7.3 Braking: Set Up and Squeeze, Both Brakes and Emergency Stops

Braking: Set Up and Squeeze, Both Brakes and Emergency Stops

Motorcycles have separate front and rear controls. The Queensland Motorcycle Riders’ Guide describes the front brake as providing stopping power and the rear as providing stability and control. It instructs riders to use both brakes and to apply them in two stages: set up and squeeze.

The two stages

Set up is the fast but gentle take-up of the lever or pedal free play. It begins weight transfer without a shock. Squeeze is the smooth increase in braking pressure. Both controls are then gently and gradually released so the motorcycle remains stable.

The guide’s sequence is front brake, then rear brake, with set up and squeeze on each. This is not a command to stab the front and ignore the rear. The short sequence helps the front tyre load before pressure increases and keeps the rear contributing control.

Avoid memorising a universal “front brake supplies exactly 70 or 80 percent” answer. Brake contribution changes with motorcycle geometry, load, surface, gradient and deceleration. The durable rule is progressive use of both brakes.

Braking before turns

Brakes are most effective when the motorcycle is upright and travelling straight. As lean and steering increase, less tyre grip remains for braking. Check mirrors, reduce speed and choose the gear before the curve. If a hazard appears in a bend, look for escape space and bring the motorcycle upright before strong braking if room permits.

Gentle braking while leaned may sometimes be necessary, but the rider must recognise the reduced margin and build pressure smoothly. Abrupt brake input at lean can cause a skid or fall.

Emergency stopping

The guide’s quickest-stop sequence is:

1. position the motorcycle upright and straight;
2. close the throttle;
3. apply the front brake—set up and squeeze;
4. apply the rear brake—set up and squeeze; and
5. pull the clutch in just before the motorcycle stops.

Keep the head and eyes up and continue looking for a safer path. Pulling the clutch too early can remove useful engine connection and encourage coasting; pulling it just before stopping prevents the engine from stalling while allowing attention to remain on braking.

Emergency braking is a learned control skill. Practise with a qualified trainer in a safe controlled area, gradually increasing speed only after correct technique is consistent.

Skids on a non-ABS motorcycle

Harsh braking can exceed available grip, especially on wet roads, gravel, paint or metal. If excessive front braking locks the front wheel, gently release enough pressure to let it rotate and reapply more smoothly. If rear braking locks the rear, steer into the skid, ease the brake and reapply smoothly after stability returns. The core principle is to remove the input causing the skid.

If harsh acceleration or excessive speed causes a skid, ease the throttle and slow, then reapply smoothly after grip returns. Keep arms relaxed and avoid fighting the steering.

ABS

Anti-lock braking can prevent a wheel remaining locked under excessive brake pressure and can help retain stability and steering. It does not create grip, remove stopping distance, excuse poor tyres or guarantee a shorter stop on every surface. On an ABS-equipped motorcycle, follow the owner’s manual and maintain firm progressive braking during an emergency rather than deliberately pumping the controls unless the manufacturer directs otherwise.

ABS operation can be felt as pulsing. A warning lamp that does not complete its normal self-check or remains illuminated may indicate a fault that should be investigated.

Surface and load effects

Increase space and reduce speed on loose, wet or contaminated surfaces. A passenger or luggage increases mass and can change suspension, tyre pressure and braking response. Descending a hill adds demand; select a suitable gear and avoid overheating one brake through continuous dragging.

Stopping position

As the motorcycle stops, maintain balance and a useful escape path. The exact foot-down technique can depend on slope, surface and motorcycle, but avoid teaching it as a road-rule requirement. At a stop sign, the legal requirement is that the motorcycle comes to a complete stop at the proper place—not that police must see a particular foot touch the ground.

For test questions, prefer both brakes, progressive input, upright braking and early speed choice over exact percentages or abrupt action.