Technique For Panic Stop
This technique should be practiced frequently for development of muscle memory.
- Make sure you are going straight and in the upright position (not banked or cornering)
- Cut off power to the engine immediately by engaging the clutch
- Generously apply pressure to the front brake lever (70% of your stopping power)
- Rest your foot on the rear brake without adding any additional pressure; this will help prevent rear wheel lock up. The forward motion and dipping forces from the front brake will force pressure to the rear brake (up to 30%stopping power) without the added risk of locking the rear wheel.
- Keep the bike straight, head and eyes straight looking toward the horizon line (Do not fixate on the hazard you are trying to avoid). Motorcycles go where you look so if your staring at the hazard guess what you are going to hit?
- You have about to seconds to perform this action before impact (generally)!
Make every effort to avoid skidding. Remember, panic stops should only be done with the bike in the upright position (not cornering or banking).
If an emergency arises and the front wheel or rear locks up; here are some tips:
Front Wheel Lock Up
Occurs because of excessive braking.
A telltale sign your front wheel is about to lock up:
- Looking forward toward the horizon line, the bike will subtly start swaying – if this occurs ease off on the pressure applied to the front brake lever
If the front wheel locks up, release the front brake lever and reapply pressure with greater sensitivity.
It is important you are looking forward and not directly at the hazard since the bike will go where you look. Your arms should be locked forward to keep the handlebar straight.
If you lock up the front wheel you will inevitably go down.
Occurs because of excessive braking (easy to do under stress or panic).
If the rear wheel locks up you should ride out the skid until the bike comes to a stop. Releasing the rear brake during a rear wheel lock up can cause a ‘high-side’ and throw the rider off the bike (not good).
Be certain the bike is upright (not banked), eyes forward looking toward the horizon line (avoid looking at the hazard – target fixation), arms locked straight, handlebars straight. Most riders will release the brake as the rear slides, which can cause a high-side. The rear will slide if you are fixated on the hazard, looking at the ground or otherwise not traveling in a straight line.
