Stop Using the Wrong Brake! The Truth About Motorcycle Braking No One Tells You

Every motorcycle comes with two brakes: Front and rear. They’re both important, but they don’t do the same thing! Let’s understand motorcycle braking first: What Do Front and Rear Brakes Actually Do?

Front Brake is Your Main Stopper

• Think of the front brake as the powerful one.
• When you pull the front brake, most of the braking force goes to the front wheel.
• Why? Because of physics — when you slow down, the bike’s weight shifts forward, putting more pressure on the front tire. That means it can grip the road better and stop you faster.

Rough estimate:
➡️ The front brake handles 70% to 80% of the stopping power.

Rear Brake is the Support System

• The rear brake is more of a stabilizer.
• It helps keep the bike balanced and straight.
• It doesn’t stop you as fast as the front brake, but it adds control, especially at lower speeds or in tricky situations.

Rough estimate:
➡️ The rear brake handles 20% to 30% of the stopping force.

How Braking Works on a Motorcycle (The Physics in Simple Words)

When you brake on a motorcycle, here’s what happens:

• Weight shifts forward.
• The front suspension compresses.
• The front tire gets more grip.
• The rear tire becomes lighter (and can even lift slightly during hard braking).

This is why:

• The front brake is more effective.
• But also more dangerous if not used correctly.

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When to Use Front, Rear, or Both Brakes?

Let’s break it down by situations:

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A. Everyday Riding (Smooth Roads, Normal Traffic)

Best Practice: Use both brakes together.

• Gently squeeze the front brake (not grab).
• Apply smooth pressure to the rear brake (not stomp).
• This gives the best stopping power and stability.

Why both?

• The front does most of the work.
• The rear adds balance, especially at slower speeds.

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B. Slow Speeds (Parking lots, traffic jams, U-turns)

Best Practice: Use mostly rear brake.

At slow speeds:

• The bike is more wobbly.
• The front brake is too strong and can cause jerky stops or even a tip-over.

Use the rear brake to stay stable while keeping the handlebars relaxed.

Example:
You’re doing a U-turn in a narrow alley. You want the bike to stay stable and smooth. Lightly dragging the rear brakehelps control speed without upsetting balance.

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C. Emergency Braking (Sudden Stop)

Best Practice: Use both brakes firmly and progressively.

This is where technique matters:

• Don’t panic.
• Roll off the throttle.
• Apply both brakes at the same time — firmly but smoothly.
• As weight shifts forward, you can increase pressure on the front brake.

If your bike has ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), it helps prevent the wheels from locking. If not, you have to modulate manually (more on this later).

What happens if you grab only the front brake?

• The front wheel could lock.
• You might crash or flip over.

What if you use only the rear brake?

• You won’t stop in time.
• The rear tire may skid and lose control.

Pro Tip:
Always practice emergency stops in a safe area like a parking lot.

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D. Wet Roads, Sand, Gravel

Best Practice: Be extra gentle – use more rear brake.

On loose or slippery surfaces:

• The front tire can slide easily if you brake hard.
• The rear brake gives more stability.

Use mostly rear brake + gentle front brake.

Keep these in mind:

• Brake early.
• Brake gently.
• Ride slower overall.

Example:
You’re riding in light rain, and there’s gravel near a construction zone. If you panic-brake with the front, the front tire might wash out and cause a crash. Use more rear, less front, and do everything smoothly.

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E. Braking in a Curve or Turn

This one’s tricky.

Best Practice: Brake before the turn, not during.

• Slow down using both brakes before entering the curve.
• While leaning, avoid braking — especially the front.
• If you must brake mid-turn, use a little rear brake only, very gently.

Why?

• Braking in a lean can upset the balance and cause a slide.

Real-life example:
You’re taking a left-hand curve and suddenly spot sand. If you squeeze the front brake in a lean, the front tire may slide. Instead, ease off the throttle, straighten up a little if possible, and use gentle rear brake.

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4. What Not to Do (Common Mistakes That Cause Crashes)

Here’s what you should absolutely avoid:

Grabbing the Front Brake Suddenly

• This causes the front tire to lock.
• The bike can skid or flip.
• Instead: Always squeeze the front brake gradually.

Using Only the Rear Brake All the Time

• The stopping distance becomes longer.
• The rear tire might skid, especially under heavy braking.
• You lose valuable braking power.

Braking Hard in a Turn

• The bike is already leaned over.
• Braking adds instability.
• It’s one of the most common causes of low-side crashes.

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⚙️ 5. How to Practice Proper Braking

Here’s how to build your skills:

🔄 Practice Routine:

1. Find a safe, open area (like an empty parking lot).
2. Practice stopping from 20–30 km/h using both brakes.
3. Focus on smooth pressure, no jerky movements.
4. Try braking on straight lines and slight curves (cautiously).
5. Practice emergency stops — simulate a sudden stop and brake firmly without skidding.

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Adjusting Braking for Conditions

☀️ Dry Road

• Use both brakes with confidence.
• More pressure on front.

🌧️ Wet Road

• Use more rear brake.
• Be smoother with the front.

🪨 Gravel/Dirt

• Use mostly rear.
• Stay light on the front brake.

🏙️ Traffic

• Rear brake helps with low-speed control and smoother stopping.
• Use front only when needed.

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💡 7. What About ABS?

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) helps prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking. If your bike has it:

• You can brake harder without fear of skidding.
• Still, develop good habits — ABS is a backup, not a substitute for skill.

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✅ Summary – What You Should Remember

Situation	Use Front Brake	Use Rear Brake	Notes
Normal riding	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Use both smoothly
Slow speed	⚠️ Lightly	✅ Mostly	Rear gives balance
Emergency stop	✅ Firmly	✅ Firmly	Don’t panic – be smooth
In a turn	⚠️ Avoid	⚠️ Very light	Brake before the curve
Wet/gravel	⚠️ Lightly	✅ More	Be extra gentle

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Now that you have all the information you needed, we hope you ride safely! Have a great ride!