SAFE RIDING TIPS

Braking :

Correct braking technique is essential to long term survival on a motorcycle.

To be able to brake smoothly and powerfully in an emergency, a rider must rely on automatic reflexes to coordinate exact pressure through hands and feet in a split second. Too much pressure will lead to a lockup, possibly sending rider sliding down the road on his/her derriere. Too little pressure, and the rider may not stop in time to avoid a collision. In an emergency, if the rider needs to think about the correct response for a situation, then his reaction will probably be too slow to avert disaster.

“Automatic” braking reflexes can only be attained by repetitive training. Just as a musical instrument cannot be played correctly until the fingers can find the mark without a direct command from the brain, correct automatic braking technique cannot be mastered without the constant repetition of the motions required for the process.

We should all be aware that the large majority of braking power on a motorcycle is produced by the front brake, for obvious physical reasons. (If these reasons are not obvious to you, please sign up for a basic riding course as soon as possible)

To ensure that front wheel braking is part of your automatic braking reaction, it is imperative that the front brake is used at ALL times in your normal braking process.

Many riders get in to the lazy habit of just tapping the rear brake when only light braking is required. This habit, repeated often, then becomes the automatic reflex. In a panic situation, the foot dives for the rear brake, and if you can’t guess what happens next, please sign up for a basic riding course as soon as possible.  (or ask Madonna)

TO MAINTAIN THAT AUTOMATIC FRONT BRAKE REFLEX, THE FRONT BRAKE MUST BE USED EVERY TIME BRAKES ARE APPLIED. Some riders have a fear of using the front brake. This fear is easily alleviated by the familiarity bred in constant use.

Ride safe, have fun, and see if you can wear out your front brake, not the back one.

John Gelhaar

Safety Officer