Motorcycle Braking Guide

The experts at Sky Powersports Lakeland have created this guide to highlight a few braking techniques that can make your rides safer and more enjoyable. If you have any questions, speak to our experts, or visit us in Lakeland, FL, where we happily welcome our friends from Tampa and Orlando.

Apply the Brakes Based on the Situation

In a standard stop, your bike’s front brake should handle about 70% of the effort, and your rear brake should make up the remaining 30%. However, in an emergency, your front brake will handle 90% of the force, leaving your rear brake to tackle the remaining 10% of it.

Adjust Weight Accordingly

As you know, your motorcycle's front brake is responsible for most of the stopping power. This means that you will need to transfer a large percentage of your weight (both yours and your bike's) onto your front wheel and suspension. When this happens, it’ll compress the front forks and push down on the front tire, increasing the tire's contact with the road and its grip. All of this will generate a safer and smoother stopping experience for you.

Avoid Locking Up the Rear Wheel

As you put weight on your bike’s front wheel and over-apply the rear wheel, there is a risk that your rear wheel will get locked up. This can cause your motorcycle to skid, which is why you’ll want to limit this as much as possible. If it still happens, keep your eyes up and your feet sturdy on the footpegs. If your motorcycle is traveling in a straight line, release the pressure on the rear brake lever to stop the skid immediately. On the other hand, if your motorcycle's rear is going sideways, steer into the skid to straighten it out and then let go of the pressure on the rear brake lever.

Engage Your Mirrors

Your motorcycle’s mirrors are a valuable resource that helps you avoid getting into a collision. That’s why you must check them before you begin applying your brakes. Once you know that other vehicles are at a safe distance from you, adjust your braking approach, and then take a turn or change a lane.

Practice Emergency Braking

The more you practice your emergency braking skills, the more likely you’ll be to handle a crisis successfully. It is natural for riders to freeze during an emergency when they should do the opposite of this.

So, to respond to any given situation, you’ll want to have the emergency braking techniques clear and sharp in your muscle memory. The only way to ensure this is loads and loads of practice.

We hope this motorcycle braking guide helps you ride your bike safely. If you have any questions or are still in the market for a new motorcycle, visit Sky Powersports Lakeland. We can address your concerns and show you our latest collection of motorcycles for sale. If you let us know your requirements, our friendly staff will help you choose a model that suits your riding style. To speak to our experts, call us today or come down to our dealership in Lakeland, FL, where we proudly serve those from Tampa and Orlando.