11/06/2026
Important topic: BRAKING
You will know that on large capacity motorcycles the manufacturers Kawasaki, BMW, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, to name just a few, fit substantial discs to the front wheel that would most likely pull up a small car, possibly a light train, if they needed to. My bikes have incredible braking forces that are so good I believe they should be on a bus.
On the rear they fit a much smaller single disc that does diddly squat over about 15 miles per hour, or even less. There are all sorts of reasons that these accomplished manufacturers do this.
However - random voluntary groups with inexperienced people in them advise the next rider of their observed rides that they actually know best, and that you should apply the brakes in a different way to the method set out by the manufacturers (there's always a few I suppose). Apparently there's the odd scientist that knows best too. And ignore the advice of your professional trainer - remember, volunteers know best.
It is being circulated widely at the moment that those that don't actually know very much are changing the world on how riders should approach junctions, that the rider should cover the brakes, that you should even use the back brake first whilst you deal with your life threatening situation.
All the while leaving the throttle wide open because their volunteer forgot that closing the throttle is the first thing to slow down any motorcycle, and that their next victim has now also grabbed a handful of front brake with the throttle wide open (because one can't do both at the same time).
The rider will very likely have locked up the rear wheel because they stamped on the back brake first having being advised to cover it - human instinct - because their voluntary group knows best. And where does the inertia go when you're braking? You already know this because you did your Direct Access so I don't need to say.
I have witnessed this awful advice being given and the outcomes of it with various riders, hence this post - it is frightening and must be addressed.
Manufacturers don't have scientific evidence of course, they just hazard a guess and make it up as they go along when they build a bike. As do professional trainers, we just guess at this stuff. Any ideas of how many junctions and roundabouts we deal with on a weekly basis? Thousands in a full week.
If you are in any doubt as to the best way of bringing a motorcycle to a rapid stop, think of what theses reputable manufacturers have built, why they have built the bike in such a way, reflect on the ES on your Module 1 test or the ES before 2009.
Be in no doubt that the fastest way to stop a motorcycle in a straight line is to close the throttle first, draw the front bike in as rapidly as you dare without snatching, and feather the rear brake to slow the rotation of the rear wheel.
Do not cover the brakes on approach to junctions where drivers or riders are waiting to emerge, nor needlessly slow down - you will make a mistake with the controls in an emergency, and in any case you will at least confuse the driver at the junction and the one behind you.
I trust this will bring some clarity. If you would like some mentoring on this subject, please get in touch. Be very careful who's advice you take out there.
Professional experienced Motorcycle Rider Training, Advanced, Edexcel BTEC Advanced Award, DVSA ERS, RoSPA Advanced Instructor. Structured and fun coaching. 70,000 hours professional on road training experience. Tuition on Tour across the UK & Europe.
