Cornering braking on the motorcycle

Photo: ifz

Decelerating a motorcycle in an inclined position is still one of the most challenging driving tasks. The Institute for Bicycle Safety (ifz) explains how this works well.

All those who are already on the road with cornering or lean angle ABS are well equipped here. But of course, you can also brake in curves on a motorcycle with conventional or completely without ABS. Depending on the inclination and under favorable conditions (grip of the road, weather, etc.) sometimes even quite strong. However, compared to braking when driving straight ahead, the use of brakes in curves is undoubtedly more complex.

While slight "adaptive braking" when cornering is usually to be regarded as uncritical, today we are concerned with startle braking. For example, because we misjudged ourselves or, for example, because dirt or an obstacle makes the planned line impossible. Gas tap closed! Now it's time to react quickly!

MAKE:
The method of choice is the hand or front brake, with which decent deceleration values can be achieved after "sensitively powerful", but NEVER jerky application. The bike will now straighten up when braking.

If we now continue to follow the curve and perhaps do not have to brake to a standstill, then a strong pressure at the inside of the handlebars keeps our bike on track. In right-hand bends thus also far away from oncoming traffic. In the event of evasive manoeuvres, it is also necessary to work decisively on the handlebars.

If we have enough space straight ahead (and no oncoming traffic!), the motorcycle can be straightened up with a short steering impulse in addition to braking, so that we can come to a standstill upright.

LET:
The use of the comparatively poorly controlled rear brake is much more critical during cornering than during straight-line braking, so it should be avoided during startle braking. Here, in an inclined position, part of the tyre grip is required for the lateral guidance of the wheels. In combination with a dynamic shift of wheel load to the front due to deceleration (the rear becomes lighter), the grip can suddenly "break off" during braking. A dangerous slipping of the rear wheel is the result.

ADVISABLE:
Of course, the possible procedure is only touched on here. It is advisable to practice this under professional guidance, for example during driver safety training, in order to be well prepared in an emergency.