V E N G E A N C E M O T O R C Y C L E S O W N E R S M A N U A L
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Vengeance Motorcycles, Mira Loma, CA USA • 866-483-6432 • www.VengeanceMotorcycles.com
© 2004 Vengeance Performance Products, LLC All Rights Reserved • VOM 2nd Edition Rev 2.0 11/03
BRAKING AND STOPPING
Proper braking technique is a critical skill when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles have two braking systems and both
of them are needed to stop effectively. The front brake is the more powerful of the two. It provides about three-
quarters of your stopping power. If too much force is applied to the brakes, depending on the road and weather
conditions, it could possibly result in a loss of control or personal injury. It is recommended to evenly distribute the
braking force intermittently to avoid any loss of control or rear wheel skid. Below are some important things to
remember about braking:
•
Use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. If only the rear brake is used for "normal" stops, you may
not have enough skill to use the front brake properly when needed.
•
Squeeze the front brake and press down on the rear. Grabbing at the front brake or jamming down on the
rear can cause the brakes to lock, which will result in control problems.
•
Apply both brakes at the same time. Some people believe that the rear brake should be applied first. That is
not true. The sooner you apply the front brake, the sooner it will start slowing you down.
The front brake can be used in a turn. Some people think this is dangerous. However, it is dangerous if the road is
very slippery and the brake is not used properly. When leaning the motorcycle, some of the traction is used for
cornering. Less traction is available for stopping. A skid can occur if you apply too much brake. Also, using the front
brake incorrectly on a slippery surface may be hazardous. Use caution and squeeze the brake lever. Never use the
front brake alone on dirt or gravel.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
When stopping or shutting down the engine, follow these steps:
1. Stop the engine by turning off the ignition key switch or engine (emergency) stop switch on the right
handlebar control.
2. Place the fuel valve (“petcock”) in the (OFF) position.
3. Make sure that the fuel enrichener lever is in the OPEN or down position.
4. If the engine should be stalled or stopped in any other way than with the switch, turn off the switch at once to
prevent battery discharge.
WARNING
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE USING ONLY ONE BRAKE. ALWAYS USE BOTH THE
FRONT AND REAR BRAKES TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. DO NOT ALLOW THE WHEEL TO SKID. A
SKIDDING WHEEL CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. IF THE REAR WHEEL LOCKS UP UNDER HARD
BRAKING, DO NOT RELEASE THE PRESSURE ON THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE MOTORCYCLE
COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. RELEASING THE REAR BRAKE DURING A LOCK-UP BEFORE A FULL
STOP IS ACHIEVED COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
