MSF Basic eCourse: Basics for Emergencies Latest 2024 Graded A+

MSF Basic eCourse: Basics for Emergencies Latest 2024 Graded A+ Braking Systems While most motorcycles have a front brake lever to apply the front brake and a rear brake pedal to apply the rear brake, braking systems can differ between models. Check your owner's manual for variations, which may be one of the common setups shown here. With Combined or Linked brakes, braking force is applied to both wheels when either control is used. The degree of braking force provided by each brake varies by design. With Integrated brakes, pressing the rear brake pedal also applies some braking force to the front brake. Anti-lock brakes, also called ABS, keep the wheels from locking or skidding when too much brake pressure is applied for surface conditions. Emergency Stop in a Straight Line Making an emergency stop is an important skill. Practice often in a safe area. Use lower speeds and less than maximum brake pressure when developing your skill. Start your practice with straight-line stops. The best way to achieve the shortest braking distance is to apply maximum brake pressure to front and rear brakes simultaneously without skidding either wheel. Squeeze the clutch lever and use the brake controls at the same time. Keep your body centered and look ahead. Squeeze your legs against the gas tank to help keep from sliding forward. Adjust your braking pressure as the weight of the motorcycle transfers forward by using less pressure on the rear brake pedal and more pressure on the front brake lever. The ability to use the brakes fully without producing a skid is called threshold braking. This kind of braking takes a special feel for the controls. It is important to squeeze, not grab, the front brake lever and press, not jab, the rear brake pedal. Practice often in a safe area. Remember that surface conditions may affect how much pressure you can use, and you want to be ready to adjust the pressure for best results. Emergency Stop in a Curve Making an emergency stop in a curve requires effective use of available traction for both leaning and braking. This means you should generally use less brake pressure in a curve than when braking in a straight line. Basically, you have two choices: One is to straighten up first and make a quick stop in a straight line. The other is to apply some brake pressure while leaned and increase brake pressure as you straighten up. To straighten up first, you must have enough space to complete the stop. If road and traffic conditions permit, straighten the motorcycle first and then square the handlebars (center the steering) before the brakes are applied. To apply brake pressure while leaned, apply and adjust the brakes progressively. As your lean angle is reduced, apply more brake pressure. It is best to have the motorcycle straight up with the handlebars squared at the end of a stop. Front Tire Skid Using too much front brake pressure can produce a skid. To keep from skidding, use the front brake lever with a smooth squeeze. If the front brake lever is grabbed before weight transfers forward and down, the wheel can stop turning and the front tire will skid. The result is a sudden loss of control. If a front-tire skid occurs, you must release the front brake lever to get the front wheel rolling again. Then apply the brake again as needed. Improper use of the front brake could cause a fall. Rear Tire Skid When slowing quickly, weight increases on the front tire and lightens on the rear tire. You have to adjust rear brake pressure so the rear tire does not skid. A rear tire skid may cause the back of the motorcycle