Sportbike Braking - Part 1 - The Basics

An introduction to braking techniques for high performance motorcycle riding.

[@vijayam1]

Can't believe this doesn't have a million views already.. wonderful advice..

[@pinto246]

Thanks for the videos Stu. Makes me want to take another SoCal supermoto class with you.

[@reigngraham5287]

Instablaster

[@mach5zx10r]

Even a ton of Superbike racers do not use the rear brake and btw the engine is already braking as hard as the tire can handle it. GP riders use it to settle the bike and for some other reasons, regardless the front brake and engine brake does the braking. Just leaning the bike over slows the bike. As a test look at your tachometer next time you turn while holding a steady throttle, the RMPs will raise bc the tires are smaller in the edges.

[@pmacc3557]

Love the onboard footage..id love to get to a track to practice...

[@mach5zx10r]

Do you cover Keith Code’s preferred “quick steering” in any other videos? No mention of engine braking….

[@Ro6entX]

I had a previous comment which you answered quickly (appreciated 👍) but one more quick question. You said in terms of normal braking, the timing of starting to release the lever, just to clarify, say left turn, so once you feel the bike starting to lean, is that okay (earliest) time to start unclenching lever slowly? Gave you sub btw 👍

[@nickbuchananracing]

Generally as you add lean you trade lean for brake pressure. So you remove brake pressure at the same rate you add lean angle. Thats putting it kind of broadly but yes you begin to "trail"off the brakes as you begin to lean in

[@samanthagregoryurich4167]

Simon Crafar talks about this in Motovudu - The Dark Art of Performance. There is a certain amount of lean where it is safe to brake fully but it depends on your bike setup, suspension and tires. Personally I wouldn't attempt it without a good coach though. I can't afford a new bike or injuries.

[@longlivechina7538]

Your my hero

[@Ro6entX]

Is slight rebounding normal in lean in? Or does it usually happen if lever is let go too quickly? I posted short story on my channel of most recent ride, it’s at start of video of my braking and not sure if that rebound pop was normal or bc of sudden brake release (title is ‘first time in twisties in long time’)

[@stumanrides]

I watched the video but it is really hard to see the rebound you are talking about. Typically the front will come up if you release the brake to quickly or too soon (before you have enough load from cornering).

[@Ro6entX]

@@stumanridesThank you for the quick reply. Yeah the video is really short but I let go of lever rather quickly at 2 second mark and the front fork looked like it sprang up slightly so thinking it was due too quickly getting off brake. Definitely been a struggle for me

[@nickbuchananracing]

It can spring up a bit when you let off too abruptly. It can also be happening worse if you dont have enough rebound damping. Idk if you have adjustable damping but if you do, might want to consider learning how to do some baseline damping set up.

[@jeremybly]

Semantexs/Semantics

[@Mad69Russian]

I owned a lot of bikes in 45 years of riding and none of them ever needed rear brake pads.