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This section will cover basic braking technique for your motorcycle. To slow or stop the motorcycle,
squeeze and hold the clutch lever and apply the front brake lever and rear brake pedal firmly and smoothly.
If your speed is reduced a significant amount, you may need to downshift to a lower gear. Gradually
increase your braking pressure as you feel it is needed. When you come to a stop, put your left foot down
first, then the right foot. Do this so that your brake pedal foot remains on the brake pedal until you come to a
complete stop. To prevent the engine from stalling, always pull and hold the clutch lever when slowing to a
complete stop unless you are in neutral.
For maximum braking, close the throttle and firmly apply both the front and rear brake. On a motorcycle,
the front brake accounts for 70%of the total stopping power of the motorcycle. The rear brake only accounts
for 30%. This is because of the weight transfer that occurs when you apply the brakes. When you must stop
quickly, you must use the front brake together with the rear brake.
Remember that you can apply more brake to the front wheel than you can to the rear wheel before it will
lock up and cause a skid. Finding the proper balance between the amount of front and rear brake pressure
you use will come with experience. Attempting an abrupt stop with only the rear brake will likely cause a
skid.
Applying the brakes too hard or too fast can cause the wheels to lock and cause a skid, reducing your control
of the motorcycle. If this happens, release the brake controls and steer straight ahead until you regain control
of the motorcycle. Once you have control, reapply the brakes with less force.
Generally, reduce your speed and complete your braking before you begin a turn. Avoid braking or closing
the throttle quickly while turning. Either of these actions may cause one or both of the wheels to slip. Any
wheel slip will reduce your control over the motorcycle and could cause a crash.
When riding in wet or rainy conditions, or on loose surfaces such as mud or sand, your ability to maneuver
and stop the motorcycle will be reduced. All of your actions should be done in a smooth and steady manner
under these conditions. Rapid acceleration, braking, or turning can cause you to lose control of the
motorcycle. For your safety, exercise extreme caution when riding under wet, rainy, and/or muddy
conditions.
When descending a long, steep grade, use engine compression braking by downshifting with intermittent use
of both brakes.
Lower the side stand, to support your motorcycle. Press and hold the red stop switch on the left side of the
handle bar until your engine stops. If you are through riding for the day, turn the fuel valve to the “OFF”
position. Always park the motorcycle on a flat level surface. If you will be storing the motorcycle for a long
period of time, turn the fuel valve to the “OFF” position while the engine is still running. Open and close the
throttle repeatedly until the engine stops running on its own. Do this to use up any fuel that still remains in
the carburetor. This will help you avoid carburetor problems that can occur when your motorcycle is stored
for long periods of time with gasoline left in the carburetor.
