4 Tips for stopping a motorcycle on the streets

This week on MCrider let's talk about some tips to make your stops on the street smoother and safer.
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[@DirtyWorka]

I saved my own life this past weekend thanks to your advice. For years when I stopped at red lights I popped it in neutral and would look at my phone, or stretch my legs. No consideration to lane position, escape routes etc... Thanks to your videos, I am now very conscious of all that. I give myself lots of room between the vehicle in front of me and select a lane position that gives me escape routes. I keep it in gear, left foot down, right foot over the break & I scan my mirrors continuously. This past weekend I was on a ride from Florida to Massachusetts. After gassing up at the SC/NC border off 95, I was the last vehicle sitting at a congested intersection in the right most go straight lane. To my left was another go straight and two left turn lanes. To my right was a right turn lane. Cars were stopped in front of me in all the other lanes. Behind me I see a woman approaching way too fast in the right turn lane to my right. I am immediately on high alert. As she approached she suddenly swerves hard to the left. At the last second she decided she wanted to make a left turn and is going to cross four lanes to it in an instant. I let off the brake and clutch and twist the throttle, sliding up between the two cars in front of me and stopping. She traveled directly thru where I has been sitting a slit second before. I have no question in my mind that if I hadn’t been ready and had somewhere to go, I would have been killed or at the very least severely injured. Your voice echos in my head often as I ride and I have adopted many of the principles you teach. Had it not been for this channel, I would not have been in a position to respond correctly to the actions of that driver. THANK YOU!!!! Truly. What you do has value and literally helped save me life.

[@MCrider]

Awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@JeffMartinez648]

Great job being alert! Safety first, getting back home is the goal of enjoying the ride.

[@neilmccann5826]

@ Dirty Worka ... Was there someplace close by where you could change your shorts?

[@DirtyWorka]

@@neilmccann5826 lol. Kevin wouldn’t like to hear this, but I have a lot of close calls. This one didnt rattle me so much as just struck me like, wow, this is exactly what he’s talking about on MCRider. Thank God for the work he does. This channel really is excellent.

[@spudgunson]

Kevin's advice has also saved my life. Having better road positioning and awareness saved my life when a car pulled out of a side road into my path. I have no doubt that the advice from Kevin saved me that day.

[@snatr]

Another good reason for downshifting before coming to a full stop is actually getting all the way down into first gear. There are bikes that really don't wanna downshift if they're not moving (as riders will soon find out) 😜

[@PAPAGALLO60]

Thanks. Even thou I have been riding for 30+ years, breaking have always been my issue. I am humble to know I need help.

[@aceflyer32]

At 54 I've been riding most of my life. Most of what you cover in your videos I have learned from personal experience over decades of riding, but I keep watching because you do a very good job teaching and I never know when I will pick up something new that will help. I never stop trying to improve or learn when it comes to riding. Having said that, your videos are even more important to new riders, as they can learn from you (if they pay attention) and not have to learn from years of riding only. In particular the story from the guy who recently saved himself by watching his mirrors at stops and thanks to you, gave himself an out. Thank you for all of your efforts to help everyone become better riders! I have no doubt that I am a better rider because of you!

[@kodiak536kodiak536]

I ride a Goldwing, a @900Lbs bike. I'm Japanese and have fairly "short" legs and have difficulties balancing my bike with just my left leg down at stop, even with ride height set at lowest setting. So, I put both my feet down as habit, to keep from tipping over or have wobbly balance. My VTX1300R I could do with left foot alone but, not with either of my Goldwjngs I had/have. Once stopped, I use front brake only to stay put. THAT saved our butts in California, when we got rear ended at stop light, which kept us from ramming into the van in front of us. Bad technique, I disagree. I do what I need to keep balance on my @900Lbs bike, to keep wife and I from tipping over...which the bike height is set on 12 for 2-up rides. These Gildwings must be made for Americans with long legs😁 it sure don't feel like Japanese design for Japanese rider in mind🤭

[@mar0364]

The part about using the rear brake for that last little bit of stopping was great. It makes my one foot down stop feel more in control. Also gives me more time to look at the camber of the stopping area.

[@anthonymudge5932]

I wonder if the one person that disliked this video has a big brown mustache?

[@chrisswimm4948]

Who might you be referring to?

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

I couldn't help but wonder if it was DanDanTheFireman lol Though I don't believe he ever lived in Texas.

[@rayjones9819]

😂😂😂😂 good one

[@anthonymudge5932]

@@chrisswimm4948 the same guy that Kevin is talking about in the video. Did you watch it?

[@chrisswimm4948]

@@anthonymudge5932 I see now, my comment should have read "who might he be referring to".

[@mortondavisproductions7578]

The important thing is to find a large parking lot that has little or no traffic and practice the techniques you learn from experienced people such as MCrider. Every time I get on my bike for a ride I either go to a nearby parking lot before or after the ride and practice everything I have learned from experienced riders on KZbin... figure 8s, turning in circles, emergency stops, regular stops, U-turns, use of the friction point on the clutch and using the throttle and feathering the rear brake to keep the 'rear wheel loaded'... practice, practice, practice. In general, I never put my right foot on the ground except for a few exceptions... watch the professional riders... see how graceful they come to a stop and how gracefully they then start to ride from a dead stop... if you practice what these guys teach, you will ride like a pro... lots to learn.

[@Kwaizecker]

Thank you! I'm a 56 year old new rider who just took the MSF class. These tips are fantastic, I appreciate it.

[@jeffdurocher8669]

My drill instructor said the same thing. Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.

[@JeffMartinez648]

Semper Fi!

[@lupemeza8197]

Football coach

[@michaelscott356]

Another favourite of mine is: "Practice makes permanent... good OR bad!"

[@carls72dart]

Thanks as always Kevin. I was riding with my Uncle & was watching his stops at lights & just like you stated, he'd wobble & come to an abrupt stop. I use your techniques & realize how much smoother & more in control I am. My Uncle even mentioned it & I turned him onto your page. He's been riding for 50 years and has lots of bad habits to break.

[@liammorris6354]

Practicing good braking and stopping technique in the lot is my second favorite activity in my cones, second only to the offset weave. It’s a matter of pride getting it smooth and easy. I know I’ve done it right when the bike doesn’t unsquat with a jolt when I’m stopped and relieving the brake pressure to reset it to holding. One of the benefits of a smooth stop every time is that it quietly communicates to the drivers around you that you are in complete control of your ride, and that’s when you get noticed positively and drivers respect you more as you move around,as needed, within your lane space always looking ahead.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I started using only the back brake for the last 10 mph or so, a couple years ago and the bike just feels better and more stable at the stop. Your advice is right on...

[@BirdArvid]

7:05 I love everything you're saying, except one thing and that is slowing the bike with the clutch pulled the whole time and downshifting. In my experience, downshifting is much more controlled if I release that clutch in each gear as I go, that way I am much more set up for the eventuality that I may need suddenly to accelerate out of trouble, and have a much better sense of the matching between revs and speed. When driving my stick-shift car, I always aim to have the car in the appropriate gear and the engine "connected" to the wheels because I'm in control that way. 9:11 So, "Keep the clutch squeezed" and "Match gear to road speed" are in my opinion mostly incompatible, or at least much harder than releasing the clutch as you downshift through the gears, other than for the Sunday morning church ride. I wonder if you'd address this for me. Otherwise; great advice!!

[@VFRyan800]

I was going to write this same thing but decided to peruse the comments first. Thank you for saying everything I was rolling over in my mind when I heard "You want to down shift through the gears keeping the clutch squeezed." UHG! No you don't. Because of "different bikes", different road surface conditions, different traffic conditions (some stay more packed moving faster). I WILL always let that clutch out, even if it is not all the way to confirm my engine speed, forward speed and appropriate traction are met. I even test the gears if there is no traffic by seeing how close to actually stopping I can get with no brakes/just engine brake so that I have a better understanding of the range.

[@HavasuTyson]

I almost always let the clutch back out when downshifting. I never really gave it much thought until seeing this video. I guess I do it because it helps slow me down. Using engine compression to slow down will most definitely save on break wear.

[@sioux4358]

I have to agree. I find it much easier and more consistent to downshift and rev match than to estimate what the proper road speed is for each gear.

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

As a brand new rider (as of yesterday) this is exactly what is taught in the UK, you should never ever “coast” or have clutch pulled in / in neutral, it’s just not safe, if I go down too many gears and then release the clutch, I’m over revving and may even loose the rear wheel, not good advice at all

[@sioux4358]

@@Dunkelzeitgeist I feel like it's more acceptable in a car, but on a bike you should really either rev match or slowly let out the clutch

[@tomashernandez3039]

Just went into a sports cruiser with massive brakes. Thank you for the tips.

[@kmax4113]

I'm 50yrs old 1st time Rider your tips on stopping are so helpful for me

[@lucianmbv]

Bro, i’ve been riding for some time on a f850 gs adventure. I can say that at least 4 times your videos and you parking lot strategy saved my life. I can’t thank you enough Kevin...

[@Jeff82556]

Thanks very much! As a 6-month new biker with 65 miles so far, this is a subject I've been waiting for.

[@TennRides]

I remember one time, many years ago, we were having choir practice. The choir director heard someone say "practice makes perfect." He then got everyone's attention and said, "I've heard people often say, 'practice makes perfect' and it is not true. Practice makes permanent, only perfect practice makes perfect performances." When he said that, I immediately thought how the same was true for riding motorcycles. I have seen people that have ridden for years, and still maintain very bad habits, like the guy you mention.

[@timsatch9198]

Always learn something from your presentations. After 49 years on 2 wheels, I learned my breaking skills needed a lot of improvement and so does the back brake on my bike. Thanks Kevin.

[@Dankfz1]

I've been waiting for a long time. I've never seen a single video from you that isn't a wealth of knowledge. God Bless you for the time and energy you put into this! Thank you!

[@ezpoppy55]

The old saying needs a tweak. It needs to be: Perfect practice makes perfect. Like you said, if your practice is flawed, then all your doing is reinforcing flawed technique. Another great video, Kevin!

[@Mr.Toniothatis2030]

Man I'm a new rider and really appreciate you...

[@razu1976]

Add a tiny bit of countersteer by steering right just before the bike stops and the bike will lean left as you put your left foot out 👍

[@MCrider]

Good tip

[@elnerfe8191]

Been riding for 3 years now, but I always use your Chanel to revisit the basics! The best!

[@robertward8037]

Thank you Sir for teaching an old dog new tricks, I'm 67 and after a couple decades of not riding I got me a Honda Shadow and got back into it, no one ever taught me techniques because there was no internet way back when I was younger, I found that I had to break my old habit of grabbing my front brakes at a stop, thanks for helping me

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Interesting. I ride BMW boxers and my relaxed stopping procedure always involves downshifting as you say but blipping throttle and letting clutch back out to take advantage of engine braking as well. If circumstances change and traffic begins to move I am always in proper gear for resuming forward motion. I enjoy each full stop by playing a game with myself as I pick a stopping spot and attempt to have each one be perfectly smooth and jerk free by easing out the front brake lever. After 30 years I am at about 97% success rate. Thanks for your videos.

[@krytenLister]

The fact that videos like these are needed proves that Basic motorcycle training should be made compulsory before gaining a licence to ride as a learner

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

I would also argue that the MSF BRC1 courses are not enough. We should also have a tiered licensing system like the they have in the UK. For a newly licensed rider to be able to get on any bike they fancy and go tearassing around the roads is absurd. All the instructors say at the end of the course "you are now certified to ride a motorcycle in a parking lot" this is often taken as a joke, it is not.

[@krytenLister]

@@theprodigalstranger5259 From all the US videos posted teaching what should be basic skills, I agree. Having Brit friends that have done the MSF, it is about level with our CBT which is basic training before you are allowed to ride on the roads. The CBT is nowhere near enough training for real world riding of big bikes, which as you say is why we have graduated testing dependant on age.

[@Carlos-bp1vp]

One question, why not let out the clutch on every downshift or revmatch? I prefer hearing every downshift to know if I'm in the right gear to take off again. I also would want as much engine braking as I can, especially in an emergency.

[@CoolDaysEnd]

Carlos, lI agree on that 100%.

[@cameronhicks5225]

Almost all gear has come in and I am about to hit the road in earnest for the first time in a week or so. I appreciate your videos so much and I hope the techniques you teach become my habits.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I don't understand why you don't engage the clutch between downshifts. I use the engine to brake the bike but it also keeps me in the correct gear to accelerate if I need to. Can you explain why you don't engage the clutch between gears? Keep the good stuff coming Kevin.

[@outspoken5326]

use the clutch when down shifting. if you dont you can break gears in the trani.....the clutch is there for a reason. its less expensive to replace the clutch than the trani

[@davehamilton8034]

Some guys don't engage the clutch when downshifting because they say it's cheaper to replace the brakes than the clutch. I ride a heavy bike made heavier by my ol' lady and all the crap she brings along. I use the clutch to help me stop. I don't think there is a "wrong" way to downshift. Using the motor to help you stop is kind of a personal choice. Just sayin'!!😎

[@Grim_Beard]

@@davehamilton8034 "Some guys don't engage the clutch when downshifting because they say it's cheaper to replace the brakes than the clutch." Those guys don't understand clutches then. One of my 'bikes has over 200,000 miles on the original clutch plates and counting - and that's with a lot of stop-start and low-speed riding, due to London traffic and filtering. You have to be doing something _very_ wrong with your riding to knacker a clutch!

[@davehamilton8034]

@@Grim_Beard I agree!!

[@katrinalattrell4659]

I’m the one with two feet on the pavement at a stop… there’s nothing like a bad Total Knee Replacement to make you decide you need two outriggers when you’re sitting still!

[@thejerseyj5479]

Watching again a year later and worth it. Thank you for your efforts.

[@Magic_Toaster]

One tip that helped me as a beginner to stop and always just put the left foot down is to look a little to the left when you get like 3 feet away from totally stopping. Your bike goes where you look, so the bike will lean slightly to the left.

[@midnightrun5622]

I'm 57 and just started riding. So far, I've kept my head up while braking though I do sometimes forget to use the rear brake. But I also ride like I drive my semi and give myself plenty of following distance and use engine braking when coming to a stop.

[@michaelscott356]

Excellent video, Kevin. Not many new riders (and even many "experienced" ones) appreciate the many nuances that go into the SEEMINGLY insignificant aspects of motorcycling. Stopping is one of the things that initially seems like a "no-brainer", with many new students getting the impression that brake lever location is the only, or the most important thing to learn. What, when and how we do what we DO with those levers is, as you imply, a fine art and requires good "basics" as a starting point. And you have outlined them perfectly here.

[@machwheels8642]

Exactly. Recently I have been trying different ways to slow speed stop and my stops are just terrible for the last two weeks ! So I am going back to this and not try the new ideas for now. Thanks to having this video still up

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin! Great topic. God bless and stay safe.

[@chrisrutledge9330]

My BMW road bike has linked brakes. They work splendidly. Best innovation ever for normal road driving. Pull the right hand brake lever - rear brakes join in automatically. And no need to keep the right foot locking the rear brake at a stop - your hand is braking both wheels. The classic single left foot only on the road is fine if you have longer legs, and if the bike is not too heavy. I use this on my Ninja 600. But on a big road bike, placing both feet down on the road smartly at a stop gives way more secure stability. The weight and seat height of a non-Harley to my mind calls for the added security of both feet firmly planted - a small lean angle off dead vertical is no joke to manage. The downshift gear by gear when coming to a stop is essential - some fine bikes often are pigs to clink the gears down when not in motion. My BMW? At a stop, the gears and clutch must have been made in the Stalingrad Tractor Works...

[@donpierce7836]

Thanks Kevin, I always get something out of each of your presentations. Hopefully with practice I’ll get it right. May God bless and a personal thanks for all you do.

[@peterv1806]

Another exceptionally informative video! Thank you.

[@bittysmallssea5006]

I needed this refresher. Thank you.

[@brunnettebaby019]

Omg thank you for being the first person that actually talks about slowing down while riding above 2nd gear haha I do a lot of engine breaking because I didn't know what I should or shouldn't be doing but I know that can be dangerous when you have someone behind you looking for break lights. Thank you!

[@seesaw7289]

You are absolutely right about those first two key techniques!

[@SecurityBob]

Well said Kevin thank for the refresher. 👍

[@thomasriggs4468]

Great information brother 🙏

[@randyreynolds6645]

Wow, 50 years of riding and you just solved a problem I've had the whole time. Clutch in but still down shift according to speed, I don't have to actually release the clutch each time. Many thanks.

[@Jeff82556]

Yeah, I didn't know that either Randy. I'll have to check it out shortly - after all this nasty pine pollen crap is over!

[@EvangelistAnitaMartirRivera]

Love the story

[@kylepatton1048]

Another great video, Kevin. I’ve got to work on my habit of downshifting and engine braking instead of braking with the clutch in. Gotta let the brake light do its job.

[@Steve-wx9gl]

I always downshift I believe you have better control over the bike rather than free wheeling to a stop so I was totally surprised to hear Kevin’s view

[@DMG999]

When I explain these riding techniques to my group I always say that when you stop a motorcycle you're using both hands and both feet which means, the front brake, the rear brake, the clutch, shift lever and throttle are all used simultaneously. Thanks for the great vids, these help out a ton among my rider group!

[@zoltankiss8912]

hello, I started riding last season, got myself a '99 vfr 800, I know most would say thats way too big of a bike to start with, but Im 130 kg so I fit well on it, plus just loved its sound and looks. After my first 3-4 thousand kms on the bike I still had problems with stopping the bike at stop singns, so as the new riding seaon starts I chacked out your channel and learned that my mistake was, that I always thought Im supposed to release the clutch after every change in the gears, so by the time I stopped, I always had to put the bike in first gear before I could continue riding. I know it sounds stupid, but I always tried doing evereything right, went out to practice a few times, but because of this misinformation I kept failing. Finally after the 3rd try I can easily stop with my right foot on the brakes and my left on the ground without any problem. Thank you for your work, it really made me more confident and safe.

[@robertschlosser4986]

Wobble, and hard fork dip are both dangerous as you may be find a sand patch on the payment at stop sign and go down. You should be able to hold the bike with one foot down, and be using the rear break right through the stop, but two feet down after the stop isn't an indicator of lack of skill: it may be a bad back where you sometimes need to have both feet down to keep your spine straight.

[@MCrider]

Correct, there are physical exceptions to the one foot rule.

[@robertschlosser4986]

@Doreen Gagnon absolutely.

[@RobertoBren]

Good information for new and seasoned riders. In 1984 I'd been riding 3 years and failed to leave myself an escape what at a red light in Miami. Saw a car approaching way too fast and my only choice was to the left into oncoming traffic which was a big no. Had no chobut to eject. Bike was damaged and landed safely but embarrassed on the hood of the car.

[@tedmartinus3878]

Thank you! I do have a problem with the last few feet of stopping... I need to get off the front brake...

[@ralphweber2522]

Kevin, you say keep the clutch squeezed, but should we not use a little engine braking by letting out the clutch for just ten seconds or so between gears?

[@judeschexnyder8008]

Great tips for safer and smoother braking. Thanks again Kevin.

[@MCrider]

Thanks Jude

[@lpd1snipe]

Great advice as always, which is why as an older rider I still watch your videos every week. An old dog can always learn new tricks. I now have 50+ years riding on the street. I started when I got my license at 15. There are exceptions to the right foot down rule. I own 4 motorcycles. One of them is a right-hand shift, so I always put my left foot down on that one. Another one is a 1949 Harley with a foot clutch. So I only put my left foot down if I am in neutral because my foot is normally on the clutch at the stoplight. I get it to a stop then I go off the rear brake and use the front brake to hold it. The other two are normal left hand shifters.

[@kinokatana]

By far the best video I've I've breaking down each and every step of the lesson and with helpful tips to improve in riding. Love it! 🤝🏼🤌🏻

[@dahveed284]

I've been using the "left foot down" stopping and waiting technique for about a year. It's works well, but I had a sudden gust of wind from the left catch me and I was quick to get that right foot down. When I rode bicycles, I was in the habit of putting my right foot down and keeping the left clipped into the pedal. I learned quickly that you don't put that foot down close to the bicycle, otherwise you can tip to the left and there is little chance of getting your foot unclipped in time to stop entertaining your fellow riders. lol.

[@valtito9297]

will do thank you. blessings!!!

[@scottthornton9237]

Thank you Kevin, and perfect timing too! My wife and i have been in this very conversation all week. We watch your videos everyday, while having dinner. We are on the waiting list to take the advanced riders course. (She has just one year on her Sportster, I've taken the CHP course and have been riding for many years). We take the training courses together. Refresher courses are a big plus in my book! She asked me: "How long until we just ride without training? My answer: "When the body temp matches ground temp! Motorcycle training is a continuous endeavor, never stop learning!" I also added: When driving the car, pretend you are on the bike, to make car driving habits match... What if, escape routes, looking through the corners, point the nose, mirror discipline... It all works the same way.

[@andreharrington7169]

That is some great advice, according one of my MSF instructors said steady squeeze the front brake not grab the front brake also he said if you grab the front brake the front shocks compress and it is the rebound of the front shocks that can cause a drop

[@Peter-eu7wp]

Sound advice Kevin, whether braking or riding along looking ahead is a life saver.

[@steveknode4517]

Perfect description of the proper stopping technique. Thanks, again.

[@AnotherBangaTV]

Thank you good sir! God Bless You.

[@zolv]

Finishing with the rear brake has an obvious connection to the rule of using a rear brake only on slow speed maneuvers (and stopping is indeed such a maneuver). If we need to do some emergency turn during our normal stopping, then we are good to go as our front brake is not used at that very last moment.

[@codyclan62]

More expensive helmets generally are quieter as well. I picked my Shoei RF 1400 because reviews called it the quietest on the market. I am very protective of my hearing.

[@usernamemykel]

Kevin, I put out both feet when I stop - I feel more stable doing it that way. I'd tilt my bike and put my left foot down, as all of you good instructors advise, but I have a fear that my slowing down and foot timing may be off, and the bike would get ahead of me, then disaster. ALSO, there's the problem of leaning the bike to the left side and putting the foot down - so there's several things happening at once - correct "speed"/slowing down when putting down the foot, foot placement, and leaning the bike to the left - hopefully not too much or too little. PLEASE go into more detail about these aspects, in another one of your wonderful videos. Many thanks!

[@fumblerooskie]

Given that the intermediate moto course is too far away for me to attend, I really appreciate these technique videos. I take the advice to heart and actively practise daily.

[@murraykriner9425]

Glad you included this content at this time of year since know is the part in the season that most folks who have been itching so badly to ride are first getting out there. From veteran to returning rider, to first-timer's, we all really need to keep our senses about your discussion placed in order, just to stay safe. Thanks Kevin. Shiny sides up.

[@eddcurry1245]

I greatly appreciate your videos and teaching. I’ve observed (after 50+ years of riding) how many riders never learn and increase their riding skills...

[@MCrider]

That is true, the older you get the more proper technique come in to play.

[@kenwittlief255]

Thumbs up on the first 2 points on the 3rd, yes downshift as you approach a stop, but if you keep the clutch pulled in all the way down from 50 to 0mph you are quickly going to find out how expensive motorcycle brake rotors are (HUNDREDS of dollars!). If you are cruising at 50 and a stop is coming up, letting off the gas the compression of the engine will slow you down to 30 in 5th gear. Kicking it down to 4th or 3rd and burping the throttle while letting the clutch out again will get you down to 20mph - once more in 2nd will get you down to 10mph without touching the brakes at all. Then brake to a stop as you kick down to 1st. The bike will idle between 900 and 1200 RPM, with no throttle applied you can keep the clutch engaged all the way down to idle speed (called clutch speed) and then pull it in. Motorcycles have very big engine to weight ratios, so compression braking is very effective, if you burp the throttle you are not putting any wear on the clutch plates. In a pinch you could compression brake all the way to a stop by hitting the kill switch in 1st gear at 5mph. To be clear compression braking with the engine is not going to wear your engine out any faster - the braking force is coming from the pistons compressing the intake air and pumping it out the exhaust - there is nothing wearing (like brake pads and rotors) slowing you down. Trucks do this with a special valve, they are called JakeBrakes. When you slow down, just before the bike stops, if you push on the left grip just a bit the bike will lean slightly left as you plant your left foot. If you keep the bike straight until you stop the bike has a 50 50 chance of wanting to fall to the left or right. That little nudge will make it always go left. I dont agree with keeping your right foot on the brake and floorboard - that is an unstable position because you are applying pressure to your left foot to keep the bike slightly leaning to the left. Its more stable and takes far less energy and concentration if you plant both feet, and let the bike be perfectly balanced on both legs. Keep the front brake held on instead so the bike cant roll.

[@andysatch9150]

As a UK advanced rider, this is good quality information. Please use it!!

[@Steve-wx9gl]

Hi I just don’t get it please explain

[@stevensullivan5287]

As an MSF instructor and highly experienced rider, never keep the clutch in as said, always use engine braking while downshifting, that way you'll have the correct gear and speed matching and never be surprised at being in the wrong gear for lugging or sliding the butt end. Eyes up on the horizon is the key. 50 year rider.

[@MCrider]

Hi Steven...as one Rider Coach to another, I think you need to study the MSF Manuals you are teaching from because what you are advocating here is not what the MSF teaches. From the BRC Handbook Page 10 "...But when braking to a stop, roll off the throttle, and squeeze the clutch lever and the front brake lever while pressing on the rear brake pedal. Your left foot should touch the ground first so you can use the rear brake pedal until completely stopped." BRC Handbook Page 11 "When making a complete stop, the clutch lever must be fully squeezed to disconnect power from the rear wheel. The clutch lever remains squeezed until you are ready to start out in 1st gear." You can download a copy of the MSF Handbook book here: www.twowheeladventures.com/BRCHandbook.pdf The MSF manual says nothing about engine braking or releasing the clutch when coming to a normal stop at a stoplight.

[@Grim_Beard]

@@MCrider I think you've misunderstood what the manual is saying there, or at least have misrepresented it in the video. The manual is referring to the last part of a stop - the actual stopping part - which, of course, occurs at first gear speeds. In your video, you imply that the clutch should be kept in from the moment you begin to slow down for a stop, whilst going down through the gears. That's not what the manual text you've quoted says, and is not good practice (for the reasons that Steven has correctly explained). Let's take a real world example: there's a road near me with a 40mph limit and a lot of cross junctions with traffic lights. If I see a light a couple of hundred yards ahead turn red when I'm doing 40mph in 3rd or 4th gear, I do not - and should not - pull in the clutch. I do as Steven says: use engine braking and go down through the gears. The clutch only needs to be used for the down shifts, and then held in when approaching stall speed in first gear. That is also the proper reading of the manual text. Effectively, until you're down to first gear speeds, you're _slowing_ not _stopping_ , which might be where the confusion arises.

[@MCrider]

@@Grim_Beard Show me in a MSF document that says what you are saying?

[@ericvalker]

@@MCrider Kevin, I believe you are spot on with your braking comments. As a RiderCoach for 29 years and a RiderCoach Trainer for 18 years, I think you represented the stated technique correctly. There are parts of the classroom section where engine braking by letting the clutch out at every downshift while coming to a stop is discouraged. One of the more dangerous issues with using engine braking on normal stops is the fact that your brake light is NOT activated by engine braking causing you to slow. Personally I prefer to use my replaceable brake pads to stop rather than the stress on clutch and transmission. Thanks for your videos. Most of it I know, but like you said, bad practice only makes permanent, not better. It is all a good refresher for me and some things I've forgotten. Keep up the great work.

[@MCrider]

Thanks for taking the time to respond @Eric West. Eric was my trainer when I got my certification as a riding instructor. I called Eric just to make sure I was correct with what I was teaching here...I want to provide accurate information on MCrider. I don't know of a better source that Eric West test my instructional technique against than Eric West...a true MSF legend here in Texas. ;)

[@darthfran13]

So glad I watched this, I've been riding for a year now, and just wasn't sure if I've been stopping correctly, but I have and this was very reassuring. I pull the clutch and downshift as you say to, and I wasn't sure if that was correct or not.

[@oliveriorangel4450]

Thank you for sharing good stuff MCrayder; I think that I need lots of practice;, because I get very nervous at the stop sign:, not knowing if I going to make it or not, thanks again for your technic it was so helpful watching it, continue teaching, you are the best:

[@FrankFH]

From one RiderCoach to another, 100% spot on advice.

[@MCrider]

Thank you Frank

[@johnnyx9892]

If I might add my .02... On downshifting, as a ROUGH measurement you can match your gear to each 10 MPH. In other words 50 mph / 5th gear, 40 mph / 4th gear, 30 mph / 3rd gear and so on. This will of course vary from bike to bike, but you can use this as a starting point to begin to "feel" when you need to be. After a while it will become second nature.

[@pseudotonal]

Practice does NOT make perfiect as many people believe. I say, "Perfect practice makes easy." I've taught this to my piano students and it is equally true with motorcycling or any other precision physical activity.

[@andrewjeffries8721]

"End the stop with the rear brake" Good advice. But my XL1200C has a jockey shift. My right foot is usually the only one that I can put down. I could drop to Neutral but I usually try to slowly cruise up to my stopping point if the light might be green soon. I usually also downshift a bit to use engine breaking but like you said I choose the gear depending how fast I am moving at that point. I do prefer to choose a stopping point that is about 10 to 14 feet behind the car in front of me = Escape Route. :-)

[@bikesthatvote2855]

I appreciate the channel and most of the counsel, but much less so on the braking advice. Riders revert to habit under stress, and letting go of the front brake before coming to a complete stop is not a recipe for success in an emergency stop. It is hard to give good generic counsel when there are so many different styles of bikes. Cruisers vs tourers vs sport bikes - braking systems are quite different. Linked (multiple kinds) vs non-linked. ABS or not. As a simple example, the rear brake is more effective on bikes with longer wheelbases and a more rearward weight bias, but over-reliance on the rear brake is a major contributor to many crashes that could have been avoided with proper application of the front brake. Same thing with left foot down vs right foot vs both feet. There are good reasons for each style. Brakes are cheaper to replace than transmissions, but there are good reasons to downshift and use engine braking while slowing, though it shouldn't be the only way we practice stopping. Learning to light up the brake light before braking, or while just coasting is another useful tool in the arsenal. At any rate, it is good to think about, and practice improving, braking skills.

[@Steve-wx9gl]

Perfect

[@rooster3019]

I also notice some rides out of balance and wobbling when moving from a stop in slower traffic. Usually their head is tilted down...

[@alandean2]

I found the advice very helpful

[@deanjenkins4716]

I have found that in traffic is to slow down further away giving me front space control which allows me to control vehicles behind me! Awhile at same time in multiple lanes watching for vehicles that are going to change lanes into your space! In bigger city heavy traffic MOST close incedents whether on city streets or highways have been learning to give myself plenty of front space which definitely helps control rear space control vehicles from behind even though they get mad and don't understand why! Follow distance is so important! I watch some many motorcycle rides that don't get THIS! Along with adding extra brakes lights for whatever type of bike your are riding! Mine lights up like a Christmas and at night vehicles stay way back from my brake lights! Plus all of my stock reflectors are lights and directional blinkers from one end to the other!

[@rusnsc7622]

Good stuff Kevin...a thorough breakdown of what it takes to properly stop. Leaving the bike in gear when stopped at a light is also a key takeaway...often see folks at lights with bike in neutral and hands off the bars...does not equate to an emergency get away! Brakes on , clutch squeezed & bike in gear. Thanks for the reminder to us all. Be well.

[@VikingBagsYT]

Great video! Just wanted to say we here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content! Keep up the good job!

[@masoodrowshan4910]

Thank you

[@flyguy1637]

Excellent video as usual. I have been riding for years and I even learned something new. Please for the very few that give Kevin a thumbs down! Go away!

[@evensteven0254]

I'm a new rider & I'm glad I found your channel, I've been watching your videos and it's helped out alot. I took the MSF course end of October. Wanted to say thanks and also I don't live too far from you. I live in Argyle. I might just see you down the road someday

[@topherdalrymple6535]

Thanks Kevin. See you on the road.

[@simrey33]

Man thanks for the info, very well done. Been riding since I was 11 dirt bikes to street, recently upgraded to the heaviest bike I've owned and admit I've been wobbly and struggling a bit. very helpful, thank you

[@simrey33]

*bit sorry

[@brianb7960]

Waiting for motorcycle classes to restart in my area. Until then I appreciate your videos and look forward to applying it when I start riding. Thanks and keep them coming

[@Tryke_Ryder]

“Practice makes perfect” is a myth. As you point out, if you practice wrong technique, you will be perfectly wrong!!! 🤣 Thanks for your videos Kevin.

[@JackTRyan]

Well, a half truth anyway.

[@gingebrien2408]

Thanks for the review. Love your tidbits of motorcycle wisdom.

[@EastCoastBikerTreads]

Another tip is keeping the front wheel straight.. I found if I don't have my front wheel straight I tent to feel unbalanced.

[@jps8941]

Thanks Kevin another great video I've now become the example of what not to do and you showed me I'm already learning bad habits I have to dedicate my time to the parking lot thanks again for all your help

[@josejoubert4395]

My favorite technique, learned from you long ago - Left foot down, two feet planted seems rookie to me.

[@MCrider]

Two feet does look out of place after seeing it done correctly.

[@49Roadmaster]

@@MCrider Another great video. I might add a few more situations: Like you said, off cambered roads, and windy conditions. A few more from my experience: potholes in the road (or puddles because you sometimes never know how deep they are), poor footing conditions (e.g. sand/fluids/mud on the roads), or your passenger wants to shift their position.

[@vicmorrison8128]

A 980 lb byk , at times I have to put both feet down. Whew!

[@donmoore481]

Finishing your breaking by using more rear than front brake also prevents your front wheel from locking up and sliding out form under you as you cross onto the wet white painted very slippery stop stripe at the intersections in the Pacific Northwest. Wet and very slick.

[@bandogbone3265]

Nice detail! Humidity condenses on the cool white line sooner than on the warmer black pavement.

[@tomyoung3087]

Normally I use your braking technique all the time Kevin, I caught myself a few times using engine braking to stop at a light , luckily I realized fairly quickly it was a real bad idea. I noticed cars behind me coming up to fast on me because I had not applied any normal brakes so no brake light to warn them. I stopped that bad habit real quick.🇨🇦.

[@darrellhypolite4587]

This guy is amazing ! Thank you for these videos!

[@Baleur]

My question is, why didnt the MSF teacher tell him the proper technique or identify the problem?

[@motzoh]

Hah! I can't stand bogging or surging when I approach a stop and then have to go... Just like you say Kevin, the only way to avoid that is practice, practice, practice on the bike you're riding. Every bike is different; even the same model. Nice reminders leading into better weather, ie to practice before we get out there! Thank you, good to see you again.

[@MCrider]

Absolutely

[@charleshansen7003]

Thanks Kevin for yet another awesome video helping us to be better riders and safer out there