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Motorcycle · Turning and Cornering

When stopping quickly from highway speed, what is the most effective braking technique?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Coordinated use of BOTH brakes simultaneously, applying front brake first and progressively increasing pressure while smoothly applying rear — this maximises braking force while maintaining stability

  1. A Apply both brakes but only to 50% to avoid skidding
  2. B Front brake only — it provides 70% of stopping power
  3. C Rear brake only — the rear is more stable
  4. D Coordinated use of BOTH brakes simultaneously, applying front brake first and progressively increasing pressure while smoothly applying rear — this maximises braking force while maintaining stability

Why this is the answer

MAXIMUM BRAKING requires using both brakes:

Front brake: provides approximately 70% of total stopping power (weight shifts forward under braking, increasing front tyre traction); start with light pressure, increase progressively; too-rapid application can lock the front wheel causing a dangerous fall.

Rear brake: provides approximately 30% of total stopping power; can be applied more aggressively than the front; locking the rear causes a skid that's manageable (the bike stays upright and the skid can be controlled).

Coordinated application: apply front first to initiate weight transfer; then apply rear smoothly; increase both progressively to maximum stopping force; with ABS, apply both fully and let the system modulate. The goal is maximum deceleration without wheel lockup — ABS enables more aggressive application by preventing lockup electronically.

Source: MSF BRC, Maximum Braking Technique

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About this topic: Turning and Cornering

Turning and cornering questions cover slowing before the turn, looking through it, pressing the handgrip (countersteering) and rolling on the throttle through the curve — the technique behind most single-vehicle crashes. This is one of 8 Motorcycle questions on turning and cornering, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our Motorcycle exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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