MSF Basic eCourse Basics for Emergencies Exam
Questions and Answers
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.
Questions and Answers
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.
