To stop a motorcycle at high speed, smoothly but firmly apply increasing pressure to the front brake (providing most stopping power) while simultaneously applying the rear brake, roll off the throttle, pull in the clutch, and downshift; keep handlebars straight and knees gripping the tank, then ease the front brake slightly as you stop to prevent locking the wheel, and practice this technique regularly.
Use both the front and rear brakes. Don't grab the front brake or stomp on the rear brake, just gradual increasing pressure until you've stopped or slowed enough. Engine breaking is another option when you need to slow down but learn how to use your brakes properly before trying to get fancy with it.
Rule of thumb is unless you plan to shift, reduce speed below the current gear's 'intended' speed or come to a complete stop, don't push in the clutch. If you are doing any of those things, push in the clutch. If in doubt, just press both.
Head-On Collisions
Crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles account for 56 percent of all motorcycle-related deaths. Most of these involve frontal impacts, which are typically fatal for motorcyclists.
The 4-second rule for motorcyclists is a safety guideline to maintain a minimum following distance, especially in poor conditions, giving enough time to react to hazards, stop, or swerve, significantly more than the basic 2-3 second rule for cars due to motorcycles' lack of protection and different stopping dynamics. This extra space allows riders to see around vehicles, anticipate danger, and maneuver safely, reducing severe accident risks. You check it by picking a fixed object and counting seconds until you pass it; if you reach it before "four," you're too close.
The 30/30/30 rule for brakes is a bedding-in procedure for new brake pads and rotors: perform 30 controlled stops from about 30 mph, allowing 30 seconds of cool-down time between each stop, to create a uniform friction surface for optimal performance, prevent glazing, and reduce noise. This process transfers pad material to the rotor, ensuring consistent braking and preventing issues like squealing or vibration.
The two-fingers-down gesture in motorcycling, often called the "biker wave," means "ride safe," "keep two wheels on the ground," or a general greeting of respect and peace among riders. It's performed by extending your left hand and pointing your index and middle fingers down towards the ground, symbolizing wishing fellow riders safety and acknowledging their presence, especially when passing on the road.
Very importantly the rider should always remember to check mirrors when slowing down and again as soon as the motorcycle stops. In a “normal stopping” situation ideally the front brake should be supplying about 70% of the braking effort and the rear brake about 30%.
Pull in the clutch and move to first gear
As you're about to come to a complete stop, pull the clutch in all the way, downshift to first gear and hold the clutch in. Ease your grip on the front brake just before the bike stops completely so the front wheel doesn't lose grip and slide forward. And that's it!
The 3-second rule is a solid baseline, but adjustments are necessary. Motorcyclists may use a 2-second rule due to their agility, but safety always comes first. Motorcycles: A 2-second gap may suffice in clear conditions, but extend to 3–4 seconds in rain or low visibility.
The rule mandates that carmakers equip their vehicles with automatic braking systems capable of avoiding contact with vehicles in front of them at speeds up to 62 miles per hour.
A car or truck driver is more likely to be at fault for a motorcycle-related crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when another driver doesn't see a motorcycle rider.
Lane splitting—riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic—is a risky maneuver and a frequent cause of motorcycle accidents, especially where it's illegal. While it may save time, lane splitting puts riders dangerously close to other vehicles that may change lanes without warning or open doors unexpectedly.
Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers.
However, at long stops, you don't want to keep your clutch pedal pressed down; this causes unnecessary wear on your throw out bearing, and it also tires your leg out for no reason too. Just leave it in neutral and hold the brake down at lights.
Don't forget... Driving slowly, clutch then brake when stopping. Driving faster, brake then clutch down.
Now, a suggestion, the earlier you start slowing down, the smoother stops you get. When you see a red light up ahead, you know, why wait until the last minute? Ease your foot off the gas pedal and let the car naturally slow down so that way you end up with a smooth stop.