Triumph Bonneville Bobber, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 64 / 142

How to Ride the Motorcycle
64
Braking
Warning
WHEN BRAKING, OBSERVE THE
FOLLOWING:
-
Close the throttle completely,
leaving the clutch engaged to allow
the engine to help slow down the
motorcycle.
- Change down one gear at a time
such that the transmission is in first
gear when the motorcycle comes to
a complete stop.
- When stopping, always apply both
brakes at the same time. Normally
the front brake should be applied a
little more than the rear.
- Change down or fully disengage
the clutch as necessary to keep the
engine from stalling.
- Never lock the brakes, as this
may cause loss of control of the
motorcycle and an accident.
Warning
For emergency braking, disregard
down changing, and concentrate on
applying the front and rear brakes
as hard as possible without skidding.
Riders should practice emergency
braking in a traffic-free area.
Triumph strongly recommends that
all riders take a course of instruction,
which includes advice on safe brake
operation. Incorrect brake technique
could result in loss of control and an
accident.
Warning
For your safety, always exercise
extreme caution when braking,
accelerating or turning as any
incautious action can cause loss of
control and an accident. Independent
use of the front or rear brakes
reduces overall braking performance.
Extreme braking may cause either
wheel to lock, reducing control of the
motorcycle and causing an accident
(see ABS warnings).
When possible, reduce speed or brake
before entering a turn as closing the
throttle or braking in mid-turn may
cause wheel slip leading to loss of
control and an accident.
When riding in wet or rainy conditions,
or on loose surfaces, the ability to
manoeuvre and stop will be reduced.
All of your actions should be smooth
under these conditions. Sudden
acceleration, braking or turning may
cause loss of control and an accident.
Warning
When descending a long, steep
gradient or mountain pass, make use
of the engine's braking effect by down
changing and use both front and rear
brakes intermittently.
Continuous brake application or use of
the rear brake only can overheat the
brakes and reduce their effectiveness
leading to loss of motorcycle control
and an accident.