Imagine gliding through corners with increased control, speed, and safety. Trail braking, an advanced cornering technique, is the key to unlocking these capabilities on your motorcycle. But what exactly is trail braking, and how can you learn to master it? What is trail braking on a motorcycle, you might ask?
In this blog post, we will guide you through the ins and outs of trail braking, its benefits and risks, techniques to employ, and tips for improving your skills. Let’s dive into the world of trail braking and elevate your riding experience to new heights.
Short Summary
- – Mastering trail braking provides riders with increased control and safety.
- – Trail braking allows for improved cornering efficiency, enabling faster lap times and greater response to unexpected hazards.
- – Gradual progression and adapting to different conditions are essential for safely improving your trail braking skills.
Mastering Trail Braking
Mastering trail braking is an essential skill for any motorcycle rider, whether you’re a seasoned racer or a weekend warrior. It involves understanding the basics of brake pressure management and learning to use both front and rear brakes effectively, ultimately giving you more control over your bike and enhancing your overall riding experience.
So, why should you invest time and effort into mastering trail braking? The answer is simple: trail braking allows you to maintain a higher cornering speed while simultaneously increasing your safety margin. By giving you the ability to make last-minute adjustments in response to unexpected hazards, trail braking can be a lifesaver on the road, especially for street riders who often encounter unpredictable situations.
The Basics of Trail Braking
At its core, trail braking is a technique that enables riders to brake while leaning into a turn, utilising all 100 points of grip on the front tire and gradually releasing brake pressure to free up points for turning. By understanding braking points, it’s a delicate balance that requires precision and finesse, but once mastered, can significantly enhance your cornering prowess.
Trail braking consists of three main components: corner entry, apex speed, and accelerating out of the corner. To execute it correctly, you’ll need to maintain brake pressure while leaning into the turn, and then progressively reduce pressure as your lean angle increases. This gradual release of brake pressure allows for a smooth transition of weight transfer, which in turn provides increased stability and control.
Brake Pressure Management
Brake pressure management, including light brake pressure, is key to successful trail braking, as it helps riders control the bike and maintain traction. By modulating brake pressure throughout the corner, you can effectively manage the available grip and prevent unnecessary tire slippage, which is crucial for maintaining stability and safety.
To ensure optimal grip and control while trail braking, it is recommended to gradually release brake pressure using the brake lever until the peak of the corner. This smooth transition allows for a more consistent contact patch between the tire and the road surface, ultimately resulting in better traction and a more enjoyable riding experience.
Benefits of Trail Braking
The benefits of trail braking extend far beyond simply allowing you to brake later into corners. In fact, trail braking can significantly improve your cornering efficiency and safety, enabling you to react quickly to unexpected hazards and achieve smoother cornering by accurately judging when to begin and release brake pressure.
This increased safety margin can be invaluable for street riders, especially on unfamiliar roads where turns may be tighter than expected. By maintaining braking throughout the turn, riders can quickly adjust their speed if necessary, reducing reaction times and increasing overall safety.
Cornering Efficiency
Cornering efficiency is all about navigating turns with the least amount of effort and the greatest amount of speed. Trail braking plays a crucial role in achieving this, as it reduces the turning radius and allows riders to brake later into a corner. Trail braking ultimately leads to faster lap times and more exciting rides by enabling you to carry more speed through the turn.
The advantages of improved cornering efficiency are numerous. In addition to faster lap times, trail braking provides a greater sense of control and stability during cornering, making it easier to navigate tight turns and avoid potential hazards.
Increased Safety
Safety is always a top priority for motorcycle riders, and trail braking significantly boosts this department. By allowing riders to slow down more effectively, ascertain corner tightness, and increase grip, trail braking greatly reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall safety.
Furthermore, maintaining braking force throughout the turn enables riders to react swiftly to any potential hazards, such as gravel, oil, or other obstacles that may suddenly appear mid-corner. This quick response time can be the difference between a close call and a costly accident.
Risks and Precautions
As with any advanced riding technique, there are certain risks and precautions associated with trail braking. The primary risk is overloading the front tire, which can result in mid-turn slippage that is harder to recover from than rear slippage. Practising safely is essential to mitigate this risk and ensure that you can enjoy the benefits of trail braking without putting yourself in danger.
One of the best ways to practice trail braking safely is to attend a track-based riding school or track day, where you can learn from experienced instructors and practice the technique in a controlled environment. This will allow you to hone your skills and become more confident before attempting trail braking on the open road.
Overloading the Front Tire
Overloading the front tire is a risk associated with trail braking, as it can lead to mid-turn slippage that is more difficult to recover from than rear slippage. This is because, during trail braking, most of the bike’s weight is transferred to the front tire, placing a greater demand on its grip.
To minimise the risk of front tire slippage, practising trail braking in optimal conditions, such as on dry roads with good grip, is important. Additionally, being mindful of the road surface and the degree of the turn can help you avoid overloading the front tire and losing traction.
Practising Safely
Practising trail braking safely is of utmost importance, as it can help you develop your skills without putting yourself or others at risk. The ideal environment for practising trail braking is at a track-based riding school or track day, where experienced instructors can guide you through the process and provide valuable feedback.
In addition to practising in a controlled environment, it is essential to be aware of the road conditions and the degree of the turn when attempting trail braking on the street. Some corners may be more suitable for trail braking than others, and it is important to exercise caution when riding in wet or slippery conditions.
Trail Braking Techniques
Trail braking techniques involve using both front and rear brakes together to increase stability during trail braking and engine braking by selecting a lower gear and releasing the clutch slowly before the corner. Only experienced riders who have mastered trail braking should attempt to trail brake. By employing these techniques, you can effectively manage your bike’s speed and balance while more precisely navigating corners.
Let’s take a closer look at the two main trail braking techniques: front and rear brakes, and engine braking.
Using Front and Rear Brakes
Using both front and rear brakes together is key to achieving optimal stability during trail braking. By applying both brakes simultaneously, you can more effectively manage the weight transfer of your bike and maintain better control throughout the corner.
To utilise both front and rear brakes when trail braking, it is best to primarily use the front brake while also applying the rear brake. This technique ensures that you maximise both wheels’ braking potential while maintaining a balanced and stable motorcycle.
Engine Braking
Engine braking is another trail braking technique that can be employed by experienced riders who have already mastered the basics of trail braking. To begin braking using this technique, select a lower gear and gradually release the clutch before entering the corner, allowing the engine to assist in slowing down the bike.
Incorporating engine braking while trail braking can help provide increased traction and improved front-end feel, giving you even more control over your motorcycle. However, it’s important to note that engine braking should only be used by riders who are already comfortable and proficient with trail braking, as it requires a higher level of skill and finesse.
Tips for Improving Your Trail Braking Skills
Now that you have a solid understanding of trail braking, it’s time to improve your skills and become a more proficient rider. Tips for improving your trail braking skills include gradual progression, adapting to different riding conditions, and seeking training if needed. As with any new skill, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t master trail braking right away.
Remember that trail braking is most suitable for wide turns with a decent severity of angle, but should be avoided on wet or greasy roads. By considering these factors and practising diligently, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a trail-braking expert.
Gradual Progression
Gradual progression is key when you learn trail braking, as it allows you to build your skills and confidence comfortably. Start by practising trail braking at a safe speed on a familiar corner, and gradually increase your speed as you become more proficient.
As you progress and add lean angle points, pay close attention to your braking pressure and lean angle, making sure to release brake pressure smoothly as you lean into the turn. This will help you develop the muscle memory needed for effective trail braking and ensure that you’re always in control of your motorcycle, especially at crucial lean angle points.
Adapting to Different Riding Conditions
Being able to adapt to different riding conditions is crucial for mastering trail braking, as it allows you to maintain control and safety regardless of the situation. For example, when riding in wet or slippery conditions, reduce brake pressure and adopt a more upright body position to ensure traction.
In low visibility conditions, reduce your speed and apply greater brake pressure to ensure an appropriate stopping distance. By adjusting your trail braking technique to suit different riding conditions, you’ll become a more versatile and confident rider, ready to tackle any challenge the road throws your way.
Summary
In conclusion, trail braking is an advanced cornering technique that can significantly improve your motorcycle riding experience by increasing cornering efficiency and safety. Mastering trail braking involves understanding the basics of brake pressure management, using both front and rear brakes, and practising engine braking for more experienced riders.
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this blog post, you can hone your trail braking skills and become a more proficient, confident rider. Remember that practice is key, and always be mindful of the road conditions and the degree of the turn when attempting trail braking.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, start practising, and unlock the full potential of your motorcycle with the power of trail braking. Happy riding!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you trail brake a motorcycle with front or rear brakes?
For trail braking, you should use the front brake to slow down your motorcycle. Though trailing the rear brake will also slow the bike down and decrease the turning radius, the front brake is more efficient for achieving a smoother corner exit and increased grip and stability.
What is the point of trail braking?
Trail braking is an important driving technique used to help drivers get around corners with speed and control. By braking as they enter the corner, drivers are able to maintain the car’s load on the front tires, allowing for greater control of the vehicle as they enter the corner.
Trail braking also helps drivers maximise tire traction throughout the corner, allowing them to get the most out of their car on each cornering pass.
Do you pull in the clutch while trail braking?
No, you should not pull in the clutch when trail braking. Trail braking should be done with a gear engaged and the clutch released. Pulling in the clutch while the brake is engaged can lead to unnecessary wear and tear of the clutch plate, so it is important to keep the clutch released while trail braking.
It is important to remember that trail braking should be done with the clutch released. Doing so will help reduce the wear and tear on the clutch plate.
