Braking and riding in bad weather

By the end of this topic you can

• You can use the front and rear brakes together in a smooth, progressive way.
• You can stop quickly and under control, with the bike upright.
• You can keep a safe following gap and double it in the wet.
• You can adjust your riding for rain, wind, fog and slippery surfaces.
• You can recognise surfaces that offer less grip.

What you need to know and understand

• On most bikes the front brake gives most of the stopping power, especially when the bike is upright and the road is dry.
• Use both brakes together, squeezing progressively rather than grabbing.
• Keep at least a two-second gap in good conditions; in wet weather double it, and leave even more in icy conditions.
• Wet or greasy roads, mud, leaves, ice, harsh acceleration, sudden braking and too much speed can all cause a skid.
• Ride at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
• Use dipped headlights at all times, and slow down or stop if you are dazzled.

Stopping a motorcycle well

1. Check your mirrors and look ahead so the stop is planned, not sudden.
2. Close the throttle fully.
3. Apply the front brake progressively, increasing pressure as the weight shifts forward, and the rear brake at the same time with lighter pressure.
4. Keep the bike upright and steering straight while braking hard.
5. Pull in the clutch just before stopping on a geared bike so the engine does not stall.
6. Put your left foot down, keep the front brake on, and select first ready to move off.

When the road is wet, windy or dark

• Rain: grip drops sharply. Brake earlier and more gently, and double your following gap.
• Painted lines, metal covers, tram or rail lines and diesel spills: avoid braking or leaning on them; they can be very slippery when wet.
• Leaves, mud and gravel: slow down before you reach them and keep inputs smooth.
• Strong wind: watch for gusts at gaps in hedges, on bridges and when passing large vehicles; keep a relaxed grip.
• Fog: use dipped headlights, slow down and keep a safe distance; other drivers will find you even harder to see.
• Ice and frost: if the road may be icy, the safest choice on two wheels is often not to ride.

ABS and linked brakes

Many bikes now have anti-lock brakes (ABS), which stop the wheels locking under hard braking, and some link the front and rear brakes. These help, but they cannot create grip that is not there. Read your bike's handbook so you know what is fitted, and still brake smoothly and early.

Common mistakes

• Using only the rear brake out of fear of the front. Learn to use both, with the front doing most of the work.
• Grabbing the front brake. Squeeze progressively so the tyre can grip.
• Keeping a dry-road gap in the rain. Double it.
• Using a dark visor on a dull or wet day, which hides oil and puddles. Use a clear visor.

Test yourself: Braking and riding in bad weather

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.