1 Simple Change Could Save Your Life

Roll off the gas, fingers on the lever. every time. even if i don't think i need it. The improvement in confidence and control took me from being "surprised" when something happens to being "smug" that i already have the control i need in my hand to resolve the situation. Adding 2% to the brakes when you're already using them at 5% is way easier than going from my whole hand on the grip, rushing and trying to magically find exactly 7%

Almost lost my best bud to an intersection crash. One big reason why I do what I do.

I cover the front brake with two fingers probably 90% of the time. I also tend to be hyper aware and when I see a vehicle approaching from the side at an intersection, whether controlled or not, I roll off the throttle a tad and get myself ready for them to pull out just in case. When I was learning to drive a car my dad always told me "it came out of nowhere" is an excuse for "I wasn't paying attention close enough". Covering the brake is a very important fundamental skill, it's the first step in being able to stop quickly. Learning to progressively brake smoothly is much easier once you are comfortable covering the brake.

I've ridden with the front brake "covered" for thirty years or more. I'm sure that is what the pros like Keith Code and Jason Pridmore always taught. I'm shocked to hear that is not what they teach in the "motorcycle safety" courses. Glad I never bothered. Talk of percentages has never been useful for me, either for traction or braking. The key is squeezing, not grabbing. I like to look for an opportunity to practice emergency stopping on every ride, just to establish muscle memory. I do three sequential stops, starting with an easy one, and braking harder with each of the second and third stops. Keeps me ready. No, I don't do this in town. It may seem extreme, but I really don't want to hit something if practice can prevent it. With intersections, another key is expecting trouble. It is not always possible, but I try to prepare for trouble at every intersection, get in ready, set state, and try to look for cross traffic not stopping. I watch for traffic approaching from behind when I'm stopped. Riding is dangerous. That's why I like it. But I try to reduce the danger where I can.

another great video Dave. Yep, I am a massive proponent of covering the front brake. I got into an argument recently with an instructor when I went to do a refresher course. He tried to tell me that covering the brake was a track only thing and had zero place on the street. I responded that I felt sorry for any of his new students and left.

Oddly enough, that's what I have always done on my mountain bike, especially on single track or downhill. When I did this during my very first motorcycle course I was told, no no no, bad. Let's see if I can unlearn what felt unnatural for me to begin with. Love your content btw, I've learnt heaps!

I have been grinding gears for fifty years and I have always used this configuration to cover my front break. I tend to cover my rear break too when I roll up on an intersection. I have been trail breaking to line up my corners as long as I can remember, but had no idea what it was called until I saw this guys videos! The fighter pilot analogy is spot on. Situational awareness (along with sobriety and a little hi viz action) is what will save your life. Ride safe!

I use this exact braking technique. I can feel the front weight transfer, and once that happens I know I can squeeze the front brake slightly harder.The other thing I do is grab the bike with my legs and tighten my core. This way my weight isn’t slung onto my arms. The claw technique is perfect.

Holding the brake lever with the index and middle fingers means you apply force close to the pivot point; limiting the power. Some Dog-leg levers bring these finger further to the right but I can understand why so many people use all 4 fingers so they can apply force further from the pivot point. Remember, not every bike is fitted with top-of-range Brembos. There were bikes with brakes that had the pivot on the outside (at the bar end). Wonder why this wasn't continued.

Might sound silly, but I saw this method of keeping the front brake covered on you tube when still learning and at an early stage it became natural for me to cover the front brake whenever on a bike, even when moving it around my driveway and it has saved me on occasions, great advice, stay safe.

Fantastic summary - thank you !!

Thank you for your time and information

I’ve always been one to cover my brakes 24/7. Comes naturally for riding bikes all my life. I also like to engine brake with rear brake and I stop crazy fast if needed. I practice to not just get the muscle memory or fluid reactions and movement but to fully master the feel and capabilities of my motorcycle. It’s all second nature. Every season I always practice some more, one should never stop learning to better themselves for the ride :)

Bravo! Too many channels spend way too much time discussing why new riders cannot be taught certain techniques, analyzing crash videos ad nauseum or beating their chests about how they can get a knee down in a parking lot. Your channel consistently provides the best advice for safe practical street riding that all riding levels should learn and apply. Excellent post.

What an amazing job on these videos. I had a friend that was a very experienced rider. He kept me alive for my first year or so on a sportbike. These videos are literally saving lives.

Excellent information, thank you so much 👍🏼

Great video Dave, thanks for sharing!

Honestly, by far, the best content for teaching new riders. You cover specific topics others don’t consider. Thank you!

Great video. Food for thought and practice

Could not agree more. Great message and reminder.