Motorcycle braking: key aspects to take into account

Braking the motorcycle correctly is probably the most important part of all the aspects that make up good driving, as it can avoid a possible accident. When driving a two-wheeled vehicle, you should always keep in mind that you have fewer support points than a car has; Therefore, the driver's skill must be specific to driving motorcycles.

What to take into account for good motorcycle braking
First of all, you must check the good condition of the rims and tires, and verify that they have the correct pressure.
It is necessary to observe the discs, drums, pads, belts, cables, hoses and, in particular, the brake fluid level. This fluid should be checked by our trusted mechanic from time to time to check that it is in optimal condition.

Mechanical aspects of motorcycle braking
Motorcycles have a brake that acts on the front wheel and another on the rear wheel, but the motorcycle's own engine can also be used to slow down and increase the grip of the tires on the ground when the brakes are applied.

Front brake
The front brake is the main one, because it is what really stops the motorcycle. The rear brake is used as a complement and is what balances it. If only the front brake is used, there is a risk that the motorcycle will lean forward and the rear wheel will lift off the ground, losing all grip, throwing the driver forward and causing injury.

Back brake
By only applying the rear brake, much more distance will be needed to achieve adequate braking. And if you press too hard, you run the risk of skidding.
It is advisable, a few moments before applying the front brake, to use the rear brake, because in this way the motorcycle lowers the rear axle slightly and the braking is balanced.

Brake with the engine
If there is no emergency situation and you want to go a little slower, you should only decelerate, since the engine will increase the traction of the tires on the ground, and reduce the speed.
Next, the ideal would be to slowly apply the rear brake and immediately the front brake until the desired speed is achieved, or come to a complete stop.

Assisted brakes
The best-known assisted braking system is called ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking and loading the weight on the front axle, in the few square centimeters of the tire that are in contact with the ground.
In assisted braking with ABS system, it is possible to apply the brakes with all possible force. In these cases, the system will automatically manage balanced braking between the wheels, significantly reducing the risk of suffering a fall.
The estimated time to react to an emergency situation is estimated at around one second. In that time, at a speed of 80 km/h, a motorcycle can travel approximately 20 meters. It is essential to have control of our machine at all times.