Motorbike braking techniques
How to Brake on a Motorcycle: A Beginner's Guide
Braking might seem simple, but doing it correctly and safely is one of the most important skills you can develop as a beginner motorcyclist—especially when riding off-road or on unpredictable terrain.
In this post, we’ll break down how to brake properly on a motorbike, using the engine brake, your front and rear brakes together, and keeping control at all times.
1. Use Engine Braking First
Before you even touch the levers, one of your best braking tools is your engine.
When you downshift to a lower gear, the engine naturally begins to slow the bike down. This technique, known as engine braking, reduces the pressure you need to apply on your front and rear brakes.
Why it's important:
Helps prevent your wheels from locking up
Keeps the bike more stable—especially downhill
2. Stay Straight Under Braking
When braking—especially at higher speeds or before a turn—keeping the bike straight is key to staying in control.
If you’re angled while braking, you risk:
Losing traction
Sliding sideways
Low-siding into a turn
✅ Pro tip: Begin braking while upright and straight. Only start turning after you’ve reduced enough speed.
3. Use Front and Rear Brakes Together
A common beginner mistake is relying on just one brake—either only the front or only the rear.
While it might work sometimes, it’s far from ideal.
Here’s why:
Using only the front brake can cause the front wheel to lock or slide
Using only the rear brake can cause fishtailing or skidding
Using both brakes together, gently and evenly, helps maintain traction and stability
4. Don’t Overdo It
Yes—it can feel fun to slide into a corner or throw the back end out.
But let’s be real: that’s not control. It’s not fast, and it’s definitely not safe—especially for beginners.
Even advanced riders will tell you:
“Smooth is fast.”
Controlled braking = smoother lines = better cornering = faster and safer riding.
5. Know Your Braking Zones
Another mistake? Braking too late.
New riders often try to push their speed as far as possible, only hitting the brakes right before a corner. This can lead to:
Hard, sudden braking
Losing control
Missing your line entirely
Instead, plan ahead:
Brake early and gradually
Finish braking before the turn
Enter the corner with control, not panic
Summary: Braking Tips for Beginners
Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:
✔️ Use engine braking first to slow down naturally
✔️ Keep the bike upright and straight when braking
✔️ Always use both brakes together, not just one
✔️ Avoid braking too hard or too late
✔️ Aim for smooth, controlled deceleration
Want to Learn More?
If you're new to off-road or adventure riding, don’t guess your way through it.
Book a beginner lesson with Dirt Bike Academy
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for hands-on tutorials and riding tips
Stay safe, ride smart—and brake like a pro!
