Key Elements Part I: Acceleration and Braking

Filed in archive ATV Safety , Learning , Motorcycle , Performance on February 7, 2007

The first and most important elements of riding are acceleration and braking. They involve (and are largely dependant on) several other elements including dynamics and physics, grip, and sudden inputs. These elements are mastered only with practice and are the foundation for nearly every other element.

Braking is probably the single most important element used in controlling your bike in an emergency. When done correctly, it can produce several Gs of stopping power, easily lifting the rear wheel completely off the ground and flipping the bike over completely if you have the grip. The front tire of a street bike is responsible for 70% to 90% of braking power under normal or semi-hard braking, and up to 100% in emergency or stunting situations. The only exceptions to this are in low traction conditions such as wet, dirty or oily roads, or while at high lean angles.



Under low traction conditions, the front brake can be extremely dangerous and should be used with extreme care, or not at all. When the brakes are applied (either front or rear), weight is transferred to the front of the bike. If traction conditions are less than favorable, front braking will load the front tire which will result in a skid and likely a crash.

Braking while leaning over in a corner will cause the bike to either stand up, changing your line drastically, or a loss of traction causing the bike to wash out from under you. (Often called a low-side). Be sure to allow yourself enough extra grip and lean angle reserved (not used) in case you need to get hard on the brakes in a turn. It's not a good idea to EVER go into a corner at max speed unless you're on a race track. You need to have an out in case of emergency, like a rabbit running into your path. Changing course mid corner in a split second requires at least a small amount of reserve lean angle and/or braking ability. Going in at 100% doesn't leave you any wiggle room.

Many of the elemental properties that apply to braking can also be applied to accelerating, only in the opposite direction. The harder you accelerate, the more the rear of the bike loads, putting more traction on the rear tire, and when done hard enough, will bring the front tire off the ground and can flip the bike over backwards. There are certain occasions when accelerating to get out of an emergency are preferred over braking. While sitting at a light or being followed closely on the freeway, accelerating away to avoid someone rear-ending you is one example.

Get to know your brakes and your accelerator. They can be your best friend if you get to know them well or your worst enemy if you don't understand them.

Introduction
1. Acceleration and Braking
2. Turning
3. Grip
4. Dynamics
5. Assertive Predictability
6. Sudden Inputs
7. Mental Conditioning
8. Education