While there is no “right” or “wrong” way to brake, there is certainly a optimal way of braking and that’s what we will be discussing in this article. So here are the basics on how we think is an effective way to brake; but then one has to customise the technique depending on the driving technique & the situation

Science behind the basics :

You are on the ground with two tyres connecting you to the surface. The traction between the road and the tyre is what makes you stop. Now mind it the traction should not be confused with skidding. The Traction can be considering simply as weight on the surface

You want to be braking just enough that the wheels motion does not stop/lock (with the brakes). Thats why bikes have ABS, EBS and other skid preventive measures. You need to feel the bikes braking to decide how much pressure you have one those brakes incase you do not have ABS on your bike!

What do you have in your control that can be used to brake?

• The front brakes
• The rear brakes
• Engine braking

We think it’s wise to use all three equally and what we mean by this is the output of braking mechanism that we apply.

A few things to note:-

1. More weight means more traction.
2. Friction is independent of the contact area
3. Coefficient of friction of the tyres matters!

When one would closely look at the brake discs it can be easily noticed that the front discs are usually larger than the rear discs. What does that tell you? That for the same amount of hand/foot pressure would lead the front discs to stop faster than the rear discs. So, there is something for you think about. The fronts can much more easily lock themselves and cause a catastrophic accident in comparison to the rear wheels locking where the weight of the bike is behind you if you do end up skidding once the wheels lock.

This is what we plan to do in the head and then the rest is evasive manoeuvre/practice. We try to brake equally using the three ways we have; the engine and the discs. The only thing is we have to be artistic in knowing how much of force to apply to achieve this. We downshift, brake on the pedal and the hands and a constant continuous pace that you need to figure as per the situation. Not just that you want to be careful about the circumstance you are in. For example:

• A slow traffic area where both the feet are pegged down on the ground the resort is the front brakes for controlled, stable and comfortable.
• When on turns use the front brakes carefully.
• Being careful with the front brakes at times when you are accelerating, decelerating or may be even airborne cause its easier to lock the front discs and then loose control.

Additional Info:-

• Traction is a ratio of these four things :- Turning, Acceleration, Braking & Reverse .

PS: If you have tips or ideas please leave it in the comment section and we will be more than happy to accommodate it in the article.

Image by Motoroids