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Are you stopping your motorcycle the wrong way? In this video, we break down three common riding techniques that many riders do differently—and some of them spark serious debate! From which foot should go down first at a stop to whether you should finish braking with the rear brake, I’ll explain the methods I teach and why they work. The last technique, though, really surprised me—some riders told me I was doing it wrong! We’ll discuss why I believe my approach is best, when there’s a true right or wrong, and when it really just depends. Let’s settle the debate once and for all! 🚦🏍️
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There are three things that many riders are doing wrong on their motorcycles. These are absolute, black-and-white, right vs. wrong, true vs. false kind of things… well, maybe not that cut and dry.
We’ll talk about three techniques that I have taught here on this channel—techniques that you may find some other instructors teach differently. The last one we’ll discuss was a surprise to me. When I first heard from many of you that you do it differently, I was like, “What? Why are you doing that?”
We’ll get to that one in a minute—and I still think it’s wrong. But first, let’s establish that when it comes to riding technique, there are some gray areas and some true right and wrong ways of doing things.
1. Emergency Braking: Right and Wrong
An example of a true right and wrong technique is braking in an emergency stop. If you are using only the rear brake in an emergency stop, you are doing it wrong.
Why? Because the majority of your stopping power comes from the front brake. Using the front brake is necessary to bring the motorcycle to a stop in the shortest distance possible.
2. Which Foot Should Go Down First?
Now, here’s a technique that I use and teach, though you might hear it taught differently from other instructors. When I come to a complete stop, my left foot is the first foot to reach the ground. In fact, it’s often the only foot I put on the ground.
I rode in Dallas/Fort Worth stop-and-go traffic for years in the same pair of boots. One day, I noticed how much more wear was on the sole of my left boot compared to the right. That was because, at every stop, my left foot went down while my right foot stayed up.
There are some exceptions—riding with a passenger, in strong winds, on uneven surfaces, or if the bike is off balance at the stop. In those cases, my right foot may go down for extra stability, but my left foot is still the first to touch the ground.
Some riders approach stops differently, planting both feet on the pavement. This could be for extra balance, or because they ride a taller bike and prefer having the toes or balls of both feet touching the ground for more stability.
I’ve received emails asking whether my method or the “both feet down” method is right. My answer? It depends.
Speaking of discussions like this, you can support this channel by becoming a Member. All the details and perks of Membership can be found at MCrider.com/Member.
3. Braking Technique: Finishing with the Rear Brake
The second technique I teach on MCrider, I actually learned from a Police Motor Officer while riding with them. It’s also one of the reasons my right foot rarely reaches the ground.
When I come to a stop, I initiate braking with both brakes, but I finish the last few feet of the stop with the rear brake only.
A motor officer taught me this technique years ago, and it makes a huge difference in keeping the motorcycle balanced at a stop. By finishing with the rear brake, it reduces the compression and rebound of the front forks, making for a much smoother and more controlled stop.
This is why my left foot touches the ground first—because my right foot is still on the brake. And because the bike stops in better balance, I rarely need my right foot for additional stability.
Some instructors teach to use both brakes all the way through the stop and then plant both feet firmly on the ground. Which method is right? Again, it depends. The best way to decide is to try both techniques in a parking lot and see which works best for you.
4. The “Controversial” Stopping Method
This last one caught me off guard. When I first shared my stopping method, some riders not only said they did it differently, but that I was wrong.
I still don’t think I’m wrong—it’s what the MSF teaches. While I won’t call you out as being wrong for doing it differently, I do believe the alternative method overcomplicates a very simple process.
How I Stop at a Stop Sign or Red Light
- As I approach a stop, I squeeze the clutch as I roll off the throttle.
- I keep the clutch squeezed throughout the entire stop.
- I downshift through the gears, matching the gear to road speed.
- I initiate braking with both brakes but finish with the rear brake.
- I place my left foot on the ground.
This method of stopping seems pretty straightforward to me. But a few years ago, I did a video on stopping and heard from several people that I was doing it wrong.
The “Free-Wheeling” Argument
Some argue that keeping the clutch squeezed while stopping is “free-wheeling,” a term I believe comes from commercial truck driving.
An example of free-wheeling would be coasting down a curvy mountain road in neutral or with the clutch engaged. In that scenario, engine braking would provide huge benefits in controlling speed and negotiating corners.
However, when approaching a stoplight on level ground in 5th gear, there’s no real need to shift to 4th, release the clutch, shift to 3rd, release the clutch, and so on. That’s a lot of unnecessary movement for no real benefit.
Wear and Tear: Clutch vs. Brakes
Some argue my method puts more wear on the brakes. My counterargument? The alternative method puts more wear on the clutch and engine.
Personally, I’d rather replace brake pads than a clutch or rebuild an engine. The braking system offers more precise control over stopping power than engine braking.
Emergency Stops: The Right Way
One area where it would be wrong to downshift through the gears while releasing the clutch is during an emergency stop.
In an emergency stop, there’s no time for unnecessary movement. Just keep the clutch squeezed in, use threshold braking without locking either tire, and try to have the bike in 1st gear as you complete the stop.
Final Thoughts
If you prefer to rev match while downshifting through the gears to a stop, more power to you.
You just won’t see me doing it. 😃
Till next week…
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Below is some gear that I ride with on a daily basis…if you are in the need of good riding gear, the products below have worked well for me.
KLIM Jacket – https://www.MCrider.com/KLIM
Shoei Motorcycle Helmets – https://www.MCrider.com/Shoei
Windshirt/Jacket Liner – https://www.MCrider.com/Liner
Lee Park Sumo Gloves – https://www.MCrider.com/LeeParks
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