NOT Understanding THIS Control Leads to A LOT of Motorcycle Crashes

[@MCrider]

New MCrider hat styles, Buffalo Leather MCrider Field Guides, and more. Check it all out and help support MCrider. All handmade and shipped by me in the MCrider Garage. www.MCrider.com/Store

[@robomann72]

I also use the rear brake in last 5-10 mph at stoplights. Trail breaking is something that has helped me as well. That skill took some practice !!

[@snatr]

It's said that the more training you get, the better off you are. But I believe watching videos like these (even if you've watched the same thing before), on a regular basis does you a lot of good. That's because you end up at least mentally riding your bike while doing so. Similar to what pilots call 'chair flying'. So the more the better 👍

[@tonyzeni9186]

That rear brake can be so dangerous inmo a little to much pressure and the back wheel locks up and will cause fishtailing..

[@snatr]

@@tonyzeni9186 Yeah. Especially in the wet. ABS is really great to have. If only I had it 😜

[@MrDingus64]

I have come to a lot of off camber stops where it was necessary to use front brake only so I can get my right foot down. Especially as a shorter rider, being able to do a nice clean front brake only stop frees up my right foot to put it down when I need to 👍 thanks for the videos Kevin!

[@michaelpaleski4742]

Kevin, I can't believe you forgot the most important use of the front brake. Sweet, sweet smoke show burnouts!😎 Safe travels.✌️

[@dickjohnson7845]

But TIRES are expensive!!!

[@waynehillestad4609]

lol, that’s what the local tire shop said!

[@beepbop6697]

Once you've mastered the braking skills in this excellent video, that's when motorcycling enjoyment really starts. It was truly an "awakening" once I finally understood these concepts and practiced to competently apply them in any situation. It's the difference between the motorcycle being an extension of your body, compared to just hanging on for the ride and hoping the environment doesn't take you out. The front brake is my favorite control -- but you have GOT to use it properly. Slow, progressive squeezing, let the bike load pressure on that front tire before asking it for more braking power.

[@Sladep123]

Amother job well done Kevin. I'm sure you've already covered these related techniques in other videos, but I'll add them here . In addition to using the rear only when going slowly or getting down to 5-10mph when completing a stop, looking at the horizon helps maintain balance at that speed. As you covered, when down to walking speeds, having a very light touch on the rear brake only and lightly engaging the friction zone of the clutch simultaneously enables easy forward progress and balance. When initiating a start from a full stop, I think of the rear brake and the clutch friction zone as being connected by one cable. The rider is holding the bike upright with the left foot, the right foot is gently applied on the rear brake. Simultaneously, the left foot is lifted to the peg, the clutch friction zone is lightly engaged and the rear brake pressure is very light and slightly counter-acting the pull caused by the clutch engagement. This gives stability in that 0-2-3mph range. As the clutch is fully engaged, the brake pedal is fully released and a smooth non-wobbly start is complete. Cheers,

[@stevehopkinson4871]

Hi mate im 58 years old and still riding your vids give me so much advice thank you sir im in the process of recommissioning a Kawasaki s3 400 1975 I think this video will come in handy kind regards from Steve central United Kingdom

[@freeride6073]

@@stevehopkinson4871 I'm so jealous of your bike . Ride safe

[@matusknives]

The more driving technique related videos I watch, the more it becomes clear to me, that I am going to need a proper driving course before I get my first bike (25 years after I did my license, but never got a bike). Thank you for the video.

[@matzlindfors8987]

Most Harley Davidson stores have driving courses and its cheap. Check that out.

[@matusknives]

@@matzlindfors8987 I live in Germany, but that is in general a good idea, thanks 👍

[@crphilipp]

@@matzlindfors8987currently cost around $250 for course

[@mattthomson3464]

MSF, Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers classes at differing skill levels, with or without your personal bike, by supplying bikes of different makes and models, generally lighter weights and less power, very suited to beginners. Online classes are also offered. All fees well worth the knowledge gain.

[@matusknives]

@@mattthomson3464 I am located in Germany, but similar courses are being offered by the Germa Motorist Club (ADAC). I will definitely invest into that.

[@whiskeyshots]

I recommend that everyone get their bike to a safe location, like an empty parking lot, and lock up the rear brake on a stop, then do it a few more times, until they get used to the feeling of the fishtail. I used to have a Suzuki C50 and the drum brake on the rear was notorious for either doing nothing or locking up completely. The first time it fishtails on you, it will freak you out, but once you get used to the feeling, it isn't a big deal and you'll be a lot calmer if it happens in an emergency situation. As always, thanks for your sage advice, Kevin.

[@snatr]

Might help things out to try that after it rains 😉

[@beepbop6697]

Riding lots of miles on gravel roads are excellent for this too -- I don't own a dirt bike, but all my street bikes get plenty of time on gravel roads 🏍️ (it won't hurt them). That's where you are going to find the best scenery (typically), no other traffic (just you and nature), and getting those skills to control your bike on questionable squirrelly road surfaces.

[@snatr]

@@beepbop6697 I like the idea. But as you mentioned- you don't have a dirt bike. I think trail riding of any kind would be hugely beneficial to a person's street riding. But then again as you mentioned, there's always the traffic to consider. Maybe most of all as well 😏

[@stevewilson8752]

Great insight ☺️👍 Knowledge is NOT a Burden ! Cheers from Bundaberg Australia 🇦🇺🕺🍹

[@Whiskers74]

Great advice as usual Kevin, but one thing you didn't mention about using the rear brake only for the last few feet of a stop, is that it allows the bike to unload the front forks before you come to a complete stop. That is useful, especially in heavier braking, as it prevents the bike wanting to throw you backwards as the heavily loaded front forks suddenly unload when you stop.

[@marksmallman4572]

I frequently ride a mountain with over 30 tight hairpin bends, on the decent my front brake is feathered and the forks somewhat compressed, never had a problem.

[@Fraiyia]

Back in 88’ I had a Yamaha 250 - my old transportation at the time . Brakes were bad so I was stopping by compression braking and my boot heel . Not safe at all . Fixed the brakes the next day .

[@owenanderson9395]

I've found using rear brake on off-camber turns counters the tendency for the off-camber to steer the bike wider. Also for an unexpected hazard during a bend requiring a straight stop (eg fallen tree): 1) Cut inward to create a chord of straight stopping zone 2) Apply front to upright the bike for 100% grip for braking 3) Transition to combined braking to a controlled straight stop.

[@Sledge-fu5zr]

I found that 2 fingers and not 4 fingers on the front brake is better. This allows precise modulation and control of the front brake. With 2 fingers, the rider can modulate or control front brake pressure very precisely. This modulation gives a great amount of bike stability.

[@MCrider]

I think that depends on the bike. Some motorcycles the front brake is much stiffer, on those bike 4 fingers gives more control. IMO

[@justinmaxwell4925]

I ride a Duke 390 and I just use my middle finger on my front brake lever. Just one is more than enough on that.

[@jamescampolo7824]

I rather do the linking myself so I know what's going on and can totally control it.

[@ChrisSteamable]

Clear and simple, as always. Best moto channel on KZbin!

[@MCrider]

Wow, thanks!

[@markwhatley9955]

It’s helpful for control and balance to make stops in the friction zone.

[@snatr]

@8:34 Depending on the situation, you may be able to save the yourself if you've locked up the rear-end if you can steer into the slide. But that could mean an even worse outcome depending again on your situation and speed.

[@freeride6073]

If you're going to do wheelies , make sure you cover the rear brake . Just in case you're about to flip it backwards . No front brake whatsoever as when that front wheel hits the ground it may result in a flip forward . Empty parking lot is a good place to practice . Bring a friend or two in case of emergency and to video your stunts . Wearing good safety gear is a must as it could go bad really fast . Ride safe

[@barryweaver8833]

Trail Braking is for hitting the turns with speed where you "trail off" the front brake the more you lean in the turn. So lean more and release lever more, you only have 100% of traction, never 101%. Counter-Steering will get most of you by.

[@beepbop6697]

Riding a curvy road downhill is a great place to practice the technique -- without carrying the excessive speed that you practically need to have for practicing on a level road. 0% throttle -- never use throttle against the front brake.

[@barryweaver8833]

@@beepbop6697 I say a curvy road is a good road, not sure I understand about the downhill or speed part of what you are saying though. I don't race but racing is gas-brake-gas-brake-gas-brake. Spirited riding is a bit of the same but for beginners you only need to throttle on enough to get you to the next turn and then scrub off some speed while the bike is still nice and upright and then gently counter-steer thru the turn. You don't have to coast the whole time 😇

[@antonymashabane5560]

Awesome, keep up the good work

[@nonsolorasatura9093]

7:50 Finally a clear explanation of the reason why happen the jump.👍

[@KirksBambooBazooka-s9e]

With an 850# bagger and a short inseam that prevents me from flat-footing, I'm always taking my right foot off the brake pedal at ~2mph and whispering to the stop w/ the front brake only, getting my leg out in case Baby wants to lean right. I'm always very conscious of being straight-up balanced and looking closely at the patch of blacktop my feet will be dealing with- even a 1/4" deep mini-pothole can mean the bike will go over a few more degrees until the ball of my foot can stop it, and it doesn't take many degree before I'm supporting 25# of sleepy steel w/ one short leg. I don't have the luxury of having my right foot on the pedal all the way to a stop, unless I can tell she's going to fall to the left.

[@ArtD2368]

Great advice good technique thanks again for sharing

[@marycrittenden1210]

Good morning! Great info for me! Not explained when I was learning to ride.

[@carolinagrindsc412]

i followed that just fine which is a testament to your skill. Who said that if you can't explain it in simple terms,,you don't know the material?😎

[@markh.harris9271]

Thanks, Kevin; another excellent video on controls, enjoyed it very much... very helpful

[@MCrider]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevemoore9951]

GREETINGS FROM THE PPRC GREAT VIDEO TODAY.🇺🇸🏍️

[@ori2425]

I found myself naturally progressing to using both front and rear at most stops, but when I get to 10 - 5 mph the angle my foot is on the rear brake makes it unbalanced when I am coming to a stop. I can put my foot on it in slow maneuvers, but to stop it is uncomfortable. I have a XSR900 24. So a sport standard of you will, but I found this the case on all the bikes I've had. Never had a cruiser though... All standards. I do try it, but has never felt good, and I immediately want to switch to the front brake.

[@kyelsavage6296]

I often use down shifting technique for stopping. Even in those "Oh sh!t" moments. Been riding street and trails since 13 years old. Is that a poor technique for the bike? I get differing opinions on this. But it has served me well.

[@RYwoodview]

Thank you. Great tips!

[@delmarrey9077]

What I’d like to see is the that both brakes are on the handle bars with the accelerator under the right foot. Which, would be easy to do now with electric throttles and cruise controls. I use to race bicycle and it was habit to use that right hand to skid the rear wheel. And the left hand was for quick stops (no front shocks). With MCs it’s backwards. I suppose with off-road bikes it wouldn’t work b/c of the constant bouncing.

[@cliveadams7629]

As far as I'm aware, the front forks compress as much when you use the rear brake as when you use the front until the point the rear wheel loses traction.

[@davidmann2988]

Decades ago I thought I was fast. I met an ex-racer who ended up being one of my closest friends. Over the next 20 years I followed him in the mountains and on the track. Trail braking is the only way I could keep him in sight. To this day I never use my rear brakes unless in an emergency braking situation.

[@mortondavisproductions7578]

Your information saves lives... and bikes! :)

[@mhoeij]

There are situations where front only is the safest option. On a non ABS sports bike, the rear brake locks very quickly in an emergency stop, because of the weight transfer. You mentioned in the video to just keep it locked (it’ll just fishtail) but in this situation the rider is giving up the ability to swerve around the obstacle in exchange for a tiny bit more stopping power. If the car is far enough, the front will stop the bike on time, but if the car is really close when it pulls out in front of us, the ability to steer may well be the only way to avoid a collision, would you really want to risk giving that up for a tiny bit more braking? I guess the best thing is to get ABS so we can get the extra braking without risking loss of rear traction, and with it, loss of steering. But on a non ABS sports bike, it can make sense to use no rear brake in an emergency (or to release the rear after 1 second, before it has had time to lock)

[@nonsolorasatura9093]

On off-road is used,primary, the rear brake, for adjust the traiectory, given the low traction.

[@Thanatos2996]

It depends heavily on the terrain and riding style. For me, on hard pack and slickrock the front is still the primary stopping brake and the rear is primarily for speed control on descents and for managing low speed power. In sand, mud, and scree, it’s a different story, since you don’t want to load the front at all. Both brakes are useful, it’s just a matter of knowing which to use when.

[@HOWNDOG66]

Braking is probably the biggest life saver next to situational awareness to a motorcyclist. I’m not sure how many riders I’ve heard say that front brake use is unsafe and they only ever use the rear brake. Most often from older couch riding males with their girl on the back. I’ll always remember the skid mark from a large touring bike that had to avoid stopped traffic ahead on a divided highway. I’m guessing it was the rear brake the way it snaked toward the concrete highway divider..... where he hit and pitched his wife over into oncoming traffic. She didn’t do well. I’m pretty sure if he’d used proper braking technique, he’d have had plenty of time to stop or steer between cars and would have continued his trip instead of dealing with his lady lying on a busy highway.

[@OttoMatieque]

thanks for the info M Crider

My garage is at the top of an inclined driveway. On approach I have to turn left as I approach the entrance. I back out down hill and have the rear swing out to the right, so I leave the direction I came in. I use only the front brake as the rear brake at this attitude would be like using the front stopping going forward down hill and turning at the same time. The bike would want to fall the direction I am turning.

[@grandprixjames]

Don't forget about doing a juicy stoppie with only the front brake. 😮

[@monymiller]

Hello from New Braunfels, Tx! I have been learning to ride since July and I have a Yamaha TW200. Can you please give me braking advice/tips for when I'm coming downhill? Being near the hill country, the back roads can get steep and I want to be sure I'm doing it right. Thank you for any help you can offer.

[@JerzzyJoe]

Agreed

[@bryanderksen4448]

Thanks for this excellent lesson and explanation. Another validation for using proper technique vs relying on technology is that some of us own multiple bikes, or sometimes ride different bikes from time to time, so we are switching from one manufacturer's technology to another's. I know when my buddies group ride, they sometimes switch up and try each others' bikes. Proper technique allows that to be a win-win

[@shriramkotasthane7378]

If we are using the rear brake then does not it also compresses the front suspension similar to using the front brake? How using the rear brake at the end of a stop reduces front suspension from diving?

[@freeride6073]

@@shriramkotasthane7378 at speed just releasing the throttle will compress the forks same as using the rear brake but not nearly as much as using the front . At walking speed it is best to just use the rear . Front brake only with handlebar left or right and a compress fork is harder to control and could lose balance easily . My 2 cents . Ride safe

[@williamwintemberg]

The rear brake does compress the fork but not nearly as much as the front brake. If you are using only the front brake when coming to a complete stop, the steering needs to be perfectly straight or the bike will try to lean over, possibly leading to a drop. Using the rear brake to finish the stop eliminates the lean over situation.

[@iandawson7373]

Hardly use the back brake my bike is 18 years old had it from new in 2006 still on the same brake pads learn to ride that helps

[@donaldmarcella1329]

Keven what bike are you on when you were filming this video?

[@MCrider]

The u turns were on a Yamaha Super Tenere

[@colinwilliamson9114]

As you described most of my riding I use both brakes together, and rear only as you described in u-turns or other low speed tight turns. On my small bike (97 Suzuki Bandit 1200 quasi sport bike) I find the three point stop with right foot on the brake and left foot on the ground works well. However, this is not the case 2 up, loaded for touring, on my BMW K1600 or other heavy touring bikes. In that case I find I’m better to brake early with both brakes until almost stopped leaving plenty of room in front of me and then handlebars straight and very light, almost none, front braking only to a stop with both feet gently brought to the ground exactly as we stop. For me, this provides much better stability, especially in adverse conditions such as rutted pavement, strong, gusting crosswinds, etc. I’ve been riding for 45 years so maybe too many years of bad habits? I did do a professional rider refresher training course this past year taught by retired motorbike police. This “feature” of my riding was the only “area for improvement” they came up with. Your thoughts? Comments? Many thanks for your videos.

[@shriramkotasthane7378]

If we have to do an emergency braking on a surface which has sand or a suface on which our tyres are going to get very less traction then what should be the approch ? How should we use our brakes and why?

[@freeride6073]

@@shriramkotasthane7378 if you have reduce traction because of road conditions and you still have to emergency brake. Personally I would use more rear brake and be real cautious on the front trying really hard not to lock either one of them . If you know that the roads you're riding on are slippery for whatever reasons then drop your speed and be extra cautious and hopefully you won't need to emergency brake . Ride safe

[@NoFrictionZone]

Maybe because I came from scooters, but I always use both, outside slow speed stuff.

[@Dogatemyhomework927]

Doing a stoppie!

[@MCrider]

LOL...there is that.

[@shep68]

Good video, but I’m going to disagree that ABS is a backup system. It’s a primary system in that you’re not supposed to pump brakes if you have it. Just apply pressure and let the ABS do its thing.

[@MCrider]

You should watch this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2nIooepecutercsi=OdNSw6-cAFMD6044

[@barryweaver8833]

I don't like rider aides, especially linked brakes. I'll tell the bike what to do thank you.

[@jamescampolo7824]

I hate ABS when applied on the rear. If you slam it on, it is like you are on grease. When I hit the rear brake I want it to engage and just maybe I want it to skid or at least give me 100% braking. In hard braking, the rear, ABS only allows you about 80% of braking power because it keeps releasing the brake when you want it at 100%. I rode bikes for 30 years before I got one with ABS and when I had to stop in an emergency, I hit the rear brake it kept on going. I never had an issue when I was in control just when the computer took over. ABS can make the difference between stopping before an obstacle or hitting it. ABS is fine in cars on snow but I don't ride on snow much.

[@jamescampolo7824]

To clarify, when I hit the rear brake on my 2000 BMW K1200LT and kept going, I was on dry pavement in Deadwood, SD and the light had turned red and I wanted to stop but the bike didn't. If I was on a bike without ABS, I might have skidded a foot or two but I wouldn't have gone 20 feet further. I was only doing about 25.

[@williamwintemberg]

Just my opinion. In an emergency braking situation, it takes 90% of ones concentration for 10% braking from the rear brake, give or take. Why not use 100% of ones concentration on the front brake to get 90 percent braking, with a light touch on the rear brake. This can be modified a bit for cruisers due to their weight distribution. The last thing one needs is a rear wheel lockup in an emergency situation to blow their concentration and waste extremely valuable time.

[@jayrovers]

rolling backwards on an incline is a situation where using the front break only is best.... imo at least

[@MCrider]

Interesting point...I use the rear brake in that situation but front brake is valid also.

[@jayrovers]

@@MCrider front break leaves both feet free for support to both sides if needed

[@MCrider]

@@jayrovers No argument there but I rarely need both feet on level surfaces. The key is controlled starts and stops. I also like my foot ready on the rear brake if I need it for slow speed control at take off.

[@jayrovers]

@MCrider rolling backwards on an incline..... and maybe throw in having to turn a little it can make stability challenging so 2 feet free might come in handy 😉

[@grantodaniel7053]

​@@jayroversYes, there's an intersection near my place where all three come into play - stopping on an incline, with negative camber and a slight turn at the same time. Good fun! 😉

[@shabutir1820]

I dont use much of my brakes, but when I do I mainly use the front. I do more engine braking to slow my bike, and then only use the brakes to come to a full stop. But, Iv only ever rode my 69 Triumph with drum brakes, and given its age while it does have the power still to get up towards 100mph, I keep her under or at 60mph tops simply because of the vibration. Gets too buzzy for me faster than that, so typically riding under 60mph, Iv actually never had to brake for a corner yet. Im usually already going slow enough to manage it, and despite my bikes age I find it handles really nicely.

[@davidking8361]

I use the front brake only when I am testing the brakes at the beginning of my ride!

[@leonidfro8302]

ABS is not a backup. "Proper technique" for ABS is yes, grab the brake - your reaction, no matter how great, cannot exceed that of modern computer.

[@georgerodriguez4572]

Stoppie.

[@stevewaterfield4862]

I seldom use my brakes...

[@georgejadwin8045]

I've been following you for a while why don't you put something up about trikes like regular Trikes and then the Can-Am it's great that you do motorcycles but not everybody rides one anymore because they can't because of health reasons they have to switch to a trike

[@MCrider]

I have never ridden a trike except for a few miles on a demo. It is dishonest to teach something you have little to no experience with.

[@EdDesan77]

This grandpa acts like he is the SAFETY & SECURITY CZAR OF ALL TIMES!