EGL A11 - Braking Technique

BRAKING TECHNIQUEBRAKING TECHNIQUE
is 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 rmly and smoothly. If your speed is re-
duced a signicant amount, you may need to downshi to a lower gear. Gradually increase your braking pressure
as you feel it is needed. When you come to a stop, put your le foot down rst, 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 rmly apply both the front and rear brake. On a motorcycle, the
front brake accounts for 70% of the total stopping power of the motorcycle. e rear brake only accounts for 30%.
is 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 fust 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 downshiing with intermittent use of
both brakes.
PARKING & POST RIDE INSPECTIONPARKING & POST RIDE INSPECTION
Lower the side stand, to support your motorcycle. Press and hold the red stop switch on the le 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 at 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. is will help you
avoid carburetor problems that can occur when your motorcycle is stored for long periods of time with gasoline
le in the carburetor.