When making normal stops, you should:
Answers
Use only the rear brake.
Use only the front brake.
Use both the front and rear brakes.
Alternate between the front and rear brakes.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Use both the front and rear brakes.
Explanation:
When making normal stops on a motorcycle or bicycle, it is essential to use both the front and rear brakes in a balanced way. Here’s why:
- Improved Stopping Power: The front brake provides most of the stopping power (around 70-80% in many cases), as it uses the weight shift to generate more friction. When you apply the front brake, the weight of the bike and rider moves forward, which increases the effectiveness of the front brake. The rear brake, on the other hand, helps with stability and prevents the rear wheel from skidding.
- Stability and Control: Using both brakes together ensures you maintain control and stability during the stop. If you rely only on the front brake, there’s a higher risk of losing control, especially in emergency situations or on slippery surfaces. If you use only the rear brake, you may not have enough stopping power to stop quickly.
- Avoiding Skidding: If you only use the front brake, especially too abruptly, you risk locking the front wheel, which can cause a skid and lead to loss of control. Similarly, using only the rear brake might lead to the rear wheel locking up, especially on loose or wet surfaces. By applying both brakes smoothly, you reduce the risk of skidding and maintain better control.
- Balanced Stopping: When you use both the front and rear brakes, you distribute the braking force more evenly between both wheels, which improves your overall stopping performance. This helps in reducing the stopping distance, which is critical in emergencies.
In summary, for safe and efficient stopping, it is recommended to use both the front and rear brakes. This technique allows you to stop quickly, maintain control, and reduce the risk of skidding. Properly using both brakes is a vital skill for any rider.