Your Guide to Motorcycle Braking

Motorcycles are fun to ride, but they don’t have the protection provided by most four-wheeled vehicles. This makes it necessary to take precautions to stay safe on the road, especially when braking and taking corners. Our experts have created this guide to help you familiarize yourself with a few motorcycle braking techniques. Read on to learn more, and for more information, contact Biggs Harley-Davidson®.

Brake According to the Situation

Although you might want to rely on both the front and rear brakes simultaneously, you should make the most of your bike’s front brake power. Ideally, the front brake should offer your motorcycle 70% of its stopping power, and the rear brake should give the remaining 30%.

Adjust Your Weight

Next, you should remember to push most of your weight and your motorcycle's weight onto its front wheel and suspension when braking. This will help compress the front forks and increase your tire's traction with the road.

Use Your Mirrors

Engage your motorcycle’s mirrors for a smoother braking experience. Use your mirrors to keep tabs on the surrounding traffic conditions and check them to see whether other motorists are at a safe distance before applying the brakes.

Avoid Locking Up Your Rear Wheel

Applying brakes to your rear wheel can cause your motorcycle to shift its weight towards the front. This can cause your rear wheel to get locked up and make your motorcycle skid. To avoid this dangerous situation, stay focused and steady and gradually release your pressure on the rear brake.

We hope you find this motorcycle braking guide helpful. If you have more questions or want to upgrade your bike to the latest model, visit Biggs Harley-Davidson®. Our dealership is in San Marcos, CA, and we proudly serve those from San Diego and Oceanside.