I think it engages both front and rear breaking if you squeeze the front first. If you press rear first, it doesn’t. At least I think that is so. Good video.

[@ceemichael1]

A truly excellent rundown of the do's and don't's of braking under what may be unexpected events while riding. Thanks for this one.

[@ddekeno1]

Saw something new with this video! The frontal shot of you doing some emergency braking on the adventure bike (and the brief repeat loop you put in) showed surprisingly well how the contact patch of the front tire dramatically increases with proper use of the front brake.

[@muhumuzalucky5589]

Thanks Kevin, Tuning from Uganda - Kampala. Your Knowledge and Techniques have impacted positively on our road usage resilience and further enjoyment of the two wheel Babyz.

[@davefisher784]

Good advice all round. I would imagine training varies massively, trainer to trainer. My trainer on my CBT (compulsory basic training, in England) like the US Basic Rider Course gave quite a few advanced tips / lessons. As with the full licence training, again more advanced skills taught… I still want to learn more though. Great vids, keep up the quality work and safe riding.

[@teriw56]

Kevin has taught me the best thing. I love to do parking lot drills. They serve me well when out on the road.

[@ambroinaz]

Great technique reminders

[@jam0287]

Thanks! This message was right on time. Will be practicing this asap!

[@allans7281]

Terrific video such value added contact. Just like a car doesn’t stop just with the front brakes, same with a motorcycle you have to use both to stop quickly. I’m glad you’re part of the Triumph family I have the Bonneville that rocket three is legendary

[@Steve-ec6ed]

This literally happened to me last week. Coming around a blind corner on a single lane country road with no shoulders and a woman in an SUV decided that was a good place to make an illegal U turn. Needless to say I had to throw out my underwear when I got home.

[@thagingerninjer5391]

I think most sportbike riders neglect to use the rear brake, because it’s pointless under most circumstances. I’m an emergency situation, if I hit both brakes on my 2021 cbr1000rr the rear brake is only going to do anything at all for the first half a second, then the rear tire is going to come off the ground. After the rear tire has left the pavement, obviously, using the rear brake doesn’t do anything. I have abs that mitigates rear wheel lift, so I use both in emergency situations, but not all bikes do, and honestly, abs isn’t perfect, and it isn’t always going to keep the rear wheel on the ground.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I do practice emergency braking and downshifting. And have had to use emergency braking when a car swerved into my lane. Before I knew it I was having my rear wheel starting to slide out. I got it back under me and slowed down enough to avoid the car. Bad dirt bike habit sliding out the rear during a stop. I don't stop like that when on a single track for sure. I will work on my stopping techniques on my enduro then on street bike.

[@davidholmes5910]

Thank you, Kevin

[@kenteno822]

Thanks for your instruction. Im old time rider, never had instruction but survive partly by good fortune and riding like everyone is trying to kill me. Now i see turning vehicle and Wag the bike. Looks crazy but people notice.

[@Thelivewire64]

Interestingly, I have noticed that most drivers actually behave more cautiously around me, or with a greater amount of courtesy when I ride, than when I drive. Though I did have one instance recently, where a driver tried to overtake me on the left in a single lane roundabout when I was turning right (Australia opposite side of the road). I messed my gear changes and had to go straight ahead and pull over to the curb, so I could rectify the gear situation. Take home is for me not to get stirred up, maintain better lane position, preventing lane sharing and concentrate on the traffic ahead and through the turn. Roundabouts here are literally a big round concrete circle, often with a garden in the middle.

[@markfrench2951]

Remind me of your video with top 10 situational awareness strategies. TY. And if possible, city riding vs. highway touring strategy. Much appreciate your work.

[@SteveG-pf9mq]

Many yesrs ago my wife and I were on my 93 Electra Glide when an older man looked right at me and pulled out anyway making a left in front of me. Having a big pedal the rear brake is easy to lock and i did just that. The rear fished toward the curb as the road was crowned. The driver stopped after blocking 90% of the lane. I turned the bars to straight and let off the rear brake. By doing do the bike was now pointed towards the center line. I was able to go around his front with no contact. Dirt bike skills saved me that day. I was lucky.

[@markkludt3054]

Thanks Kev, great review !

[@kellydrover1994]

Great information ! But a BIG but is where is the demonstration of this information ?

[@chonkyb3134]

Thanks for the education!

[@louieavi]

I just bought a M109 1800cc bike and every ride is a practice ride. I don't "cut loose" very often on m bike as the simple ride is my joy. For crazy I have my gun hobby :)

[@neiluscook2283]

New sub here! Common sense not hype - or Macho bs. Have watched DAN DAN THE FIREMAN often, and this channel will be welcome. Like to see more on threat assessment, esp. The Side of any thing up ahead: threat from cars entering your lane from a side street or parking lot. Dan's advice has really helped me to develop more awareness!! Then, there's the woman who intrudes into your lane with no room to spare;unaware, don't care!!! Good work man! Thanks

[@SaltyPatriotHD]

Something to keep in mind too, is that over inflation of the front tire decreases your contact patch. Decreasing your traction and stopping distance.

[@joelunchbucket]

I don't believe this is correct. I've seen video demonstrations of wide tyres vs skinny on the same vehicle. It's the weight that determines the total grip, rather than the size of the contact patch. Eg. 1Kg of weight spread over 1 square metre produces the same grip as 1 Kg spread over 1 square centimetre.

[@eddcurry1245]

Thanks for the video

[@joelunchbucket]

A couple of times I've stepped a bit hard on the rear brake and had ABS kick my foot off the pedal. It felt like if run over a stick and it's flicked up and hit my boot. Being taught by my bike on how to brake properly.

[@markh.harris9271]

nice video Kevin

[@TennRides]

Always a thumbs up, brother.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

It just makes sense and seems easier to avoid problems before they become an emergency.

[@danclark224]

Love your videos. Will the ABS override the emergency braking?

[@beepbop6697]

ABS changes nothing about the technique itself. If ABS kicks in, then it is saving you by not allowing you to lock the wheel. Ideally you take it right to the line before ABS kicks in (for when you find yourself on a bike without ABS). Edit: see starting at 7:45 where Kevin covers the ABS topic.

[@pradeepraopadamnoor9975]

The rider/driver presses the pedal and ABS does the rest!! If ABS fails completely, engine braking by changing to a lower gear should help on a bike. But defensive driving is the best.

[@robertdaley1194]

Happy Easter MC.

[@shepherdwarrior777]

Great advice. Thanks

[@andrespabloviacava7861]

Excellent 👏👏👏

[@russellhughes4496]

Rules of braking Rule #1 never panic! Rule #2 use both brakes together. Rule #3 keep bike upright. And straight. Tips: always look ahead, antisapate so you have more time to brake. Maintain a workable speed to brake. Ratio, for braking. make sure you have good tires, and brakes are in good working order..

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

It seems that “never use the front brake” is a common misconception among riders in the heavy cruiser community. I’m sure that the H-D safety instructors aren’t teaching that, but it sure seems common. And, like Kevin said, sport bike riders seem to never use the rear brakes. Only ADV riders like me brake perfectly 😂 Honestly, thanks to Kevin and a few others, I practice these skills several times each week for a few minutes. And, I use a long following distance. It’s not just about avoiding hitting a vehicle from behind if they brake hard. It also gives me extra visibility and reaction time to avoid debris or cargo fallen onto the road.

[@deusexmachinawl]

Who is even thinking not to use the front brake? There are centrainly several who don’t know how to use the back one

[@carltonhobbs]

I also grabbed the front brake, locked it, and had a slide on a highway after a car in front of me slammed on their breaks. I was fully clothed properly, so no skin on road injuries, but was on crutches for a month. Part of the problem was that I knew I needed a new rear tire, and so adjusted to using too much front brake.

[@noidreculse8906]

I have, and prefer linked ABS. 😊

[@kennethbell860]

Another problem with overrelying on ABS, is that you don't want to stop faster than the car behind you. You have to monitor what's coming up behind you in emergency stops.

[@Thelivewire64]

Interesting. My bike's operator manual specifically states not to rely on ABS, that it may in some circumstances increase the stopping distance. Exactly like you say, practice and increase your skills. I'd say, given all their R&D and race success, they would know, but I guess there are always people who know better than the professionals.

[@raybrensike42]

I did an emergency type of stop once when I nearly missed a stop sign at an intersection on a highway that had a 60mph speed limit, as the sun was in my eyes. I saw the stop sign at the last few seconds. I stopped about where I was supposed to, and it was an excellent stop. I don't think it could have gone any better. I stopped where I should have and saw the dark cloud of blue from the back tire float past me and into the intersection. I realized later that although I had not been practicing such a stop, it was perfectly executed, and I was able to do so because I had so much time doing some level of what might be considered moderately hard braking quite often. That honed me in well to my brakes and what my tires were capable of, especially the front tire which basically takes on nearly 100% of the stopping power in the final stages of very hard braking. The rear tire is so lightly on the pavement, it might not matter much if the wheel is rolling or not during a straight-line brake, especially on the dry, clean pavement.

[@gba2821]

My touring has linked brakes. At speeds higher than 7 km/h the system modulates both brakes. Here in Brasil, by law, motorcycles over 200 cc must have a system that applies both brakes simultaneously.

[@fredecks4641]

Thanks for another great video, Kevin! I couldn't agree more about road skills. But hey, why does your background always look like a bar? Regardless, I love what you do. Thank you!

[@geoffhurley8103]

I'd like to learn more about motorcycle ABS, how they function on the road, and the various types available. When I first bought a car with ABS, I went to a backroad to stand on the brakes and see how it works. But I'm not willing to do that on my new-to-me '06 VFR800 with ABS. New bikes have "Cornering ABS", which implies that my bike doesn’t have that. So how capable are these systems? Agreed, practiced threshold braking is the best, but panic still happens.

[@countryjoe3551]

You are correct in understanding that your VFR does not have cornering ABS. But why are you afraid of activating the ABS on your Honda? Unless there is a ABS error light shining on your instrument panel the ABS system is not going to allow your tires to lock up. I've owned a 2001 Honda GL 1800 with ABS, purposely engaging it to understand how it felt was not a scary thing to experience.

[@richardparkersmith4810]

Scotty Kilmer has said on a video that in an emergency you throw the bike down and slide along on the top of it😅😅😅

[@MCrider]

I have seen that video...I think it was a joke??? Not sure though.

[@richardparkersmith4810]

@@MCrider Me neither!

[@edwarddollbaum5671]

Ride it like a surf board!😮 Hahaha 😂

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@edwarddollbaum5671 A surfboard with hot exhaust and engine parts.

[@joelunchbucket]

Which has greater grip - steel motorcycle frame or leather jacket/pants. I'll let the bike go sliding ahead of me thanks.

[@paulbertorelli9044]

I had to laugh at that clip of the chaotic traffic. Don't know where it was, but looks similar to Thailand. I rode their once and it was a stitch. Traffic from all directions just blending together. I never felt nervous, though, because everyone was smiling and courteous and made it work. The part about situational awareness can be overstated. If you know what's ahead and behind you, you'll be ready for anything that happens, especially if you build in a generous following interval. Bumper to bumper is jiggy because cars can usually out brake motorcycles.

[@robertmitchell8728]

ABS is a mechanical system. Machines will fail at some point. Knowing what to do, and how to do it. Plus mastering doing it, is a great fail safe.

[@dustinmiller5346]

This is a great video. 8 weeks ago I wrecked my bike. I was dumb. I was in an area I wasn't fMikize with. And a stop sign was tucked behind a tree. I locked up my rear bike slid out. N I don't remember the rest. My gf was behind me in ger nike. She said I started to slide down then lawn darted over the bars. I'm guess my crash bar dug in n pole vaulted me ir I grabbed a bunch of front brake as I was going down. Luckily had safety gear on. But broke 3 ribs and got a pretty good concussion. Bikes almost done n fixed. I cant wait to get out abd practice more. And I want to go back to where I crashed and complete the journey home.

[@markscott84]

I just got back into riding after a 10 year layoff (daily commuter, MSF Rider Coach, etc.) ...and I told my wife no problem, just like riding a bike! NOT! I just logged over a thousand miles over the last month and still feel like a squid. Different bike, different area, older and slower. I found a couple of rarely used basic rider course parking lot ranges that I hit as often as possible. I still wouldn't pass me! 🙄

[@jamescampolo7824]

In an emergency, pull in the clutch, grab the rear brake, assess the pavement and properly grab the front brake. If there is an obstical in your way, just grabing the front brake can throw you on the ground if the pavement is not condusive to hard braking. Now, if it is wet or sandy, are you better off grabbing the front brake and hitting the ground or grab the front brake as the pavement will allow and slide into the obsticale at 5 or 10 miles per hour. Personnaly I never want to be sliding down the pavement and going under a vehicle. I'd rather bounce off and spraign my wrist. Done it and rode away with crooket bars.

[@MCrider]

Wow, just wow. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jamescampolo7824]

Think fast, pick an option, and might not be the right one, but as long as you can live to ride another day, you did something right. In 50 years, one broken leg and some broken parts say success to me.

[@jamescampolo7824]

I don't like abs. Whenever I have tested it on my 2021 Honda 1100 or my 2000 BMW K1200LT, hitting the back brake felt like I was riding on grease. If I hit the back brake I want to be able to skid the tire and back off a bit as needed. I don't trust abs. And what happens to abs when you are riding in snow or a muddy road and the sensor plugs up? You are back to non-abs anyway. So learn to ride without ABS.

[@sleepyrasta420]

The front brake is fine for use as long as you don't pull it right in i learned the hard way when i was a kid on my mountain bike to never pull the front brake right in.

[@onerider808]

My thought is to make sure your first high-speed panic stop is in an empty parking lot, and not while approaching a buffalo bull (or semi, or etc).

[@Foreseeable1]

Parachute this topic with a video on not enough time or space to stop. "Emergency Avoidance" - Counter Steering

[@robertwhitemoto]

Good stuff Kevin! I think we are the same age, and I know we are riding in the same area :-). Ride safe!

[@TheNielsAlmelo]

I locked up my rearwheel for the first time a few weeks ago, even tho practicing emergency braking. Did managed to save it and not crash

[@raybrensike42]

I would occasionally brake enough to hear the front tire howl just to get the feel for it all, just in case. I believe it should be done enough to...well you should know when you've done enough.

[@timothykelley9008]

Use both brakes

[@jimfarnell5813]

DUNNING-KRUGER EFFECT A cognitive bias in which unskilled persons have the illusion of superior skill and fail to adequately assess their level of competence or incompetence... The less you know the far more likely you are to increasingly overestimate your skill set. Conversely, the more you know the more likely you are to increasingly downgrade your skill set. INACCURATE RISK PERCEPTION The absence of a crash does not mean you are safe or a skilled rider (or driver). You don’t know what you don’t know. You cannot know what you don’t know. “Close calls“ are not things that just happen, as a motorcyclist, they are crashes that did not happen. “Close calls“ should not happen. “Close calls” are simply the result of a chain of events where the last domino didn’t fall (dodged a bullet). Poor Judgement +Poor Visual perception+ Inadequate skill set=>Ambulance Proficiency comes you can’t chase it. Proficiency comes from learning skills and then practicing skills till you get them right and then practice them until you can’t get them wrong.

[@kannermw]

The greatest skills any motorcyclist can have is acute situational awareness, a defensive driving mindset, and a certain amount of fear about what could happen. Over-confidence without rationale thought processes breeds greater risk taking and reduces margin of error. Most accidents are a culmination of a variety of factors and one's reaction in a unexpected situation is not easily practiced or predictable. Riders get older and their physical skills gradually decline over time (visual acuity, reaction time, physical strenghth). If you want to ride a motorcycle and significantly increase your safety margin then accept that the most sophisticated rider aids such as 6-axis IMU with lean angle ABS traction control and linked braking will be your best defense. Anyone who believes their finely honed, ninja-like braking techniques can outperform such tech should think again because testing has proven otherwise. This is no longer the 70's, 80's, 90's, early 2000, 2010 stone ages of machismo motorcycling. The latest tech can leverage a human's intuitive nature to grab full brake in panic situation to achieve maximum braking rate as fast as possible while preventing rear wheel from coming off the ground causing loss of all steering control. The systems allow one to maintain line in a corner while braking without needing to stand the motorcycle up which then takes you out of the turn radius and off the road. Similarly, your practiced braking on dry road surfaces is ONLY good for that condition but what happens where there is something on roadway (sand, oil, diesel, leaves, grass, mud, water). Guess what your practiced braking technique will put you immediately on the ground. When riders don't need to focus on braking they instead be focused on finding a path out to maneuver the motorcycle. Then when they do and let's say that path is off the road and onto the shoulder of gravel the braking system will help manage that and not the rider. In my youth I low-sided two times off-road without any warning at low speeds on grass. In both situations I grossly over-estimated the available traction conditions either due to dew on the grass or the speed at which I could brake or lean. It was the best place to learn but I will never forget those events even though I had been riding offroad for some time prior and NEVER layed a bike on the ground previously. It was a wake-up call to the unexpected. I have encountered similar pucker moments on the street spilled diesel, sand on a roadway, and a deer that suddenly jumped out of ditch and decided to run alongside and in front of me but fortunately no lowside or accidents. My final point being most responsible individuals carry insurance even though we don't plan to get in an accident. Yet we can never practice enough to keep our skills at high level because time is a fixed quantity and to be honest such things take effort and we all have tendency to revert to the path of least resistance. The new tech does not reduce you manhood or intrude on the otherwise normal skills of motorcycling. It does not cost that much (probably less than $500) embedded in price of a higher-end motorcycle and is best insurance policy against your own failings regardless of skill set or age.

[@beepbop6697]

6:51 guilty as charged. I force myself to use the rear brake just so it is a habit for when an emergency brake maneuver is needed. Compared to the micro-precision feel and massive stopping power of the front brake, the rear brake feels like a huge disappointment that easily locks the rear wheel under semi-aggressive braking. Thankfully motorcycle designers put the front brake on a hand control, and relegated the rear brake to a foot control. Can you imagine if they had reversed that?

[@hassansabet-ds5qe]

Hello, i am always interested in watching your very professional and informative videos, i am from Egypt and i am riding a goldwing gl 1500, i promise that if you ride a heavy bike in Egypt for hald an hour a day for one month only you will master heavy bikes riding ... what a traffic we have, you can face all the situations in your videos just in this half an hiur riding. Bless you.

[@civilsphone6996]

Your video quality is bonkers

[@clivewilliams3661]

To see how effective front brakes on a sports or sports touring bike can be just watch any MotoGP or Superbike event and you will see riders regularly brake so hard that the rear wheel actually lifts off the tarmac, showing that the rear wheel can have little or no effect on the braking such that 100% of the braking is on the front wheel The issue comes when the back brake is applied as well and without releasing the pressure will result in the rear wheel locking up and a potential highside. Feeling what the back brake is doing through the pedal is often compromised by the 'wooden' feel provided by sliding caliper rear brakes, opposing piston calipers perform much better in this respect. One thing that should be noted by all riders is the limitations of telescopic forks. When braking hard telescopic forks will compress a long way and change the relative caster of the front wheel that aids tracking straight, causing the front suspension to go hard and losing any further compliance, meaning that if you encounter any bumps, dips or ridges the bike will not handle it well and become unstable. This happened to me on my sports tourer when overtaking a pair of cars and the one immediately in front decided to pull out to pass the car in front of him without looking. Grabbing a whole handful of brake (front and rear) caused the bike front to dip hard and the ridge along the centreline of the road that I was also negotiating for the pass caused a massive tank slapper that was plain scary!

[@ralphcantrell3214]

I’m not sure I could afford all the tires it would take to be the best rider I could be through constant practice of emergency maneuvers. …Just a thought. I will say this however, I can certainly stop faster than my arms are strong enough to support my weight when doing so.

[@eyesonly4451]

More distance = less panic braking. It's all to easy to take car driving habits and think they apply, unchanged, to motorcycles.

[@dennisburcar457]

Rider's course and practice to hone your braking skills continuelly keeps riders safe. Front brake is 70/80% of your breaking power.

[@diffmiss]

Excellent episode @MCrider - Motorcycle Training

[@danieldayton3064]

What more can I say, Kevin, other than Amen, Brother! 😃

[@milesjohnson8927]

Last part of the story. I never did come to a stop, just fitted into traffic. My bike is old with 160000 kms on it but we'll maintained. I must have done something right...I just don't know what it was. What I haven't done is practice enough! And maybe it time for abs

[@NJLinSpain]

Thank you for your excellent video. My bike (S1000RR) has linked brakes so should I be concerned about applying the rear brake during an emergency stop?- in the case where one is covering the front brake, surely one's reaction time with regards to moving one's right foot is considerably slower.

[@nikoscosmos]

The rear brake is linked to the front not the other way round....so what is your concern?

[@NJLinSpain]

@@nikoscosmos I simply want to know whether is it necessary to manually apply the rear brake during an emergency stop if one's motorcycle is equipped with a combined or linked braking system.

[@nikoscosmos]

@@NJLinSpain my understanding is that on a BMW GSA with linked braking its only necessary to apply the hand brake. The rear brake will be automatically applied and reduced as the load sensing detects the weight transfer forward. Give it a try!

[@GrandChessboard]

I know how to emergency brake on a bike. I have seen Akria...