How do brakes & throttle impact cornering traction?

[@MCrider]

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[@ostekuste3646]

Kevin, just this weekend I had two events that fall into this conversation. In North Carolina sand is used on many mountain roads for winter traction, and it can linger for quite some time. In one corner I felt the back wheel start to slide, but just maintained my direction and throttle as I felt my traction control kick in. No drama at all as I let the bike do it’s job. In another corner I was having a little too much fun and went in a little too hot. I did not panic and maintained throttle, counted on the tires to do their job better than me, added a little more counter steer, and flowed right out of the corner. I had all the info and training I needed from your videos and the field guide to make it through both moments, and gained the experience from them with the best outcome. Practice truly does work. Thank you again from a supporting member. Keep the rubber side down, everyone!

[@No_one1776]

When I started riding back in 2003 I was riding for about a year, I was going down a highways about 60 and the light turned red, I applied to much pressure to the rear break and not enough to the front and the rear tire just skidded. The things I learned was, apply pressure to both breaks equally. Love this channel.

[@johndoe-im9fr]

When i first started riding my bike i kept riding more and more in the rain in the first 2 months and figured out really fast that breaking rear will slide it out a lot. i kept purposely getting the rear end loose to figure out how exactly to stop it smoothly, without it jerking back. 3 months later this helped me when being stupid and going 70 over a blind hill and a car less than 300 feet was on the other side completely sideways in my lane coming from driveway. it could have been a lot worse. i did grab too much and the tail started sliding around but thanks to the rain practicing i was able to manipulate the rear end to get me in the other lane and back on my lane without hitting him, not just skill though. 90% lucked out. Don't go fast especially where you can't freaking see...

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

I greatly appreciate your videos which have helped me so much as a new rider. Your previous episode involving traction during turns and this one have really helped the most, most likely. Since your last episode I have felt so much more stable on my bike and more confident in order to not feel as though I could tip over at any moment. I have found myself braking a little too long just when I'm starting a curve, and immediately pulled off the brake lever when realizing it, knowing I could loose traction if continuing to brake during a turn. I am a very modest rider and find I prefer to take it slow when not being followed by a motorist, because I like the ride so much, and so am not in a habit of going beyond my comfort level. Also, I looked into the app you offer and find I can not pay money each month. I do however practice what I see in your videos. Thank you so much for putting out this valuable content. My Jack Russel says hi to your pup.

[@richardshilling2958]

Your brake training helped me stop safely when a deer ran out. I didn't think just did it. Thanks. Richard UK

[@mrdonsmith]

I was a rider in the 70's but put it aside it while raising children. I came back to it about four years ago. Somewhere along the line I forgot about not using the front brake in a turn. I'll bet it was mentioned in the required class I took to get my M certification on my driver's license here in Texas but it didn't sink in if it was. The result was, initially, that I thought my new bike, a 1300cc new Honda at the time, was trying to kill me in a turn. I talked about it with other riders every chance I got and NOBODY suggested that I might be using the front brake when I shouldn't. Riders were talking about rake angle and the like, and, looking back, it's amazing that how many diverse reasons I heard about the oversteer I was getting in a slow turn. None of those reasons included 'don't use the front brake in a turn!'. I sold that bike thinking the problem was a design flaw and bought a Harley Davidson Heritage. It was a beautiful bike, but wait! It was trying to kill me too! Again, I talked it up and, again, NOBODY suggested that the problem was me grabbing the front brake in a turn. It wasn't until my third bike that a new friend casually dropped the life-changing comment at dinner "You know you don't use the front brake in a turn, don't you?" "What?" "Wait!" That casual comment changed my riding life. I look back at the times I talked to so many other riders and not one among them recognized that I was using the front brake in a turn. Now, whenever I talk to a new rider it's the first thing I mention just to cover the possibility that, like me, they missed that part in class.

[@matthewsuddeth2864]

Writing from a Sams Club demo tablet! Subscribed too!

[@Willochiv]

Last September I came up to a roundabout at a slow speed and, while looking for oncoming traffic, involuntarily squeezed the front brake, at least I think that's what happened. The next thing I knew was I was lying on my side on the road with the bike between my legs. Some damp white paint on the road may have been involved, but whatever it was my front wheel completely lost traction and slid. No injury other than a bruised leg and pride. So now I keep my fingers away from the front brake except in the final moments before a controlled stop and when I'm practicing emergency stops. I wish I'd seen this video last August. Thanks for the continuing good information and advice. Much appreciated.

[@Bosephjones]

Full disclaimer - I feel the MSF course is a MUST for those learning to ride a motorcycle and are getting prepared for the street. I also think this channel is a fantastic source for knowledge and insight. Its also important to note we NEVER STOP LEARNING Keep it up Kevin... now with all that said, when discussing braking techniques, defensive strategies, etc. you have to be VERY specific as to what audience you are talking to. The MSF (more specifically the BRC) is a fantastic tool to teach those who are learning to ride on the street. However, once that rider has ridden on the street and understands the basics, then advance training SHOULD be sought out to really unlock the rider AND bike potential to maximize safety. MSF teaches 4 fingers on the brake lever and to do all braking before a turn. However, as we build skill and riding competence, We need to UNLEARN this 4 finger brake technique and build a higher performance skill. This doesnt mean a track skill. This means a high level practiced ability that maximizes safety. Safe, skilled trailbraking is a fantastic way to keep the suspension happy on a bike, thus maximizing traction. Smooth throttle application when blended properly with trailbraking is the sister to trailbraking and working on that transition back and forth is crucial. Keeping the suspension smooth and the attitude of the bike calm is the goal, since this maximizes traction. I personally rider with my front brake covered with 2 fingers, sometimes 1. When I need to transition from a hammer grip to a screwdriver grip in a deep lean, then I will pull that finger off, but am still mentally prepped to apply the brake if needed. I'll probably always ride with the lever covered as I feel it maximizes my reaction time and I know to smoothly apply the brake and not grab a "fist full." This is why I think you need to be very particular about what audience you're directing this advice to. Should a "new" rider be trailbraking? NO. so often we feel that the MSF BRC is a one and done training outlet. We get our licenses and then go hop on the bike with BASIC skills. Then we ride the same way for a year, gradually increasing speed as we go (or rapidly in some cases) and we still only have that basic level of instruction. If we are going to ride at a high level, we need to have high level skills, and these dont have to be taught the "hard way." TL;DR - specify audience, get training, keep getting training. Adapt your techniques as you gain proficiency.

[@alphabuddy885]

Another outstanding video! Dropped my two week old FJR and a slow speed maneuver tapping the front brake! As soon as I did I harken back to my MSF course But unfortunately it was too late! It cost me $100 Mirror and wanted my pride. The field guide is outstanding! I obviously need to use it a little more. Stay safe my brother!

[@cheetothealmighty]

Some times you don't know what you don't know until it's too late. I found myself in that predicament at the end of the summer last year. I was riding home from a long night at work on an overcast damp morning. I tried pass a cement truck going slow and didn't see a black truck in the oncoming lane. I grabbed a handful of break and laid my bike down somewhere near 60 mph. I walked away with a wrist full of titanium, tons of medical bills, a broken bike and a very bruised ego. My safety gear did its job that's why I'm still here. I definitely need the information you are making available to become a better rider.

[@Paul20661]

Yesterday at my moto school I went out in traffic for the first time. It was a little bit scary at first but I'm getting used to it.Gonna get my license soon :)

[@Ducati_Dude]

Negrean Paul --> Scary is good... keeps you on your toes...

[@tovarasulsecretargeneral2822]

Foarte bine asa fratele meu. Eu mi-am luat licenta de a conduce 125 cc in UK acum 2 saptamani. Mare atentie la cei din jurul tau.

[@crisrose9707]

first time i went out in traffic was on my test XD

[@Paul20661]

Had my exam today and I passed :) My riding days begin

[@MCrider]

Congrats!

[@pcarter5992]

Great video and advice... as always. I've been riding for over 15 years and your videos always help me hone my riding skills further. Keep it up!

[@Johny40Se7en]

I've been watching your videos for a while now and they're always full of great quality tips and information. I went for a ride through a long twisty mountain road quite recently and I came to a long sweeping U turn and it was going down a hill a little bit. When I got to the entry of it, my speed was pretty good, I'd done as much braking as I felt I wanted to do before the turn like I was taught, but as I was going through the turn I closed the throttle because of the way it went a little bit downhill through a part of the bend. I felt like I would be going to fast to apply any throttle and it felt for a second that I'd run wide and go off the road, but that's when all of the good training and advice I've ever had really kicked in. I told myself very strictly to just believe in the bike and yourself and I just leaned in and kept a little bit of steady throttle on, I went through the turn really nice and it felt amazing, the inside of my helmet lit up with laughter I was so happy about it =) Some of your videos are part of those tips so ta very much and keep it up ; )

[@drumsnbass]

As an oldster returning rider, I love that my 1200GS has all the rider aides. I ofetn purposefully brake through corners to get used to it for the day I may actually need the brakes in a corner, and will thus not lock them up. The ABS & TC certainly can't hurt!

[@ilyketrainz]

For me, training through the MTC (california’s version of the MSF) has allowed me to avoid many potentially hairy situations, and every time I’ve upgraded on my motorcycle I keep a note of how to manage this motorcycles weight, acceleration and braking. Getting used to my bike within an hour of purchase is my biggest part in how I can avoid future situations knowing full well how it’ll handle to my input. Braking smoothly and releasing brake smoothly is still an ongoing practice for me, it has happened where in the middle of a turn I came in a little hot and the next turn is even tighter, so not just lining it up, but understanding my body position as well as my brake pressure is why I have been able to save what could’ve been a bad situation. Thanks for the lessons, always clear and very well instructed!

[@manmeetsharma2632]

I find your videos very helpful. While riding slow or filtering through the traffic (20-40km/hr) I tend to use rear brake first while still covering the front brakes. I find the rear brakes on my Bonnie t100 quite strong at those speeds. Plus it helps me maintain the balance on bike at slow speeds. One winter morning the road was wet, the car in front of me stopped suddenly I applied the brakes but the rear tyre locked up. I was doing around 70km/hr. While the bike was skidding I kept on looking at the gap between the car in front of me and car in next lane. I was able to go between the gap. I remember you did a video on maintaining 5 sec gap from the car in front of you and a video about looking where you want to go. Both of those videos are true and people should learn from them. Plus I learned from that incident to be aware of grip on cold tyres. Great work.

[@mtwb13]

Brakes right hand, not left at 2:40 ;) I'm just messing with you and I totally got your point. You're a great teacher and I seriously appreciate you. You're helping me a lot. Thank you :)

[@robertmann6890]

I have experienced loss of traction due to applying my brakes to quickly. I was able to release the brakes and reapply the brakes slower with steady presser and still was able to stop in time to avoid crashing into the the car in front of me. Luckily I left myself a sufficient following gap that allowed me the extra time to make an emergency stop.Another crash I was able to avoid was similar with a car stopping suddenly in front of me. I was able to swerve into the turn lane then straighten up the bike and apply my breaks. A skill I practiced in the safety course I took in Illinois. Taking the safety course was the best thing I have done as a motorcycle rider.

[@yvonnefarmer553]

Thank you kevin...ive already had the experience of being tossed like a basketball with a front brake grab, slow turn.Dropped my bike only broke off tip of clutch lever...bruised my ego. On top of that had to call for help picking it up...ive really learned a LOT this past year..Got a LOT to learn..😎

[@DerrickJStroman]

You are 100% correct! Went down on my first bike when going around a corner by applying the front brake to hard. I was a new rider and didn't know or understood braking in a corner. I learned that day and it hasn't happened again. ABS helps too but knowing is better.

[@jimyoung8400]

Great video. Everything you said just reiterated what I learned in the MSF course. Only been riding about a month, luckily no problems yet. Thanks for your teachings.

[@ironhorses0802]

Thanks Kevin. In my early days of riding, I learned quickly not to brake while in the turn, however, I didn’t realize (as I should have) that down shifting at the beginning of my turn can have the same ugly affect. On a mountain road, going fairly slow (20/30) I downshifted into a tight turn and the bike nearly slid out from under me. So another lesson learned. Ha!

[@PhinAI]

DMandCPD, same error with similar results here, just about an hour ago. Had downshifted, but not decelerated sufficiently before releasing the clutch lever. Released half-way through turn and the back wheel grabbed hard enough to nearly throw the bike and give me a surprise reality check.

[@andreikaportsev6684]

Downshifting leads to engine breaking which will have a similar effect to normal breaking.

[@JT-cloverbottomt]

Kevin, Thank you for the videos and bringing great training so I can watch and learn anytime. I applied the brakes a little too hard a few months ago (2 I believe) while riding with the local HOG chapter. A great guy on a trike was in front of me and I took my concentration off riding for a split second and slammed on my brakes. My bike doesn’t have ABS, and I had not gotten used to that anymore (my wife’s bike has ABS). So I squealed the tires under a viaduct. Fortunately, it was only embarrassing. Again, thank you for teaching me and helping me to be a better rider.

[@Mizzoumike000]

My first mistake I ever made as a new rider was downshifting into a low gear and letting off the clutch at the same time I went into a corner locked up the rear tire and dumped my brand new bike hurt my shoulder and foot . Thank goodness for engine guards and foot pegs or my foot would've been crushed lesson learned .

[@normmackinnon5596]

Great information again Kevin. First bike and first drop under low speed and loose gravel entering a parking lot. Embarrassing slide into my high school Fast forward to present day with a new purchase of a BMW K1600GTL with ABS PRO. Love the bike and the safety integrated into the braking system, which is one of many. Thanks Norm

[@crisrose9707]

I did a moto-gymkhana day the other week and it was great practice for slow speed, tight manoeuvres.

[@ronniewilson9328]

Thank you for what you are doing I have used these videos to help me ride better

[@tonypybus8003]

Once again excellent advice. The only thing that I would add is that it it is important to remember irrespective what you are doing with the throttle whilst you are cornering the motorcycle is accelerating all the time - in a different direction hence the reason their is less braking force available at the tires

[@stevewaterfield4862]

I drive a small engine cycle that doesn't have very much power so that is helpful in this regard. The brakes and cornering tips are valuable though so thanks for the info.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Kevin, terrific as usual. One of the most difficult habits for me to brake...I mean, break...was using the rear brake, then adding the front brake. I spent a couple of years riding Vespas before going back to motorcycles after a 38-year absence, and with Vespas, there is no "foot brake" -- all braking is done by hand. So the instinct to grab that front brake was overwhelming at first. After a year or so, I've gotten it down and use the rear brake, then add the front brake as needed. But the times I've grabbed that front sorta not realizing I was NOT on a Vespa convinced me! No, I haven't dropped my Vulcan 2K yet, knock wood, but I have had to retrain myself to return to motorcycle braking vs. scooter braking.

[@drewschmidt1334]

I’ve been watching you for about a year now. ( even before getting a bike ) I just finished up my Rider course and am free to ride. Learning how to correctly break in hurry really helped out last week. I was taking my new bike ( Zero SR 2017) out to the store threw town. We have one ways and I’ve noticed that many don’t look when entering. This day was no different. I was cut off and had to apply both break adequately - ABS did kick in. Granted I was somewhat expecting to be cut off but even still, no driver acknowledgment that I was even there. I had full gear- neon yellow jacket, as always, but still. But without practicing the breaking techniques I may have been hit. Thanks for these videos and keep them up!!! How’s your puppy doing??

[@MCrider]

Awesome Drew, glad you avoided an accident! Major is doing great.

[@johnnyhart340]

Good friend of mine about 5 years ago was on a charity bike ride in Stephenville TX , about 80 bikes riding side by side on a two lane no shoulder county road had a bike go down in a gravelly corner and he freaked out and thought breaks. Well the story ends with the guy that went down in front of him got up and was fine but Ed let the road under 20 mph and was thrown from the bike witch come down on top of him smashed his rib cage puncturing a lung and broke his leg in three places. I was not there when it happened but he will tell you he was to close to the rider in front of him, he was not situationally aware of his surroundings and lost all he knew in a split second and grabbed his front break. We have all learned from his experience. One of his legs is shorter than the other but we ride today. By GODs grace.

[@N3PRO-Dave]

I lowsided last fall. I was leaned over but didn't realize it until I went back to the incident site. A seen a car begin to pull out not looking in my direction at all, I reached for the horn but hit the turn signal instead, panicked and grabbed a fist full of brake and before I knew it I was a sliding. Bright side no injuries just torn riding hear which I was so thankful for (faceshield all scrapped up - could have been my face!). Bike needed some body panels of course.

[@oklahomahank2378]

My first bike was a drz 400, no ABS. I still have it. Practicing hard breaking when I first started riding I hit the front brake harder each time, and finally went right over the handlebars. Recently I was making a turn on a rural road and hit some gravel. If I had even touched the front brake I would have gone down. I had learned my lesson. Also, bike #2 has ABS.

[@williamcline5945]

Kevin You need to explain what the two riders in the opening did wrong. It is implicit in your discussion on grip...but I think a clear statement of what they did wrong would be a big help. Keep up the good work.

[@dabike]

Learned my lesson on day 2 of MSF class. On day 2 we were allowed to get to class early to practice by riding around the parking lot. I must have looked like I knew what I was doing as the instructor had everyone line up behind me and told me to lead the class to the starting point. Of course feeling like an old pro I took off and quickly noticed that I had to make a big turn or run over the saw horse they had set up to keep the class apart from the rest of the parking lot. I grabbed a lot of front break and went down on the low side painfully trapping my foot underneath the bike. Also broke off the mirror and added a few more scrapes to the bike. Didn't say anything about my sore ankle and finished the course. The next day I could not walk. Had my wife, who was (is) totally against me riding a motorcycle, take me to the hospital. Just a bad sprain but was on crutches for a while. Ever since then I always ease the front brake and try to do so before entering the turn just as you say to do.

[@GaryHorn]

I did the low-side crash my first year of riding (3 years ago) on my Honda Rebel 250. I was braking in the corner. They said not to do that in the MSF course. But some lessons seem to need to be learned on the road. Good thing I started riding with a used, small bike.

[@dadtrap]

Back in the day (49 years ago) I covered the front brake. The person who taught me to ride hit my knuckles with a ruler like the nuns in catholic schools and believe me I learned fast lol. You can’t do that today but it was effective

[@fidelcatsro6948]

Socialist style training

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Kevin, when I started riding years ago I also had that tendency to go for front break and I guess it's a faster manoeuvre than getting the foot to that break. Over the years in non emergency riding it's easier to plan break usage. But, just last summer at the start of riding season here, I took my C50T out to top off the tank with fresh gas after winter storage. I pulled into a gas station but all the pumps were busy so I decided to Uy and go uptown to another one. I got turned around about 3/4 of the turn, slower speed than preferred due to tight spot, and just at that point a baffoon in a car pulled slowly into the station across the entry compleately blocking my exit which was only 10 feet away. Yup I was startled and before having any concious thought my hand grabbed the break lever and the bike abruptly stopped and fell over, with my rolling across the asphalt. The car driver took off but I avoided T-boning him. I was not hurt, in full gear, and the bottom of the crash bar took the fall andgot some grinder scarfs in it. Without that bar the bike would have sustained more costly dammage. Ya just never know what situation will make you grab that lever.

[@andreikaportsev6684]

gemini232003 When stationary after applying the front brake the bike if not vertical suddenly becomes very heavy and often it is not possible to cope with its weight pushing on your one leg.

[@1up5down]

I had to unlearn a very bad habbit of covering the front break with 4 fingers when i started riding, but in doing so i tend to push my rear break more in emergencies and lock it up. I try to practice having 2 fingers covering the front break in traffic but it feels akward; as is trail breaking. Always, thanks again and great tips as always Kevin!

[@mikemhz]

Hey. I have three interesting stories regarding brakes that happened during my first year of riding: 1. Cresting a hill in heavy rain. First time I rode that road, couldnt see over the crest. When I crested, I saw the road made a sharp S. I tried to turn and brake at the same time, because I was going too fast. The back brakes were very sharp on that bike, and my back tire locked up. Survival instincts cut in and I released the brake and stood up off the seat. The bike corrected itself, and when the suspension loaded itself again (because the crest had caused a slight lift-off), I came to a stop in a straight line, stopping feet from the barrier. 2. I was a little angry at a car for cutting me off, and was following a little too close. Suddenly another motorcyclist stopped in the middle of the fast lane in front of the car I was following. He made an emergency stop, and so I tried to do the same. Again that back brake just locked the rear tire. I was skidding in at a 20 degree angle looking at his inside tail light. Just before i would have smacked into the back of him going sideways, I released the back brake, regained traction and the bike bounced back in line with the front tire which was thankfully angled away from the collision and I rode around the inside of the car, who also thankfully didnt pull out around the rider who had stopped in the road. 3. I was riding (in the rain again - unavoidable here) in the empty opposing traffic lane around a stationary line of traffic, when opposing traffic rounded the corner. So I did what I had planned - to duck back into my lane in a gap between the stationary cars. Unfortunately, that notorious back brake locked the back tire again, and I was skidding towards the back of a station wagon. I decided my only option was to pull the front brake harder, which also locked. Fortunately (again!!) I was going quite slowly at this point, and the bike was very light < 100 kg, so when I low sided, I didn't drop the bike and mess it up. Instead, I awkwardly hopped on one leg still trying to stop the bike from conntecting with the car in front (it went under the rear fender). Only a cracked wing mirror.

[@mikemhz]

I'm going to start posting my riding videos soon. I live in a heavily congested urban area in a country where corruption regarding driving licenses is rife, and nobody enforces speed limits. I'd like to hear what you think about how to ride safely in such a clusterfuck. I never took riding lessons and taught myself here after riding my first bike out of the shop, having learned to drive a car in my own country.

[@jonpayne5387]

My training and your advice has come in handy on more than one occasion. Your videos and field guide are both excellent and I am constantly practicing as I am a new rider. One day I will come to DFW and shake your hand. Thanks again. Jon - UK

[@denisewildfortune4058]

Hi Kevin - Good points about learning to ride the bike first before learning advanced techniques like covering the front brake. I had studied the Keith Code books and videos only after many years of riding and experiencing many emergency conditions driving in Boston. To add to your limited tire traction info I would like to point out that if you are engine braking be mindful that you are using up some of your available rear tire traction and must reduce rear braking pressure accordingly and of course vice versa. Obvious? Yes, but still surprising when you mess it up on the street!

[@disekjoumoer]

Excellent points, Kev. Going to go practice again tomorrow.

[@GarryPrater]

Good job again. It would be helpful if you could mention or add links to your related videos to help viewers go on to other lessons. The video about running wide in corners is a good follow-up to this one.

[@kcpl8er]

ALWAYS, ALWAYS , ALWAYS pay attention to road conditions sand in a street corner can put you down quick so can wet leaves or man hole covers . Riding a motorcycle is fun and relaxing but be aware of road conditions it can save you from pain and motorcycle damage .

[@mikefrancais]

I have heard the tires can steer and they can brake but they don’t do either very well at the same time. Could you discuss next time the option of leaning a bit more when you go into a curve a bit hot. Most riders are afraid to do this.

[@boseisgood]

mike .freville I would like to hear from Kevin about that as well. Ty mike!

[@ilyketrainz]

The reason you can’t combine both is because in a lean the motorcycle is already receiving a lateral G force, it’s not going straight to the ground, it’s attempting to force it away from the corner, so when you use brakes is loads too much pressure and the tires simply can’t handle it. It is possible to brake in a corner, however, that’s for moto GP with extreme grip tires and quite a bit of training for letting brakes in and out very smoothly and slowly. Now leaning into the corner when going in a bit too hot is also labeled a “correction mid corner” those are something that learning yourself is going to make more sense than any sort of video will, simply because everyone’s body is different.

[@ilyketrainz]

Now if you came into the corner too hot and needed to close that turn just a bit, leaning your body as if you were trying to get your helmet to kiss your mirror and pushing into the turn just a bit more will help stabilize the weight of the motorcycle and yourself through the turn, but you want to have your body position mostly set well before the turn, that way any corrections done through the turn are minor.

[@esa062]

You can continue braking when entering a corner, but you can't brake hard and lean hard the same time. I find it a good practise in traffic because you get out of the way faster and you're less likely to be rear ended by the car behind you. It is also the fastest way around a corner when taking traction to the limit on track, but it requires a lot of skill to do well. In traffic, when you leave plenty of safety margin anyway, you don't exceed your limits when entering a corner with brakes on. More likely you fall in mid corner when you stop braking and start accelerating. Releasing the clutch too rapidly with wrong revs can cause too big a jerk in the rear tire, which causes a slip. This is really the reason why it's safest to brake first and then enter the corner with light throttle.

[@robbo4858]

Letting loose of the throttle in a turn will cause your bike to stand up and likely cause you to panic and create target fixation. This could make for a bad day.

[@gabrielbentley9061]

Just purchased brand new rear tire, pulling out of the parking lot I accelerated a little bit two much during the turn, my rear tire slipped out from under me, and my training kicked in without me even thinking about it and I turned my handlebars in the opposite direction and saved myself

[@kazager11]

Thanks for the talk about covering the brake, it's something I've been trying to get used to, but am afraid of grabbing the brakes like you describe, or accelerating while trying to brake. After this talk I think I will add the "2 finger brake cover" later when I get a little better at controlling those instinctive reactions, which I still catch myself doing.

[@MCrider]

The MSF teaches new riders to keep all 4 fingers on the throttle when starting out.

[@andreikaportsev6684]

Kevin, can you, please, post a video about progressive breaking and using the thumb to keep the throttle closed while applying pressure to the lever with the tips of the fingers?

[@kcpl8er]

Sand in a corner , street corner at a stop sign I used the front brake and ended up doing a tank slapper with the handle bars and went down . I was going about 3 miles an hour .

[@iaindymock3007]

Yep, happened to me 2 mths ago, the same. I'm still puttin the bike back together and feeling nervous about jumpin on again, but guess I'll have to do it

[@okidoke4822]

I did a similar thing many years ago on a hard-to-see-around-the-bend intersection. Was just starting to go from the stop sign when a semi trailer came flying too fast around the corner and I grabbed the front brake while my front wheel was slightly turned for my take off while there was loose sandy gravel under the wheel. Dented my new exhaust, grrrr.

[@cbozarth40195]

I have seen another riding coach out of Florida say put lite pressure on rear break it will keep you from falling over. I have had a couple of times I have done it and I stayed up right and there was gravel in the road.

[@CKwoi]

Practicing u-turns on a parking lot as a new rider - not perfect execution but good enough, decent throttle control to "pick the bike up" when going to slow etc. No front brake at all used ever. Doing a slow u-turn on an actual (fortunately empty) road 20 minutes later. For no apparent reason I just barely squeezed the front brake without even realizing I'm doing it. Bike => Drop. Thank god there's enough of me so I could relatively gently lead it to the ground and pick it up easily enough. So, basically, yeah - covering the front brake during slow maneuvers can be a bad idea until you remove that twitchy front-brake reflex... which I haven't yet.

[@thunderkiss0000]

CKwoi if you really want to get good at u-turns and slow Maneuvers try practicing on dirt it takes more skill level and you won't get hurt if you drop it. I taught my son to ride a motorcycle in a field of grass.

[@N3PRO-Dave]

I've done that.

[@andreikaportsev6684]

Yes, If you use your front brake while leaning at slow speed it will stop almost instantly and will suddenly become very heavy - often it is not possible to straighten the bike and it falls on your leg. To avoid this practice u-turns or circles at slow speed while slipping the clutch all the time and having constant revs at 2000+ rpm. Then use only a foot brake to keep the speed under control. This works for me.

[@CKwoi]

Stopping is one thing. Doing the u-turn is another. I'm in Europe so I went through 20 hours 1:1 with an instructor to even get my license (and what Kevin is preaching is pretty much the same thing I was told over and over again during those 20 hours). IIRC from Kevin's video about bad habits, you should keep your left foot on the ground when stopped, not the right one, so that way you use both brakes to stop completely. He even showed the soles of his boots and the left one was worn way more.

[@pcarter5992]

CKwoi: We ALL have been there..... Don't cover the front brake lever as a beginner and especially when doing a u-turn. Braking in in slow mo is a dropped bike. Good luck!

[@esa062]

I locked the front brake and fell in about 20 km/h speed, when a moped rider came from a cycle path behind a high fence at full speed, cornering towards me on wrong lane. It was too fast a situation to think, it was a panic grap. Luckily the mopedist didn't hit me, so I just hurt my ankle a bit. I find the slow speed ultra fast situations the most difficult ones to handle. These typically occur on parking lots, when cars drive irrationally and way too fast. On road you can usually see the potential dangers coming and are prepared to react.

[@AlekreSD]

Insta like, very usefull. Dont doubt your work Kevin. Keep it!

[@genehauser3913]

Thanks for another great video. I always thought that in 4 wheel vehicles and a bike that we are to accelerate slightly in the turn, which supposedly benefits centrifugal force. And, as you stated, do the braking before the turn. I do a lot of Appalachian mountains riding two up with my wife. I am interested in hearing about this. Thanks again.

[@andrespabloviacava7861]

I never used the front break in a curve or in gravel roads. Raining I avoid it too. But I leave two fingers on the front breaks some time in the road. With two fingers you are more quickly to break and at the same time more smooth, you have less strength. Sometimes during the curve a touch smoothly the rear brakes and at the same time a little more throttle. This make more traction and aloud more inclination.

[@sandyshelton5]

Making a left turn from a stop sign on to a busy boulevard a few weeks ago, I accelerated too aggressively too early and my rear tire washed out, putting my butt and my bike on the pavement. I was surprised and embarrassed. I usually get away with that aggressive acceleration on my other bike with better tires. Fortunately, there was minimal damage, so it was an inexpensive lesson.

[@boseisgood]

Thanks for the great channel Kevin!

[@vapour250]

Thanks as always for the great videos. I am now on my 4th motorcycle and have survived 2 bad crashes with (luckily) minimal injuries. I have to admit that both my crashes could have been avoided if I hadn’t been showing off. The 2nd crash was directly as a result of traction and tyre temperature. I threw the motorcycle into a corner and lost traction, the bike fell on my leg and tore my ligaments. My riding boots protected my ankles from being crushed. I skidded into a guard rail at low speed but the bike (bmw R1100s) was written off. Today I have a much wiser view on riding and I’m sure I have a much better chance of being accident free. What about tyre temperature, that also has a huge effect, especially in the rain when the tyres cannot reach optimal temperature?

[@esa062]

Good street tyres are not awfully sensitive to temperature. Of course cold tyres have less grip, but on street you should never go so near the grip limit. The problem is that some riders put racing tyres to their bikes, not understanding that they are not suitable for everyday use. Those have no grip cold, they need to be heated.

[@vapour250]

esa062 very interesting thanks!

[@elisacasa_creations]

Great as usual. All my drops were on low speed when entering a corner to stop 😁.

[@JuergenKoenen]

well, Kevin, I am sorry, and I know it is a big workload to update, but evolution is taking place and, in regard of safety, combined braking, ABS and traction control is adding much to it. and more and more manufacturer and brands put these bikes on the market and riders buy those , especially older backcomer, who are used to these standards from their cars. from medium to upper class bikes it is standard meanwhile, so we talk about a huge number. DCT makes 50% and more, if offered, which is true for a lot of Honda bikes, and it makes sense. it is adding convenience and makes everybody more comfortable in riding a bike. but, performing your exercises on such bikes is quite different as without an only bake brake or front brake alone , and no clutch anymore,things change I guess a lot, when you do slow speed manoevers, U-turns, cornering etc. I am proud to be a patron for your mcrider and I am quite sure, you will take care of these issue as well, not today or tomorrow, but somewhere in the future. meanwhile I try to alter your instructions accordingly. best regards, Juergen

[@cisium1184]

What?

[@Majorvideonut2]

That rear brake is the key. First of all, it is poor at stopping compared to the front brake. The good part is... well, look at it this way, the rear brake is like a giant reaching down with his hand and grabbing the rear of your bike. He doesn't stop it completely but puts gentle slowing pressure pulling you back to slow you down. The Front brake is quite different. It is like that same giant standing in front of your bike and when you hit him you go flying. So, we keep in mind rear brake first then a gentle tug at the front until you have control. The other force we have is the throttle. At times even a little more throttle can get you out of a situation. The more hours on the bike the more you become one like two ice skaters doing their routine before an audiance.

[@matthiasweiss1144]

When I come home from a ride, I need to make a sharp right to turn to my road. When there is nobody behind me, I always brake hard before making that turn, making sure I transfer the weight smoothly onto the front forks. Otherwise I don't have much use for the brakes - most of the time I can let the bike coast to the speed that's safe for the turn, or tip the rear brake lightly.

[@afterburner2869]

Please do one on riding techniques with a passenger, the do’s and don’ts of both the rider and passenger. Thanks Kevin.

[@brittbenz]

Thanks for the fantastic and helpful information Kevin :)

[@MrAndyCarlos]

I always rest my finger on the front break. A couple months ago, I was a bit fast and in a intersection a car crossed without even stopping for me so institly I had to hit the front break. The result was: I lost my big toe's nail and had a big scratch on my knee.

[@steve5825]

Once a good feel is developed for braking I think it will surprise many that, even if the traction is not overwhelmed, using the front brake while the bike is leaning at road speed will make the bike want to stand up leaving you with two options - brake harder or lean more or make the big mistake of doing both! As you say, Kevin, it is best to separate each action and try and complete all your braking/accelerating while the bike is upright and at its most stable.....unless you’re a MotoGP rider 😳

[@thekamikaze789]

The best thing to learn how to ride is a day or 2 at a racetrack with an instructor. If possible supermoto track (cheaper and slower that sportbikes). There you learn how to brake or accelerate in corners. There are only verry short straits -> always turning. And offroad on slicks, dirty track or tires... Nemesis of most streetriders. You have to know your "enemy"-> you won't panic if a tires starts to slide-> better chance to stay on the bike

[@jeffarcher3322]

I really like your videos. Thanks for all the really good information. Any chance you could do one explaining the physics of why dragging the rear brake makes the bike more stable at low speed?

[@harolddrake4173]

Another great video Kevin. Can you talk about how the suspension loads/unloads when you apply your brakes and cornering, and the effect it has on traction?

[@2002MX5]

Buy Keith Code's "Twist Of The Wrist II". Everything you need to know is in that book.

[@keithgramling5992]

Hi Kevin and thank you very much for your videos. I send them to my buddies and we talk about how it effects our day to day riding. You have been talking about braking and traction on parking lot practices, what are your thoughts and procedure on " at speed braking " practices.

[@Bimmer550]

I experienced the consequences of applying the front break inadvertently since my two fingers were on it as I was coming very slowly to a stop. Without thinking I squeezed it too hard and momentarily lost control of the bike and had to let the 500 lb bike drop since it was too hard to try and keep it upright. Never again have I done this. I also slow down and break before a turn and speed up as needed while leaning into the turn. My fingers are nowhere near the front brake lever.

[@amacmotovlogs]

If I need to brake in a turn I will usually only lightly apply my rear break while reducing my lean angle.

[@andreikaportsev6684]

Prince Moto Mac Yes, that works.

[@geneclarke2205]

Thank Kevin. Can you discuss when to use and the proper application of the rear brake? The only time I seem to use it is coming to a complete stop and slow speed turns but I have to be missing something. I don't own a bike with ABS that syncs up the front and rear brakes.

[@hussainxi3085]

You are a good guy .thank you boss rider i learn from alot .

[@Ducati_Dude]

1:21 I Totally Disagree with anyone, novice or veteran rider alike, covering the front brake lever... if the front brake is covered, and you unintentionally blip the throttle, you will unintentionally apply the front brake and possibly have a Very Bad Day... Not a good practice. Most car drivers don't cover the brake while they drive... right foot on the gas pedal, or right foot on the brake pedal. It is Not Good Practice to use both feet... left foot on brake, and right foot on the gas... It can lead to a Real Bad Day... ✔

[@AO1YinYang]

Hi Kevin, would you consider making a video on tips on riding, breaking on dry/wet/oiled road markings? To clarify, myself and others have often braked, accelerated on painted road markings and have reaped their mistake, sliding on oiled (from car leaking oil) road markings, or wet from rain, or just bad paint used in various countries. I myself came to a complete stop at a stop street and as my front tire stopped on the stop line of a intersection, slid out, and i dropped my bike, broke tip of clutch lever, and snapped off mirror, this was due to oil on the paint from motor vehicles. Since then, i always ensure i break early, or try to at least, and stop behind the lines, not on them. Same with corning in curved roads, not to overlap or lane split on road markings when raining, especially for emergency breaking etc. May help many riders out there to be cautious. Not sure if you have covered this already, if you have, i apologies ahead. I feel this forms part of a couple of videos you made on traction and breaking. [edit] Never mind discovered one of your videos, you sort of covered it there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5Kui4FjmpeImbs

[@Magnum9846]

Good video this week, new rider, new bike owner, (Ultra Limited); yesterday had my first drop. Turning into a parking garage a woman was coming out using half of my entry lane. I panicked, and braked hard to stop and dropped it, it was slow, no damage, but at least I got to practice my pick up procedure, lol. Just wondering, in that...should I of only used the rear brake, no front, to prevent the drop? Thx.

[@stinkerdoodle1737]

I think covering the front brake all the time is a bad habit and can cause hand fatigue but covering at times like when your in traffic and your not sure what some one in front of you is going to do is a good habit to practice.

[@nelsonariza4075]

I don't know if I'm doing it right or not. I havemt had an incident so far but I am very new. I live in nyc so traffic is very heavy. When I make a corner I apply a bit of back break. It makes my turn much sharper and helps me react better to any obstacle on the road that may lresent itself (delivery bicycle cutting by, or yellow taxi).

[@okidoke4822]

Get your speed right BEFORE you corner. Avoid braking in a corner altogether if you can.

[@maxheadflow]

This is good stuff but what does MSF teach for novice riders about decreasing radius corners that you can't see all the way through? IMO sometimes the rider has to add brake in a turn. I guess you can stand the bike up, brake and re-enter the turn but only if you have space. It's all about knowing how much traction is available.

[@huyked]

I thought the correct thing to do in that situation is to lean the bike into the turn even more, as the tires have more grip that we might think. Of course I'm not taking into consideration about sand, gravel, water, etc.

[@STho205]

Blind curve: Common near my home. You should be positioned on the outside of the curve on entrance to see furthest. You should have already slowed enough to allow a stop if inches beyond that blind spot is a big truck taking up two lanes backing into a driveway (or animal, person, bolder, disabled vehicle, accident, etc... ). Once the line of sight opens you may increase speed. This is not a track, it is a public road. Those two things will help more than optimum lean angle, knee down or seat squiggles. Blind stacked S curves going downhill are even worse, and my normal route to town. I can't burn off all speed going on a steep down grade with 5 switchbacks. I do have to break a little bit in the later curves, thus I leave lean reserve and start the first curve slower. Leaning past 45 degrees starts to reduce friction exponentially. A 20 degree lean still has most of 1G on the tire to road. Oh there are very few decreasing radius curves in the US. Usually it feels like they are one of you went in yew fast or leaned too far.

[@JuergenKoenen]

a lot of modern bikes have combined breaks w/wo abs and w/wo traction control and some even with dct with no clutch at all....please update your tips and field guide in this regard to all thinkable situations, which you have made your videos about already, thnaks in advance Juergen from Germany

[@MCrider]

So I need to make updates for all of my videos for every bike set up out there? This is going to take a while, be right back. 🤔

[@MattFellowswasHere]

I guess the only thing I would say is that the braking limit charts or any of those cornering diagrams with a tire leaning that show a percentile decrease in “traction” when a certain percentage of “something” happens don’t really help me too much as a rider.

[@DanaB49]

Hi, Kevin. You mentioned ABS but didn't give any details about how that changes things. I ride a BMW R1200GS & it has cornering-optimized pro & dynamic traction control with lean angle sensor which potentially resolves some things in corning.

[@cip7495]

Great job!!

[@adriang5288]

Hi Kevin. Could you make a video how to ride downhill in a curve? How to maintain a throttle? If you keep constant throttle you will accelerate as you go downhill in a curve. What is the proper riding technique in a downhill curve? Thanks in advance. BR Adrian.

[@maxpayne8304]

Hello Kevin! I am a fan of your channel and your extremely helpful riding vids :) Watching your vids, I feel like yammie noobs` riding videos are a complete waste of time! Not only a waste of time, but actually quite dangerous as they influence other riders especially beginner riders- him not even BEING a professional riding instructor. I´m a beginner rider doing my license in about one week. I learned alot from your weekly vids to become a better rider. Keep it up! :)

[@MCrider]

Thanks Max, I appreciate it. 👍👍🏍️

[@clarenceswope3026]

This may sound crazy my dad taught me the old rotten egg under brake lever routine you know how in a car they say Drive is if you've got a rotten egg under your foot well Dad took that a little bit further and said you break is if you've got a rotten egg under your brake lever is it the best way to teach probably not but it definitely got the job done

[@jameszee7585]

Hi Kevin, I recently participated in a ride in Northwest WI. We encountered a number of 20-25 mph corners with some gravel on them. I ride a 02 Ultra Classic. What video of yours do you recommend to help me get better with corners on my bike. I have 4 years riding experience, riding with people that have 15+ years or more. Thank You!

[@MCrider]

Here you go. Motorcycle Cornering Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLSB2io8al_2R3tPhBWM8cQEtVnY7LiBs9

[@juanposada9319]

Besides this video, I did a search on your channel but couldn't find the answer to my question: How many fingers do you keep on the brake lever? From this video I get the feeling the answer is none. I am a new rider (4 months on the road) and every time I get to busy section of the road I feel like I could benefit from covering my brake. Today I did some parking lot practicing, and it felt pretty awkward. Any insight or pointing to a specific video would be appreciated.

[@Adrenalean767]

Hey mcrider,what's the difference between Rollin off the throttle and chopping the throttle?

[@5212wsmith]

Thoughts on Tar Snakes and traction especially during cornering?

[@aadmianjaan]

Hi Kevin, I have a Honda Valkyrie, which is a heavy bike as you know from your own Valkyrie. I've been told that cruisers and long wheelbase touring bikes should use both brakes for braking because of their heavier weight. How much of this is true? And how would this apply in a corner? Thanks for any advice, and maybe a video on braking on heavy bikes. Regards Anjaan

[@MCrider]

Always use both brakes, it doesn't matter which bike.

[@jimoneill7111]

How does these new fangled brakes that deliver 70% and 30% to the front and back automatically, interfere with moving the weight forward to the front forks to stop in an emergency? Many thanks. Jim.

[@oklahomahank2378]

I would like to see a video on these slow parking lot type maneuvers on a DCT motorcycle.

[@tommydemis9094]

Hey Kevin, have you done any videos on "trail braking" for the street?

[@MCrider]

Yep, kzbin.info/www/bejne/np2VmYWDpbx4sJo

[@home44270]

I do not have a smart phone. I am a patron as well as having one of your shirts. Can I download field guide to my computer?

[@MCrider]

Sure the Field Guide can be opened on any web-enabled device. You can find a link to it here: www.MCrider.com/forum. Just click sign in with Patreon and use your Patreon username and password.