A motorcycle requires a right foot for the rear brake and the right hand for the front brake. Many motorcyclists get into the habit of using the front brake and forgetting to use the rear brake, which can throw the driver from the bike if this occurs at a high speed.

Though the front brake supplies 70 percent of the braking power both brakes must be applied evenly to properly stop the vehicle. If you are not in an emergency situation, extreme pressure should not be applied to the brakes. Gradual pressure or a hard pressure and backing off to begin the process again is necessary for a safe stop.

Never brake when the front wheel is not straight. The braking should have been done before the turn. Braking at a sufficient speed with the front tire turned can put you on your side. If the wheel is turned towards the right while breaking the bike will go down on the right side. The same logic applies to braking hard while turning left. Brake before entering a curve as well.

With your front brake, make sure the braking is done with all 4 fingers. No short cuts with 2 finger braking should be done. If you are not using the right amount of fingers, get out of this habit as quickly as possible. If you are having a problem in braking, take the bike to a place where there are no cars and practice. The proper braking skill must be learned. Many California auto accidents involve motorcyclists who did not brake correctly.

Braking should start early for safety reasons. When you engage the brakes your rear lights work like those of a car. It is necessary with a motorcycle to give the earliest warning possible to those behind you, that you are slowing down or coming to a stop. Los Angeles motorcycle attorneys are always available to help should an unforeseen circumstance involving your motorcycle occur.