RIDING TIP: The First Three Percent of Braking
Last Updated: November 30th, 2020
The crash statistics are clear. Motorcyclists just aren’t up to snuff when it comes to braking their motorcycles properly. A common issue with motorcyclists observed at crash scenes are abrupt uses of one or more brakes. In specific, in a large percentage of cases riders are applying too much brake pressure too soon causing tire lock up and skidding (loss of traction). How can we change this trend?
START AT THE BEGINNING
Often times riders overlook the gains from some of the most simple practice. We’ve heard the saying practice makes perfect. Well, what if we practice the incorrect behavior? Then that practice has made our incorrect behavior PERMANENT. Let’s start at the beginning.
There is much to be gained by considering the first three percent of our braking application. By focusing on the initial squeeze, we can gain more fidelity when using our brake controls. More fidelity means more motorcycle control.
THE FRONT BRAKE
We’ll start with the front brake because it holds a majority of our stopping power. We typically correlate braking with stopping power, but just as important it controls how QUICKLY our weight transfers forward to the front tire. Too quick and the tire doesn’t have enough time to accept the load from the weight transfer and traction is broken, thus leading to tire skidding. How can we learn to squeeze the front brake with just the right speed? You can try this simple exercise at home:
- With the motorcycle off in an empty parking lot, roll the motorcycle from your heels to your toes. As you roll the motorcycle forward, slowly and gently squeeze the front brake lever until you feel the brake pads begin to create friction with the brake rotors without noticeably slowing your forward movement. Release the brake lever with the same speed. Repeat. Ask yourself the following:
- Is the front end diving?
- Am I still able to move the bike forward?
- Is my brake lever release as slow as my application?
THE REAR BRAKE
In crashes we often see long black tire marks left by the rider’s rear tire leading up to the point of impact. Why the rear tire? Most riders are typically trained in cars first. A typical hazard avoidance reaction is to aggressively apply the brake pedal (stomp?). This behavior carries over to motorcycle riding. So how can we brake this habit we have honed throughout the years?
With the motorcycle off in an empty parking lot, roll the motorcycle forward with your left foot. As you roll the motorcycle forward, slowly and gently press on the rear brake pedal until you feel the brake pads begin to create friction with the brake rotors without noticeably slowing your forward movement. Release the brake pedal with the same speed. Repeat. Ask yourself the following:
- Is the rear end squatting noticeably?
- Am I still able to move the bike forward?
- Is my brake pedal release as slow as my application?
Once you’re done practicing both independently, try practicing both at the same time. Using both brakes at a stop ensures using 100% of our stopping power; best to practice using both.
TOO SIMPLE?
As we stated earlier in the article, it is often the habits that sound too simple or beneath us that we overlook. However, there is tremendous value in going back to the beginning and focusing on the first three percent of our brake application. Once you master the practice with the motorcycle off, try turning it on and practice the drills at various speeds in the parking lot. You’ll be amazed at how being consistent with the first three percent of your brake application can be challenging. The reward? Greater motorcycle control. You’re building skills you can use for a lifetime. One more tool in your riding tool box.
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Bill Seltzer has been a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach since 2003 and a Total Control Advanced Riding Instructor since 2011. He currently serves as the Marketing Director for TEAM Arizona and is a member of the Arizona Strategic Highway Safety Planning committee. Have questions or comments about the article? Email him: Bill@MotorcycleTraining.com
I was an accident reconstructionist a few years ago and a motor officer. I learned through that training that your front break accounts for 80% of your stopping power. To learn how to coordinate your front and rear breaks takes a lot of practice. Your lesson is very good. I only wish that our legislators would look at the motorcycle laws and quit removing these that are for safety. Such as not requiring two breaks on motorcycles. If they don’t have that front break they loose 80% of there stopping power. Not restricting the handle bar heights. If they are too high it is hard to control your motor if one of your hands come off the bars. The lobbyists that are paying off our legislators should get a real life and look at what they are doing to the safety on our roadways. Tony
You are spot on, Anthony. It takes a LOT of practice to make our braking second nature. We hope riders give the exercise a shot; we think they’ll be surprised by the level of challenge presented by such a simple exercise. As you may or may not know, folks at TEAM Arizona on several safety committees both locally and nationally. It is a great challenge to balance the public’s desires with the goal of reducing fatalities and crashes to zero. You have our promise we’ll continue to work daily towards safer roads for motorcyclists.
I have been riding for 49 years and have 6 very different motorcycles. I can’t emphasize getting to know your bike enough. At the beginning of the season or when you get one out you haven’t ridden for a while, find a safe place to get reacquainted with your bike. A large deserted parking lot or a quiet subdivision works best for me. Go slow; stop frequently; do figure 8s in both left and right directions; accelerate hard; brake hard; and find your comfort levels. When you buy a new bike, or resurrect an old friend, don’t be in a hurry to go someplace, play in traffic, or take your girlfriend for a ride. Take time to really get the feel of the machine. I read somewhere that the majority of motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle accidents. In other words, outdriving your capabilities or those of your machine is the surest way to get yourself killed.
Well said, Les. Every time we get onto our motorcycles is a chance to practice a skill. You’ve listed two of the pillars of good riding: braking and low speed maneuvering. Thanks for sharing your comments. After 49 years of riding, we’re happy to know you’re staying on top of your riding skills!