NOT Understanding THIS Control Leads to A LOT of Motorcycle Crashes

You could be watching MCrider videos ad-free. Find out how.

If you are an ad-free member make sure to log in to see your ad-free video.

Understanding how to properly use the rear brake is a critical skill for motorcyclists, yet it’s often misunderstood or underutilized. Unlike cars, motorcycles have separate controls for the front and rear brakes, and each plays a distinct role in stopping and controlling the bike. While the front brake is the primary stopping brake, the rear brake serves as the primary control brake. Mastering when and how to use each can prevent many common crashes.

Here’s a closer look at rear brake usage, common misconceptions, and essential tips to improve your riding technique and safety.

Why Motorcycles Have Separate Brake Controls

The front and rear brakes are designed to handle different tasks, though their roles sometimes overlap. The front brake provides the majority of stopping power, while the rear brake enhances control, especially at lower speeds. Using them together in the correct situations can significantly improve safety and handling.

Linked brakes or ABS (anti-lock braking systems) can enhance safety, but they are no substitute for proper technique. Many motorcycles with linked brakes only activate the rear or front brake partially, depending on the system and speed. Similarly, ABS prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking, but it is a backup for rider errors, not a primary tool for braking.

Learning to brake effectively without relying solely on these systems ensures you’re prepared for any situation, with or without these features.

Rear Brake Usage at Slow Speeds

The rear brake shines in low-speed scenarios. Below 10 mph, the rear brake helps stabilize the motorcycle and allows for smoother control.

Here are a few examples where the rear brake is invaluable:

U-Turns: Using the rear brake prevents the bike from becoming unstable, especially with handlebars turned.
Tight Turns: Navigating parking lots or gas stations is much easier with the rear brake engaged.
Slow Stops: The rear brake ensures balance when coming to a stop without sudden jerks.

Avoid using the front brake at slow speeds, especially when the handlebars are turned. Applying enough pressure to compress the forks in these situations often results in a slow-speed drop.

Stopping at a Red Light

When stopping at a red light, try using the rear brake to maintain balance and control. Keeping the bike in gear with the clutch engaged allows you to move quickly if needed. Riders who stop with the bike in neutral and no escape route are vulnerable to rear-end collisions.

By staying in gear and using the rear brake, you’ll be prepared to move out of harm’s way if the car behind you doesn’t stop in time.

What to Do When Brakes Lock

Locking up either brake can lead to dangerous situations, but the response differs for each:

Front Brake Lock: Release the brake immediately and reapply with a progressive squeeze. While this increases stopping distance, it prevents losing control entirely.
Rear Brake Lock: If the rear brake locks, maintain steady pressure. Releasing the rear brake during a lock can cause the bike to fishtail or highside, especially in a corner.

In corners, locking the rear brake can be particularly hazardous. If you don’t realize the lock immediately, it’s often safer to keep the brake engaged to avoid sudden instability. Advanced features like cornering ABS can help mitigate these issues, but proper technique is your first line of defense.

When to Use the Front Brake

The front brake is your primary stopping tool, but there are limited scenarios where it should be used alone. One example is trail braking, a technique used to maintain control during cornering. Trail braking involves gently applying the front brake while leaning into a curve, helping to manage speed and balance.

For a deeper dive into trail braking, search for “MCrider and trail braking” for complete video tutorials.

Outside of trail braking, there’s rarely a reason to avoid using the rear brake alongside the front. Sportbike riders sometimes downplay the rear brake due to its reduced effectiveness on sportbikes, but even then, the rear brake still contributes about 10% of stopping power in emergencies. Ignoring it entirely sacrifices valuable braking capability.

The Problem with Over-Reliance on the Rear Brake

While some riders underutilize the rear brake, others rely on it too much, particularly cruiser riders. While it’s possible to stop at a light using only the rear brake, it’s not a habit worth developing.

In an emergency stop, relying solely on the rear brake is ineffective. On cruisers, using only the rear brake reduces stopping power by 70-80%. In these situations, the front brake must be engaged for a quicker and safer stop.

The Key Takeaway

A lot of motorcycle crashes stem from improper braking technique. Riders either overuse or underuse the rear brake, fail to combine brakes effectively, or misunderstand how their bike’s safety features work. While technologies like ABS and linked brakes are valuable, they are backups, not replacements, for good riding habits.

Understanding when to use the rear brake, the front brake, or both together is essential to staying safe on the road. Learn proper technique, practice regularly, and let the safety features serve as a backup—not a crutch.

Want to learn more? Check out MCrider.com for videos and resources on braking techniques and other essential riding skills. Ride smart, stay safe, and keep learning. See you next week!