All courses › Motorcycle licence (A1, A2, A) › Front and rear brake

Front and rear brake

front ~70%rear ~30%
Under hard braking the weight moves forward, so the front brake does most. Use both brakes.

When you brake, weight shifts forward. The front wheel is pressed down and gains grip, while the rear goes light. That is why the front brake provides most of the braking force when braking hard, often about 70 percent. Use both brakes, and build up front brake pressure quickly but not abruptly, so the weight has time to shift forward.

Example

You must make an emergency stop on dry tarmac.

Straighten the bike, look ahead, use both brakes and increase front brake pressure smoothly and quickly. Pull in the clutch as you come to a stop.

Practise emergency stops every spring. In a real emergency most riders brake far too gently.
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Part of Motorcycle licence (A1, A2, A): Braking and stopping distance.