What are brakes for?

Isn't that the opposite of driving? So many questions!

So let's have a go at answering some of those questions:-

Yes, a bike is definitely more stable when driving and the brakes can help us to keep the drive on. Considering low speed manoeuvres initially, whether in a straight line or through a varied path, we work the engines power against the rear brake to enhance stability. If you try to control the bikes speed via the throttle or clutch, at say 3 or 4 km/h, the bike can be very unstable as weight transfers back and forth on each application and release of either the throttle or clutch, and that's in a straight line! That same back and forth influence can create a tendency for the bike to fall into the turn, then stand up and run wide. Therefore, low speed manoeuvres involve driving against the rear brake and very low speed manoeuvres (depending on your bikes gearing) may involve this and slipping the clutch.

Now let's consider higher speed manoeuvres. How about long sweeping corners? Long sweeping corners can seem to go on forever and you can find yourself in limbo for some time, not really on the power and not really off it either. Again, that unstable feeling can be evident. Try a light application of the rear brake to enable you to keep the drive on via a light throttle application and your stability will be enhanced. As a road rider these things are easily experienced. As a competition rider, the same principals apply. Rear brake application will also allow the drive line and suspension to be set up, or taught, and can also help to control wheelspin.

If you look beyond the obvious use of something, you may find other benefits from its use. It's not a black and white world and to assume that brakes are only for stopping is to limit yourself. So try some of these scenarios and I'm sure you will benefit.

Max Thompson