Motorcycle Braking: Front VS Rear - When & Why

[@richardshilling2958]

Great advice as always. The key is to practice. My friends laugh at me as I practice lots but when I jump on a new bike first thing I do is see how the brakes perform from 70. All bikes are different. Practice and get to know your bike. Wishing Kevin and everyone a very Happy Christmas 🎄 from the UK 🇬🇧

[@Ek0]

Great advice.

[@therealdealoneill]

do you jus try to use front and rear brake to slow down quickly from 70mph? i wonder how you test to see how the brakes feel

[@ukairgunner3267]

I'm a middle aged guy learning to ride and your content has been a great help 👍

[@LawrenceBroussard]

I like the switching from front brake to back brake when you come to a stop!

[@paulh6591]

Yes, many a bike has been dropped due to coming to a stop with a front suspension that is loaded up.

[@LawrenceBroussard]

@@paulh6591 Thanks Paul, it made me realize why once in a while i get a little off balanced in the stop.

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

This is totally opposite to sport bikes, I never use the rear brakes, almost ever. I see a lot of accidents with riders using the rear brake and just standing on them. Just different bikes, I guess.

[@TheDatpussy]

@@JAMESWUERTELE you're not understanding what he is saying, when you're going slow you use the rear brake, you simply have more control. And stopping on hills etc etc. Any low speed manuever will be easier with a rear brake.

[@Porsche996driver]

I’m riding an ‘02 BMW w/o ABS. New riders - practice emergency braking from 40mph+ so when you need it you have experience on your bike. At very low speeds and U-turns, lightly dragging the rear brake really is your friend. 👌🏼

[@martel7322]

Never stop learning and always think ahead

[@KirbyDiver]

Man, I’m a new rider….. everyone was throwing these “front brake, back brake”….. dos and donts….. this video is clutch….. thank you

[@2minuteschool929]

This is real yesterday , i restarted riding after 20 years at 46 , on the way which I knew have done 2000 miles in the jungle road of western ghats in South India to my work place from home 200 miles , before ascend i was totally confused after a panic braking seeing a bufullo , I used rear brake in the single channel ABS moni 200 cc ADV,stopped had tea saw this video, i was back on track , my style came back see the road do your braking , use all, Thanks dude🙏

[@ka0skontrol504]

I'm a new rider and I always wondered why the front and rear brakes were separated. This video explains everything about it and I even learned how to improve my slow speed cornering 👌

[@edwardmaynard9447]

I learned every technique you discuss directly from you, Kevin via McRider! Thanks for the awesome and useful content! God bless!

[@MCrider]

Glad to help!

[@Dranreb865]

So you never learned anything in the real world?

[@edwardmaynard9447]

@@Dranreb865 more than you could possibly imagine Berrrnard--I just appreciate the work of this channel.

[@gonzalo4658]

@@Dranreb865 the heck?

[@yurikhromov2905]

Merry Christmas, Kevin! Thank you for your continuous dedication to this channel!

[@MCrider]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@BenelliTomTRK]

I am all the way in the uk. And I’ve been watching your videos as a learner with L plates . To now having my full motorcycle license. That said am still learning every day. What I’ve been doing is just using my back brake at slow speeds coming to a stop. It’s like am almost scared of using the front break. This video has really helped me Kevin . Thanks so much for all your videos Kevin they have had a massive impact on how I ride my bike. God bless all the way from Liverpool uk. Many thanks. Tom maher.

[@cali5ive124]

Been binge watching your content, thank you SO MUCH, I’ve been trying to practice every day, I never really cared to get better until I came across your channel. Thank you for taking your time to explain these concepts thoughtfully and in a comprehensive way, and giving it away. You’re saving lives with your platform and I hope you realize just how much GOOD you’re doing for the community, because it is commendable. And thank you for your service to our country.

[@MCrider]

Wow, thanks Eric! Stay safe brother.

[@ChrisHardwickanimaladventures]

Great idea ending a stop with just the rear brake, that's one thing I haven't been doing and my front end does pop up at the end of the stop. I usually start braking with the rear brake first, then apply the front brake so I can tell which one has how much power.

[@chengsoonhwee959]

Yes! The perfect recipe of learning how to pick up the motorcycle indeed!

[@TheButlerNZ]

Knew a top F3 bike racer in NZ back in the 90's, built a Kwaka ZXR 600 into a 400 frame (with a little bit of shoehorning of the front wheel into the radiator....) His rear disk comprised of an alloy rotor with approx 50mm holes in it, and 55mm disk pads. The result was a brake that would pass scrutineering, but would disappear if touched during the race. The result. Extremely fast laps... NO rear brakes during the race. (250kph in 1/4 mile)

[@anisslekkal2981]

My best motorcycle master thx so much for your efforts. Big up from Algeria 🤗✌️🤗✌️🤗✌️

[@MCrider]

Wow, thanks

[@edwarddickerson3638]

Every Friday thank you and Merry Christmas.

[@SOLOMOTOUK]

Hi kev been there done that in a panic Situation grabbed the front brake while the handlebars are fully turned right I jumped off the bike when it started to go down lesson learned at a cost of £1450 in parts for my bike Kawasaki Z1000 SX think you know them has the ninja 1000 sports tourer nice topic today 👍👍👍

[@MCrider]

Many of us have learned that lesson. ;)

[@argieessex]

£1450 really? That's my key purchase for 2021 is it made of cheese?

[@SOLOMOTOUK]

@@argieessex brake level faring inner and outer screen indicator bar end weight paint job all adds up 👍👍

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Kevin. Braking properly, a life saving, basic skill.

[@eddcurry1245]

ABS is an awesome assist tool

[@kpurohit2000]

I could just connect the dots and validate my knowledge with this one ! World class tutorials! You are a gem!

[@NWTMasterWolf]

Very solid. My wife and I were hit off angle head on at an intersection a few years ago by a lady who turned into oncoming traffic (we're ok but long term issues with bones and had to buy a new bike). I used the technique you describe as I grew up learning that method but I must say. I could not use full front break as my rear wheel was leaving the ground. But the bike did stop pretty quick. If not things would have been much worse. It was my 98 Electra Glide with my wife on the back. I am really proud to say that I pretty much have always used these exact techniques all my life and they just make sense when you use them.

[@AsmodeusT]

I am a new rider and surprisingly enough my training didn't cover this. Thank you for taking the time to create this, it will be really helpful! Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Thank you Kevin for your continuing education praying you and your family have a safe weekend

[@5280Roadrunner]

I have been dragging my rear brake for about a second or so when getting moving from a complete stop. I find it to really help stabilize the bike, especially when I have a pillion with me.

[@MCrider]

At slow speed it really adds a little extra stability.

[@5280Roadrunner]

MCrider - Motorcycle Training same when navigating really tight switchbacks in slow speeds. Crazy the difference it makes. Last but not least if you someone wants to test stability with rear brake, come to a full stop and then release the rear brake with only left foot on the ground. Amazing how much you can feel suspension unload and bike become less stable

[@Nannipat72]

Can't wait until nice weather to try the release of front brake at a controlled stop. Thanks Kevin, and Merry Christmas to All!

[@ARreckless14]

I’m a brand new rider and I been watching your vids and Jerry paladino vids. You guys are awesome. Can’t wait to get my first bike and start practicing

[@robertnance1546]

As a newer rider this video is really helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time! Off to the parking lot to practice all of this

[@eddcurry1245]

Great teaching video. Very very important to know how, and be confident in breaking and stoping, as it’s still half of staying uninjured and alive...

[@MCrider]

Well said!

[@NorwegianGrannie]

Greetings from Norway! Thank you so much for making these videos and for the collection of how to break videos!

[@ladyluck1616]

One thing I absolutely love doing when coming to a stop at a stop sign or light, is not putting my feet down at all or for as long as possible with brake control, balance, throttle control and clutch control.

[@n9iui]

In bicycling that’s called a “track stand”. I’m not sure what it would be on a motorcycle.

[@jacobclark6002]

Hell yeah. Especially tjrough parking lots I try to ride as slow as possible before letting my left foot down. It's just about learning better slow speed control.

[@fonziebulldog5786]

Oh, another one doing the same. 😊👍

[@jemarcatubig3171]

MEANWHILE, SOME DARKSIDER OUT THERE... "MY BIKE CAN STAND STILL STOPPED.."

[@shane8037]

I do this too but the cops always say stuff like "please stop running red lights"

[@steveknode4517]

Kevin, great video. I’ll checkout your complimentary video as well. Most people don’t have to ride on gravel but if you do, stay off the front brake. Merry Christmas!

[@pwetmalurider1537]

Good thing I watched your videos before I took my motorcycle skills test. It helped a lot in obtaining a 10 out 10 score! :)

[@amacmotovlogs]

This is a good video for a beginners. There is so much more to consider like braking in turns, trail braking, and honestly just breaking on sports bikes VS cruisers and touring bikes. Overall, I agree with everything said here. Great video brother.

[@MCrider]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@neilgooge]

Thank you... As a completely new rider, when I get told any information, I like to know the why and how of of that information... It just the fact that I should. This has Ben the best description I have heard on the subject so far... Thanks again, great video.

[@dabike]

Thank you for sharing the braking videos. Always working on braking. Learned all about the danger of using the front brake when turning when I dropped (crashed?) the bike during my MSF class and ended up on crutches for weeks. But I learned from that experience and continue to work on my braking skills ever since.

[@atypical_moto]

in the beginner course they teach you how to not crash their bikes before the test. In reality, using the front brake while turning is both common and highly recommended for both speed and safety purposes. Even at low speeds, I am very aggressive on the front brake because compressing the forks improves bike geometry and loads the front tire, resulting in safer, faster turns at low speed.

[@time26freezer4]

@@atypical_moto facts

[@stevewilson8752]

Fantastic tips in this video 👍😀 We have a saying in Australia 🇭🇲 You Can't Beat Experience ! You have years of Experience & thats good enough for me 👍🕺 Cheers from Bundaberg Australia 🇭🇲🍹🏍

[@LeoinFrance]

Thanks a lot for this video. I'll practice the gesture of using two brakes simultaneously from now on.

[@jps8941]

Merry Christmas Kevin and thanks for all you do you saved my body and my life. And probably countless more people are thankful because of you. I wish my initial motorcycle training class talk more about breaking and the different uses for the front and rear. I learn more watching half an hour of your videos then 3 days in class with them. Thanks again

[@MCrider]

Glad to help

[@huwbridges4624]

Hi Kevin. Thanks very much for all of the tips and guidance over the past year. There’s always more to learn (says a 60 year old rider) and your passion for sharing is so valuable. Keep up the good work and a happy Christmas from Sydney, Australia.

[@dougiequick1]

Ive been on and off riding my entire life since age 12 now late 60s including on and off racing too... what I have become frustrated just lately with my latest 900cc motorycle purchase )Yamaha Tracer 9gt) is my apparent lack of ability to simply come to a nice smooth stop ...but I think suddenly I understand why and was looking for verification (this finding this video) .... I believe it is because my go to stop has always been the front brake but with this particular model those two large radial caliper disks along with my ability just lack the finese to do smooth slow speed complete stops and DUHHH I SHOULD have thought about this immediately instead of taking hundreds of miles of riding with me bull headedly ONLY trying stop smoother with no changes to my normal technique ....which obviously I dont seem capable of with THIS motorcycle (has never been a problem with other bikes so I assumed I could simply learn to be smoother) I mean it is seriously nothing dramatic at all my stops are always safe but it just embarasses me in from of other riders that my bike does this lurch dive stop and then I am a teensy bit awkward putting my left foot down I feel like a total noob ....So when I go riding again today I plan on practicing stopping with the REAR brake for my final complete stop! DUHHH right! No lurch dive at all is my prediction and I also plan to practice getting my left foot down early too ....Funny how slight differences in bikes can create brand new problems such as this....It also does not help that ones reflexes tend to deteriorate with age....in my 20s I would come to a stop and without touch foot to ground yet I would flip the kickstand down and gently as a feather stop the bike resting on the stand feet on pegs still....I could not do that these days to save my life lol

[@meshif86]

I like the tempo of your speech. And lovely content. Thumb up

[@graywolfe7232]

Been riding since I was a kid just wanted to see how I've been riding is proper love the video's bro learning a lot more thanks keep it on two's blessings

[@dasautogt]

I don't get to watch as often as I like or should Kevin but when I do I ALWAYS learn something.👍 Wishing you and yours over there, a Merry 🎄🤶 from me and mine down here.🇦🇺 May 2021 be better for us all.🙏

[@markrumfola9833]

Your a good help Kevin. Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@MCrider]

Thanks, you too!

[@mikedurrant1496]

Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year, thanks for all you do to make us better, peace out from BC Canada.

[@williamparker9713]

Thanks Kevin, you always provide us with great information when it comes to riding. Much appreciated

[@jaythompson7087]

Great video and well presented. Its a pity we don't have empty car parks here in the UK, like you do in the US!!! Very difficult to practice anything without riding in traffic.

[@shanghunter7697]

And, hardly any sun over there too, long live the king and his sons. Isn't royalty just grande :)

[@spenceabroad7960]

The UK has nothing. Joke of a country.

[@kevin_heslip]

A fellow Kevin, respect.

[@raybligh9896]

Thanks again Kevin. Another great video, Merry Christmas.

[@eddy2561]

The CHP and insurance foundation study: front brakes 70% - rear 30%. It's the laws of physics.

[@chrislaws4785]

I've started to also make it habit when a car is stopping in front of me or slowing to turn, i will bounce my foot up and down JUST A LITTLE bit two or three times on the rear break peddle, not enough to really apply the back breaks in any real manner, mainly just the weight of my foot is enough to do it, but just enough so that my break light flashes a few times as I'm starting to pull on the front break lever before finally applying both breaks. This to me at least is a good way to get the attention of anyone behind you to let them know your slowing or stopping outside of a stop light or stop sign.

[@rooster3019]

Merry Christmas to you, Kevin!

[@MCrider]

Merry Christmas!

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

Great video Kevin, like the extra visuals afforded by the drone. Happy and safe Christmas to you and all the viewers.

[@lupemeza8197]

Thank you for your lessons. Keep faith.

[@kresimirvalentak1946]

And Merry Christmas to all of you,

[@sunconsecutivewin8687]

thanks bunch mcrider !! Merry christmas appreciate video!!

[@MCrider]

Merry Christmas!

[@robertshannon8947]

Thanks 🙏 And y’all have a Merry Christmas 🎁

[@george5590]

thanks mate have a great christmas

[@karloanttila]

I try to use engine braking as much as possible and gently downshifting before having to come to a stop; I often find myself not needing to use brakes almost at all! Also, I practice the "think 10 seconds ahead" riding paradigm; this allows me to anticipate slower traffic, stops and red lights. Whaddya think?

[@shanghunter7697]

This technique HAS worked wonders for me for over 40 yrs now, best wishes lad.

[@tg7469]

Kevin, your sessions are a blessing!! Happy holidays and all the best in the new year!

[@shannonchurchill4556]

There is no substitute for learning proper brake technique as well as strategy. But the biggest thing you can do to avoid situations where your skills and equipment are tested to their limit (besides avoiding excessive speeds) is to look as far ahead as possible, and know the situation immediately surrounding your bike. Know your escape routes and don’t put yourself in a stop at all costs scenario, especially if the car behind is following too closely. This is why lane splitting is allowed in California. It predisposes a rider to be in position not to have to panic stop where they are vulnerable to chain reaction collisions.

[@fridaynightrydes]

Another great informative video. Thanks my friend.

[@andyross2613]

Merry Christmas to you, Kevin! Greeting's too early, but this is coming from your new subscriber in The Philippines.

[@MCrider]

Welcome aboard!

[@billberm]

Thank you for the free videos on braking. Merry Christmas,

[@robertwilson9926]

Kevin, could you cover how to stop with a front or rear tire blow out while riding?

[@marymadalenem2351]

Merry Christmas!! Thank you for the resources. This is what I really need. Many Blessings.

[@JT-ld5kh]

I'm going to comment before I watch. Then see where my flaws are. I just started riding and it feels pretty natural to me to use both rear and front, slightly, but I think most of my braking comes from downshifting. Now let's see how I should adjust.

[@edwardm9227]

More on the front in the dry, equal balancing in the wet. If you have a 170/180 rear tyre I've found you can use the rear brake on a turn like you're on a marble track , swivel!

[@kenzeller6518]

Merry Christmas, Kevin and family! Thanks for all the great guidance.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin, there are all sorts of motorcycle videos of folks that could use some help slowing down and stopping! I guess I should say, without crashing or using assists like cars and walls to help them stop. I guess that shows a great need for your videos, especially on braking. God bless, Merry Christmas to you and your family, and stay safe.

[@tonyknowler3055]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Kevin from Spain Regards Tony Knowler 🏍️ Thanks for your Valuable videos

[@stephensmith3278]

Great advice, many thanks

[@JHman1955]

Thanks Kevin, I always enjoy your videos. Merry Christmas from Canada.

[@halstonmann8676]

Thanks Kevin!😎

[@RobertBardos]

Thanks for the great content Kevin. Thanks in part to your channel I’m taking MSF:BRC tomorrow morning! Let’s earn this M endorsement! Peace from Minnesota

[@jameszee7585]

Merry Christmas Kevin!

[@TennRides]

Always a thumbs up. Kevin, Merry Christmas to you, your family, and all of your viewers.

[@bullsfan3705]

Excellent, thanks Kevin. Merry Christmas to you and the family.

[@CJMeyer16]

Thank you so much MC Rider I always give massive credit to you and my trainer for helping ride efficiently and strategically on the road...God bless you Sir and happy holidays to you and your family...Much love all the way from South Africa 🇿🇦 🇿🇦...

[@cyclechillers1857]

Thank you Sir - always glad to hear your comments on braking. Merry Christmas - blessings to you and yours!

[@FreedomRiderB3]

I appreciate your videos about braking . I applied this in my riding practices through recent years. With this strategy my riding is smooth and gives much more control . Merry Christmas to you Kevin 👍

[@jaykennedy8306]

Thorough, detailed and enjoyable video. Cheers!

[@kodiak536kodiak536]

Hey, Kevin. How about showing us(me) how to do a tight U- turn on that Goldwing? I've been trying, without too much practice in a parking lot, on doing a tight turns but, each time, I get nervous about dropping the bike😱🙄😁 I have NEVER dropped my Goldwings, 2 owned so far but, it's still a nerve wracking maneuver every time. To add to all that, it's 1000 times worse when my wife is riding with me. She had been riding with me for over 10 years so, she's no "amateur" passenger. Thanks for all you do for us, stay safe and keep 2 down and shiny side up, as we say.👍😎

[@benjaminpettibone4254]

Many motorcycle riders simply drive faster than they can stop safely in a given road or hazardous situation. I have friends that have gone too fast for the road conditions. That’s why I enjoy being in the back of the group. They probably don’t like me playing catch-up on certain travels but hopefully I am always going home at night without issues. I keep my friends in prayers all the time when I see them ride. Seen and heard of too many accidents.

[@superdude61598]

That stop at 6:35 was impressive

[@mikeguilbault1795]

What’s the best procedure to stop on wet pavement on a downward slope, ie a stop light at the bottom of a hill, highway speed?

[@skylinesounds2446]

what bike is in the corner of the video? Really like it, great video mate

[@chikotembo]

This question has been on my mind for two weeks now! Thankyou for this!

[@simonmears1726]

Trail braking in corner's good technique load up lever and keep up pressure into corner slightly then release lever as U exit I don't like using rear in corner just before entry I use rear brake and clutch at low speed filtering no front brake clutch amd rear Only

[@ianlavery3562]

Great as usual mate. Thanks😎😎😎

[@MCrider]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@WillisLimitless]

I've learnt a lot from you, very informative videos much much appreciation from Kenya.

[@brettcreech3490]

Thank you Kevin Merry Christmas.

[@jeffreyporras3839]

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@xrhsthsuserxrhsths]

Great Info!!!1 Thanks!!! also very interesting eyebrows!!

[@AmerSheikh]

Thank you for another great video and excellent explanation. I use my rear brake most of the time but I have seen lately on the GoldWing that I have been using the front brake for certain stops. Maybe this is due to the DCT I am still figuring that out.

[@gslantis]

You are great man.I have learned so many things from you. Appreciated you for making me better rider. I understand your telling method although my mother tongue is not English. Thank you very much big man greetings from Turkey 😃

[@PatrickDPSawers]

Thanks so much! Really helpful and brilliantly and succinctly communicated!

[@Chris-eh3du]

Word of warning on CBS combined or linked braking systems. Be extra careful of dragging the rear brake while doing slow speed manuvers with the handle bars turned...it will apply some front brake with the rear and can cause a drop of you squeeze too hard.

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

Not necessarily. It depends on the brand of motorcycle. For example, Harley linked braking disengages at speeds less than 20 mph. So you can drag the rear brake without any worry of automatic front brake engagement when doing slow speed maneuvers. I am not familiar with other brands linked systems, so read the owners manual for an accurate understanding of how your linked braking works.

[@MikeJones-oo7wi]

Adjustment is key