Emergency Stops on a Motorcycle

[onthewind]

When you have spent over 30 years involved with motorcycle training you assume that everyone accepts the basics. However in recent discussions on the internet in became apparent that the technique for stopping a motorcycle in an emergency was not as standard as I expected between countries. That lead me to discuss the matter with friends some of whom also did not know the basics. I have spent many years teaching people to ride bikes in the UK. Spent over fifteen years down training other Instructors to do basic training courses as well.

In the UK the basic training syllabus has been laid out for many years. When I first learned to ride ready for my test the procedure for an emergency stop was rigidly laid down. Only later on when I because an Instructor and also learned Advanced Riding Theory via Police Advanced Riding Instructors did everything start to make sense as to why we do it one way. I understand that our standards are similar to the rest of Europe. But was surprised at the lack of information on the net.

So I decided to try and share with you what we have been teaching on the tarmac for years now.

I am not saying everyone who does not do it this way is wrong. The bottom line here is 'best experiences based on years of experience and training'. This is not aimed at experts who have there own perfected techniques. I am not here to dictate to those who know better. Just if someone tells you what I am saying is wrong then go and try for yourself. Practice, find out what works for you.

The important thing is to practice.

This is not about controlled braking. Although we will touch on certain aspects of it, this is about bringing the bike to a halt without any other intention than to stop as quick as you can. I have seen it argued that in an emergency stop one of the first things to do is pull in the clutch. When I asked why this would be the case the main answer has been "so that the Rider can change down through the gears so that when the bike stops it will be in first gear. Ready to ride away ".

Rubbish! To stop a bike from thirty miles per hour it takes less than three seconds. Long as you are paying attention you can bring a bike from 60MPH to a standstill in six seconds or less. If someone pulls a clutch in on any motorcycle at 60mph in an emergency and tries to crash down through the gears in less than six seconds and expects themselves to be in first gear when they stop. I suggest they go ride round the block and actually try doing so.

Synchromesh motorcycle gear boxes like to be driven between gear changes. It helps them select. Old British bikes were prone to false neutrals between gears.Thankfully not so bad on modern bikes, you only tend to find them when you do not use the gearbox properly. There are other reasons for not pulling the clutch in as well. Which we will come back to.

These days there are also many bikes fitted with Anti Lock Brakes (ABS). This is a good thing, however the techniques used for stopping a bike with ABS do differ slightly. But the basics are the same. Refer to manufacturers instructions!

So you are riding along and a child runs out in front of you. What's the quickest way to stop?

First thing to do is close the throttle. This will happen the quickest if you are riding gripping the grips and not as many claim - when you are already covering the levers. One reason for this was discovered many years ago and can be seen on all modern sports bikes - the push me - pull you throttle cable set up. Why do you need two? Old motorcycles only had the one 'pull to open' throttle cable, the closing of the throttle relied on a spring. But then it was discovered you can close the throttle quicker by hand.

What becomes obvious when you are out on the tarmac watching Riding Test Candidates practising emergency stops is the other problem with people who ride covering the levers. In emergency situations they go for the brakes but do not release the throttle properly, some, worse still, rev up the engines when grabbing for the brake. This is soon rectified with practice. But that practice includes holding the bars when not using the brake or clutch. It is also deemed at UK test standard that riding covering the brakes means you are not holding the bars and therefore not fully in control of the bike.

So you close the throttle and progressively start to apply the brake. Here we use the reference of a gun. Now I know everyone does not have experience of firing a gun, but most people have watched a 'Dirty Harry' film or something like that, or have seen the 'kid' being taught to shoot being told "Squeeze do not Pull" on. the trigger. For a gun it can mean veering off and missing the target. On a motorcycle this is because the last thing we want is to loose traction with the road and a snatch at a brake lever can be enough to lock a wheel. Squeeze do not Pull

Most of the motorcycles braking can be done with the front wheel. Long as the motorcycle is upright and you have good traction some tyre manufacturers say up to 90% can be front. As you apply the brake most of your weight and the bikes weight is being transferred forward down on to the front wheel. But this also causes the rear end of the bike to lift. Some say this is an argument for not using the back brake at all. In an emergency stop we would class the rear wheel lifting as a loss of control. Importantly we apply the front fractionally earlier than the rear. This is in order to get the initial transfer of weight down onto the front wheel.

Once a wheel has lost contact with the road it is worthless to you as far as stopping in concerned. With the controlled progressive use of the front brake (and plenty of practice) it is easy to bring a bike to a complete stop even from high speeds, keeping both tyres in contact and gripping the road.

This is the best way to stop in the shortest distance.

Closing the throttle but keeping the clutch engaged also allows engine braking to be used. Now some will say this is overkill but there is also a bonus; with the engine still driving it has the effect of stopping the rear wheel skidding so easily, while also progressively decreasing the speed.

Applying the rear brake will also have some effect. Keeping the rear wheel on the floor with combined engine and foot braking pulls the back of the bike down and makes for a noticeably shorter stopping distance.

Maximum braking ability is achieved by keeping both wheels just short of locking and skidding out.

(It's actually listed in Roadcraft as 15% slip, but that takes a little practice and a lot of nerve.).

I have friends with sports bikes who have decided to fit two finger operated levers for clutch and brake. They give various reasons for claiming better reactions and stuff. I am not here to tell them or you that it's wrong. I am all for everyone having the freedom to make the choice. However the reasons for using all four fingers, especially when using standard levers, are well recorded.

If you are in the habit of only using 2 fingers on a lever then the chances are in an emergency situation you will go for the brake in the same manner as you usually do - with two fingers.

This means with standard levers there are 2 fingers still behind the lever as well.There have been many cases where fingers get crushed between lever and bar.Either as the bike hits the road or another object. It can also lead to restricted movement in the lever.

Now I have heard it argued that someone's levers "never come that far back".Maybe on a sport bike prepared for the track you can almost be sure all is perfect (most track instructors still want you to use all four fingers!) But on the open road after an hour or mores riding on a bike not supported by a race. team, then maybe all is not perfect? After a good ride or heavy use brake systems get hot. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (fluid that absorbs water). They can fade, water boils, They also wear. Many reasons can cause the brake system to not operate correctly. In an emergency do you want to gamble on restricting the movement of the lever just in case your harder grip and circumstances cause it to travel more than usual?

There are other reasons as well for not riding covering the levers. Resting your fingers on the levers can cause wear on the hinge and master cylinder piston.Also the thing that even a rookie Instructor will spot when following - a flashing brake light. A common reason for a British test fail as well.

It has been said that in City riding with lots of vehicles in a small space that covering the front brake is the best way to ride "so that you can react more quickly". Although congested city riding can get very up close and personal, I much prefer to try and keep a safety area around myself that does not require me to keep a brake covered. At really slow inner city speeds with slow speed manoeuvring around pedestrians and other road users, then the slow speed control Throttle / Clutch / Rear-brake approach would be better suited to the environment.

So if you want to practice this here is a check list. Get a mate to help. Go to a quiet area. Preferably with no kids playing and a higher speed limit. Get your mate to watch your back and only give you a signal to stop when its safe. When your mate gives you a pre determined signal then: -.

Emergency Stop

1. Close Throttle,

2. Front Brake

3. Back Brake (a moment after the front).

4. SQUEEZE do not pull!

5. Progressively harder on, until most of the speed is lost, then relax back a little in the later stages before you stop (this I due to the forces relaxing as the speed has been lost and the increasing risk of a front wheel skid due to this. effect.)

6. Try to do all your braking with the bike upright and going in a straight line.

7. Leave the clutch alone, do not worry about it. Worry about stopping.

8. Once you have stopped in an Emergency - LOOK BEHIND YOU!

Commercial link to Police Roadcraft removed.

Further Reading

Edited March 30, 2015 by seedy

[andreandre]

^^^^^

Brake fluid is hydroscopic (fluid that absorbs water)

Actually its not hydroscopic..its hygroscopic..

Edited March 30, 2015 by andreandre

[steve187]

good information, but the large bold type is painful to the eyes.

[seedy]

Please use the font as other posts you see on this forum

Forum Netiquette
1. Please do not post in all capital letters, bold, unusual fonts, sizes or colors. It can be
difficult to read

[onthewind]

Yes, sorry about the large type. My browser was playing up when I posted it. Will not let me edit it now. Also thank you for the correction Andrea. I run this past some advanced riding forums before making it public. You are the first to point that out. Well done.

[seedy]

Yes, sorry about the large type. My browser was playing up when I posted it. Will not let me edit it now. Also thank you for the correction Andrea. I run this past some advanced riding forums before making it public. You are the first to point that out. Well done.

No problem - just a heads-up

[apetley]

I was talking with an American the other day who insisted that in an emergency stop it was best to actually lay the bike down! He didn't appreciate me saying that he'd already crashed then. Mind you he was a Harley rider.

[papa al]

otw:

You must know Carol Jidzada,

British cycle-roadcraft instructor of repute, yes?

You both preach the same catechism.

[HeijoshinCool]

i.e., Hit the brakes.

[mark131v]

otw:

You must know Carol Jidzada,

British cycle-roadcraft instructor of repute, yes?

You both preach the same catechism.

I cannot see any preaching at all, they have just taken the time to pass on what is being taught in UK and Europe from somebody who has actually worked in the motorcycle training industry in what is an incredibly difficult, expensive and time consuming country in which to get a motorbike licence, they have then backed up reasoning by giving the justification as to why it has been taught this way for many years

It is advice, you can take it or leave it but personally I think this is useful and I will take onboard what I think may help then again I don't profess to know it all and I am always willing to listen to well thought out information especially on something that could save my life....

[mark131v]

Had to look it up but I am still confused

catechism

Line breaks: cat¦ech|ism

Pronunciation: /ˈkatɪkɪz(ə)m/

Definition of catechism in English:

noun

1A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for religious instruction.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

1.1(In Roman Catholic use) religious instruction in general.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

1.2A series of fixed questions, answers, or precepts used for instruction:

the preventive health catechism ‘more exercise, less tobacco and alcohol, and better diet’

Edited March 30, 2015 by seedy
font

[macknife]

I'll be honest, after the last heated debate with Carol about covering brakes, I took notice and actually realised that I don't cover my brakes even half as much as I thought I did.

[BKKBike09]

Thoughtful post Carol but why not post under your own name?

[onthewind]

Thoughtful post Carol but why not post under your own name?

Because my facebook login does not want to work. Still get updates. Not been told I have been banned or anything. Just hit google log in instead.

[papa al]

Had to look it up but I am still confused

catechism

Line breaks: cat¦ech|ism

Pronunciation: /ˈkatɪkɪz(ə)m/

Definition of catechism in English:

noun

1A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for religious instruction.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

1.1(In Roman Catholic use) religious instruction in general.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

1.2A series of fixed questions, answers, or precepts used for instruction:

the preventive health catechism ‘more exercise, less tobacco and alcohol, and better diet’

or

2. A manual giving basic instruction in a subject, usually by rote or repetition

3. A body of fundamental principles or beliefs, especially when accepted uncritically:

Edited March 30, 2015 by papa al

[Gweiloman]

otw:

You must know Carol Jidzada,

British cycle-roadcraft instructor of repute, yes?

You both preach the same catechism.

I cannot see any preaching at all, they have just taken the time to pass on what is being taught in UK and Europe from somebody who has actually worked in the motorcycle training industry in what is an incredibly difficult, expensive and time consuming country in which to get a motorbike licence, they have then backed up reasoning by giving the justification as to why it has been taught this way for many years

It is advice, you can take it or leave it but personally I think this is useful and I will take onboard what I think may help then again I don't profess to know it all and I am always willing to listen to well thought out information especially on something that could save my life....

Ride in Bangkok. You will develop your own technique to save your life (or not)

[Gweiloman]

otw:

You must know Carol Jidzada,

British cycle-roadcraft instructor of repute, yes?

You both preach the same catechism.

I cannot see any preaching at all, they have just taken the time to pass on what is being taught in UK and Europe from somebody who has actually worked in the motorcycle training industry in what is an incredibly difficult, expensive and time consuming country in which to get a motorbike licence, they have then backed up reasoning by giving the justification as to why it has been taught this way for many years

It is advice, you can take it or leave it but personally I think this is useful and I will take onboard what I think may help then again I don't profess to know it all and I am always willing to listen to well thought out information especially on something that could save my life....

Be your own judge

[andreandre]

otw:

You must know Carol Jidzada,

British cycle-roadcraft instructor of repute, yes?

You both preach the same catechism.

I cannot see any preaching at all, they have just taken the time to pass on what is being taught in UK and Europe from somebody who has actually worked in the motorcycle training industry in what is an incredibly difficult, expensive and time consuming country in which to get a motorbike licence, they have then backed up reasoning by giving the justification as to why it has been taught this way for many years

It is advice, you can take it or leave it but personally I think this is useful and I will take onboard what I think may help then again I don't profess to know it all and I am always willing to listen to well thought out information especially on something that could save my life....

Be your own judge

Why not put in your own words from your own short time riding experiences your own techniques [if any] instead of constantly posting other peoples experiences on youtube vids..

[taninthai]

^

good vids ,i don't really know how i started riding while covering the breaks as i was taught by trained instructors in the uk about 15 years ago some where along the line i started resting my fingers on the lever and i mean i constantly have my fingers over the brake no matter if I'm on road ,track and no matter if I'm doing 100 or 200 km/r my fingers are there on the brake,its my natural riding position.

in an emergency stop i don't even need to think about closing the throttle because as my fingers roll more on the lever as its pulled in my palm is already sliding up releasing the throttle at the same time.

its plainly obvious if you cover the brake you are gonna be on the brakes milliseconds before someone that doesn't,all this about you haven't got proper control of the bike if you have fingers on the brake is rubbish as you are not supposed to grip the bars that tight anyway ,should be relaxed and loose not all tight with a grip of death on the bars.

don't really know why this topic has been started sure we went over this a month or so ago.

[Tywais]

Troll posts removed. Keep it civil or keep out of the topic.

[Gweiloman]

otw:

You must know Carol Jidzada,

British cycle-roadcraft instructor of repute, yes?

You both preach the same catechism.

I cannot see any preaching at all, they have just taken the time to pass on what is being taught in UK and Europe from somebody who has actually worked in the motorcycle training industry in what is an incredibly difficult, expensive and time consuming country in which to get a motorbike licence, they have then backed up reasoning by giving the justification as to why it has been taught this way for many years

It is advice, you can take it or leave it but personally I think this is useful and I will take onboard what I think may help then again I don't profess to know it all and I am always willing to listen to well thought out information especially on something that could save my life....

Be your own judge

Why not put in your own words from your own short time riding experiences your own techniques [if any] instead of constantly posting other peoples experiences on youtube vids..

In my short time of riding, I've done thousands upon thousands of kilometres on Thai roads. I'm blessed with good health, (DELETED), a healthy bank account that allows me to own multiple big bikes. As such, I've taken the opportunity to ride around Thailand, not only once, but no less than 3 times.

On top of that, I live in downtown Bangkok which is arguably more challenging that riding in the middle of Nakhon Nowhere. Here in the big city that is Bangkok, there is no such thing as finding a "safety area" around yourself, something that the OP is maybe able to do in the UK.

In my rides, both around Thailand and in Bangkok, I've had to execute emergency braking many a time. Pedestrians and other motorbikes appear from in between stationary traffic. Cars and pick up and buses cut into your lane without any warning. Fact that I've not had an accident yet (as opposed to the OP) proves to me conclusively that my technique works, in Bangkok / Thailand. And oh, that technique is covering the brakes.

The most recent incident was on the way to Buriram for the SBK race. I was pedalling along at a mere 180 kph when a pickup pulled out in front of me. As I was covering my brakes, I was able to slow my litre bike sufficiently (my ABS did engage though) to do a quick inventory of the contents of his pickup before he pulled over and wai'd me profusely as I went past him. Only problem was that I was showing him all digits such that I actually missed the turning onto the 24 so I had to do an extra 10 km to reach Buriram.

Edited March 30, 2015 by seedy
personal details

[Gweiloman]

otw:

You must know Carol Jidzada,

British cycle-roadcraft instructor of repute, yes?

You both preach the same catechism.

I cannot see any preaching at all, they have just taken the time to pass on what is being taught in UK and Europe from somebody who has actually worked in the motorcycle training industry in what is an incredibly difficult, expensive and time consuming country in which to get a motorbike licence, they have then backed up reasoning by giving the justification as to why it has been taught this way for many years

It is advice, you can take it or leave it but personally I think this is useful and I will take onboard what I think may help then again I don't profess to know it all and I am always willing to listen to well thought out information especially on something that could save my life....

Be your own judge

Why not put in your own words from your own short time riding experiences your own techniques [if any] instead of constantly posting other peoples experiences on youtube vids..

Instead of trying to discredit me, why not try to discredit the videos?

[Gweiloman]

^

good vids ,i don't really know how i started riding while covering the breaks as i was taught by trained instructors in the uk about 15 years ago some where along the line i started resting my fingers on the lever and i mean i constantly have my fingers over the brake no matter if I'm on road ,track and no matter if I'm doing 100 or 200 km/r my fingers are there on the brake,its my natural riding position.

in an emergency stop i don't even need to think about closing the throttle because as my fingers roll more on the lever as its pulled in my palm is already sliding up releasing the throttle at the same time.

its plainly obvious if you cover the brake you are gonna be on the brakes milliseconds before someone that doesn't,all this about you haven't got proper control of the bike if you have fingers on the brake is rubbish as you are not supposed to grip the bars that tight anyway ,should be relaxed and loose not all tight with a grip of death on the bars.

don't really know why this topic has been started sure we went over this a month or so ago.

Yes, this subject was done to death a couple of months ago. Fact is that the OP has most of her riding experience in the UK, a country where traffic rules and regulations are followed and adhered to. Fact also that the OP has had her fair share of accidents with vehicles turning in front of her while splitting traffic and at intersections whereas most of us who ride in Thailand expect it and therefore cover our brakes to avoid any accidents.

I have four official driving licences - from Australia, the UK, Thailand and another. However, I drive differently in all these countries as it is completely irrelevant what the UK Highway Code may say. The only way to stay safe is to drive according to local habits.

You and I have done thousands of kms together all over Thailand. We know how we need to ride to stay safe. If there's anyone that wants to do if differently because it's the "right way", that's their choice. We will anyway stop to offer any assistance that we can when they are lying on the side of the road with broken bones, right?

[onthewind]

Before posting this here I posted it on my blog. Onto my Website, Facebook and onto linkedin into the International Road Safety forums (which to me was the lions den).

However from all, the only comments I have received are praise in how I have described the standard procedure. This I can safely say is the international recognised standard.

Nothing in a couple of videos you found on youtube proves what I have said wrong.

It is not for me to prove anything.

My evidence is in the practical.

You are obviously an 'Expert' as I mentioned in the op.

[Gweiloman]

Before posting this here I posted it on my blog. Onto my Website, Facebook and onto linkedin into the International Road Safety forums (which to me was the lions den).

However from all, the only comments I have received are praise in how I have described the standard procedure. This I can safely say is the international recognised standard.

Nothing in a couple of videos you found on youtube proves what I have said wrong.

It is not for me to prove anything.

My evidence is in the practical.

You are obviously an 'Expert' as I mentioned in the op.

Pray tell, where did I say you were wrong?

However, if you think that conditions in Thailand are the same as elsewhere in Europe, then you are wrong.

Neither you nor I need to prove anything, it's up to the readers to decide for themselves. You've crashed, I've not.

I'm far from being an expert. The only expert we have on the forum is that guy that claims to have 700k km under his belt but rides a Honda Wave here.

[wantan]

Teaching novices to always cover the brake lever sure is wrong. An emergency stop is a really dangerous thing to do in traffic. And it usually does not start with moving the fingers on the brake lever. It starts with recognising a dangerous situation and making the decision that an emergency stop is needed. While deciding to do so there usually is enough time to move your fingers on the lever and most people would do so automatically.

Wrapping the fingers around the throttle gives the rider/novice more control. Later as an experienced rider you can decide on your own what to do. And some people start doing things with a racing attitude in mind. Why not, riding bikes is for having fun. Live and let live. Just my opinion.

Edited March 30, 2015 by wantan

[Gweiloman]

Teaching novices to always cover the brake lever sure is wrong. An emergency stop is a really dangerous thing to do in traffic. And it usually does not start with moving the fingers on the brake lever. It starts with recognising a dangerous situation and making the decision that an emergency stop is needed. While deciding to do so there usually is enough time to move your fingers on the lever and most people would do so automatically.

Wrapping the fingers around the throttle gives the rider/novice more control. Later as an experienced rider you can decide on your own what to do. And some people start doing things with a racing attitude in mind. Why not, riding bikes is for having fun. Live and let live. Just my opinion.

You crashed on your scooter recently due to a little rain in Bangkok, presumably due to not reading the conditions correctly. In that sense, I agree that you should follow the OP's advice about emergency braking as that advice if obviously aimed at novices attempting to obtain their first licence.

Edited March 30, 2015 by Gweiloman

[onthewind]

You seem to take great pleasure in trying to provoke me by constantly mentioning I have fallen off.

So what?

Really?

I fell off a scooter when larking around, you seem to constantly refer to it as a fault. You wrapped up in cotton wool and never fallen over?

Guy Martin has fallen off and crashed loads of times. Do you think you are a better rider than him too?

Also where have I said this is my opinion. This is a International recognised standard. no opinion required.

I think you overstate conditions in Bangkok as if it is somewhere special in the world. There are dozens of places with equally bad traffic problems.

Trying to say you have to ride in a special way just does not stand up and is a very poor argument.

I do totally agree it is for people to decide. Like I have said in the OP, go and practice. Try stopping as fast as you can. I have.

I have spent years on training areas watching people on 125's and 500cc motorcycles riding up and down practicing this.

I know what happens when you do it properly.

Maybe one day we can see if you are prepared to push a bike as far as I do when I am just playing.

Sometimes I push too far. Sometimes I might even fall off!!!!!

But if you don't then you will never know how far you can go.

How far can you go?

How fast can you stop a 1000cc motorcycle from 130mph?

I have twice had a rear tyre blow out on my bike while I have been travelling at over a ton.

Both times I have managed to stop the bike without falling off.

But back to opinions. I have received two 'opinions' in reply to my post on linkedin. One 'Opinion' is from the President of the International Motorcycle Gymkhana Association. The other is a Advisor on Road Safety to Shell and also ROSPA. Both commend me on a well written article. International Standard not minority opinion.

[andreandre]

Teaching novices to always cover the brake lever sure is wrong. An emergency stop is a really dangerous thing to do in traffic. And it usually does not start with moving the fingers on the brake lever. It starts with recognising a dangerous situation and making the decision that an emergency stop is needed. While deciding to do so there usually is enough time to move your fingers on the lever and most people would do so automatically.

Wrapping the fingers around the throttle gives the rider/novice more control. Later as an experienced rider you can decide on your own what to do. And some people start doing things with a racing attitude in mind. Why not, riding bikes is for having fun. Live and let live. Just my opinion.

You crashed on your scooter recently due to a little rain in Bangkok, presumably due to not reading the conditions correctly. In that sense, I agree that you should follow the OP's advice about emergency braking as that advice if obviously aimed at novices attempting to obtain their first licence.

I seem to remember you also crashed and injured yourself recently ; definitely due to not reading the conditions correctly

As a novice yourself, i can only hope that you also practice as you speak above.

[AllanB]

I don't ride much in the rain (chicken), but when I do I ride slowly and mostly use the rear brake, or better still just the throttle. Rightly or wrongly I wanted and got drum brakes on the Wave, as they lock up less easily, especially in the wet. Being aware that my braking is less effective than other bikes fitted with discs, makes my driving more defensive too.

I would choose drums over discs any day on a small bike for that better "feel"...plus they are simpler and cheaper too. In terms of braking I have never had a single problem in 7 years of riding here, so figure I am right. However, on the Phantom which I only rode for a year and had discs, I had at least 2 front wheel lock ups, albeit controllable ones.

Edited March 31, 2015 by AllanB