Motorcycle Braking: Front VS Rear - When & Why

This week on MCrider let's look at motorcycle braking strategy as it relates to front vs rear brakes. When should you use the front brake, when should use the rear, maybe both brakes?
Let's look at when and where to use which brake on your motorcycle.
Find even more braking tips and techniques at www.MCrider.com/BrakeVideos
#motorcycle #motorcycles #mcrider
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[@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

[@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"

[@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. 👌🏼

[@williamparker9713]

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

[@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.

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

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

[@kenzeller6518]

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

[@kpurohit2000]

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

[@edwarddickerson3638]

Every Friday thank you and Merry Christmas.

[@marymadalenem2351]

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

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@chikotembo]

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

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

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

[@cyclechillers1857]

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

[@allenhuling598]

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Kevin! Thanks for all your excellent videos, they are a tremendous resource!

[@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! :)

[@JHman1955]

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

[@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.

[@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 🇿🇦 🇿🇦...

[@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 👌

[@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 🇬🇧.

[@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!

[@johnwoodworth329]

Kevin, thanks for taking the time to produce these fine videos. Merry Christmas to you from Kerrville TX.

[@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

[@bullsfan3705]

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

[@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.

[@bubs3510]

Merry Christmas Kevin and to you and your family a safe and prosperous 2021 thank you very much for all the positive reinforcement you have given all of us when we're enjoying life on the road. From all your friends down under God bless mate!

[@billberm]

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

[@ainabjrknes7316]

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

[@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.🙏

[@ukairgunner3267]

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

[@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.

[@willisg4789]

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

[@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.

[@yurikhromov2905]

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

[@MCrider]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@run4st717]

Another level headed quality video...thank you..Merry Christmas you and yours

[@noneya9444]

Thank you for all your knowledge and help!

[@jaykennedy8306]

Thorough, detailed and enjoyable video. Cheers!

[@hi5_centipedes874]

Great stuff as always!

[@tg7469]

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

[@lupemeza8197]

Thank you for your lessons. Keep faith.

[@johnnylightning1491]

More good information Kevin. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@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!

[@bernardbernabe7733]

So you never learned anything in the real world?

[@edwardmaynard9447]

@@bernardbernabe7733 more than you could possibly imagine Berrrnard--I just appreciate the work of this channel.

[@gonzalo4658]

@@bernardbernabe7733 the heck?

[@SinanDM]

Thank you for the great content. I have been binge watching your videos. 👍👍👍

[@Supercell725]

Great video Kevin, hope you and family have a great Holiday Season

[@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

[@KirbyDiver]

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

[@stevemoore6812]

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE PPRC, GREAT VIDEO AS USUAL.

[@gahlanaventis]

Thanks for this summary

[@denniszzee6318]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TennRides]

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

[@brettcreech3490]

Thank you Kevin Merry Christmas.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@justanotherviewer52]

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

[@GunCollector007]

Thanks for this!

[@420spky3]

Great advice man! Definitely Earned A Sub. You are awesome👌🏽

[@PatrickDPSawers]

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

[@MattCassCook]

Thanks Kevin! 🤘🏻

[@stevemacqueen4805]

Great video, Merry Christmas!

[@jensstahlschmidt2183]

Thank you so much Mr Teacher 😊 Christmas blessings 🎄

[@justicenotobedience4176]

Thats M8, And a Merry Xmass to you & yours.

[@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!

[@razzrasmussen5773]

Great content... Merry Christmas Hooah

[@fridaynightrydes]

Another great informative video. Thanks my friend.

[@johncavar2914]

Excellent 😊👌 video Kevin !! Your a master ,legend Very well put 👍

[@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.

[@kellybodwell2242]

Always enjoy your videos.

[@richardl.palmer7196]

great lesson. thank you.

[@paullazarro4295]

Great info Kevin.

[@robertshannon8947]

Thanks 🙏 And y’all have a Merry Christmas 🎁

[@tonyknowler3055]

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

[@stephensmith3278]

Great advice, many thanks

[@karenshoucairmcgray4902]

Thank you Kevin!

[@george5590]

thanks mate have a great christmas

[@anisslekkal2981]

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

[@MCrider]

Wow, thanks

[@sunconsecutivewin8687]

thanks bunch mcrider !! Merry christmas appreciate video!!

[@MCrider]

Merry Christmas!

[@jameszee7585]

Merry Christmas Kevin!

[@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🙏

[@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

[@stephaniewinter5123]

Excellent thank you

[@jeffreyporras3839]

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@dallas7346]

Merry Christmas!

[@carlloberg1674]

Very good video today Thank you

[@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 😃

[@raybligh9896]

Thanks again Kevin. Another great video, Merry Christmas.

[@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!

[@meshif86]

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

[@halstonmann8676]

Thanks Kevin!😎

[@eddcurry1245]

ABS is an awesome assist tool

[@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

[@JoyceAiman]

Wow you're awesome.. thanks for the video

[@andyross2613]

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

[@MCrider]

Welcome aboard!

[@ianlavery3562]

Great as usual mate. Thanks😎😎😎

[@MCrider]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@amrak-8401]

👍Thank you MC RIDER!🙏