Motorcycle · General

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

  1. A Rear brake only — the rear is more stable
  2. B Front brake only — it provides 70% of stopping power
  3. C 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
  4. D Apply both brakes but only to 50% to avoid skidding

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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