Motorcycles

2482 readers

2 users here now

Here we discuss everything related to riding, maintenance and gear.

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

behohippy

Motorbike Noob (self.motorcycles)

submitted 1 year ago by ji88aja88a to c/motorcycles

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hey fans, I bought a motorbike the other day and have been riding a total of 2 hours. I have a braking question, and this is based off how I drive my car, do you or should you, engine brake coming to a stop? Or slow down, clutch in, shift to first and then use brakes? Or do both? And if that's the case, in what situation?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 20 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Either only brakes or both. The reason is not really a technical one but rather a safety one: due to the different engine size/power to weight ratio, the engine brake slows you down much quicker that in a car. Combine that with a very small profile from behind and you are basically a huge surprise for the person behind you when you slow down that quickly without the brake light as an indicator; perfect recipe for disaster.

Always use your brakes when slowing down. Good practice is to slightly press the rear brake (foot) when you decelerate so the light goes on, but for now just always use the brake for everything.

Also, especially as a new rider, keep proper distance to the car in front of you. Stay safe and have fun!

[–] ji88aja88a 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Great point about no brake light being on when engine braking. That is something I'll consider.

Yes, very aware of keeping a distance from the car in front as well as checking mirrors - I do this in my car, typically looking in them more often than the wind screen, do this is quite a good habit for me.

I'll definitely use brakes in traffic.. thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm so excited to ride..but very conscious of the dangers. I'm.in my early 40s so have all the recklessness out of my system and safety Is the priority

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Ah, that are very good base conditions! I feel you; just started riding last year after having my license for more than 10 years (but always lacked the money to buy a bike) and since then, put nearly 20,000km on the bike. It's just amazing but I'm very glad that I already have all this experience from a decade of driving a car and the lack of "urge to take risks". Taking the bike everywhere and it is quite baffling how people sometimes look you straight in the eye and take your right of way, especially in residential areas.