You should not trust anyone blindly, there is a lot of bullshit on the internet. Don't get me wrong, it's a good thing to search for advices, but don't think there is some motorcycle god, make your own opinion on what work or not for you.
as a daily motorcycle commuter on a third world country with people cutting you off frequently, tuk tuks doing crazy u turns, busses coming on to face on narrow roads and occational dogs jumping the road , i have avoided countless accidents riding like this. i wish more riders use this method. it prevents panic breaking and smoothes the riding too. thanks ari for discussing this topic
Awesome video! Lets save some lives! We need to stop teaching riders to be afraid of the front brake, and instead teach riders to be afraid of abruptness!
Back in the days when I was teaching experienced riders, I would suggest developing proper front brake skills. Students would immediately be shocked. "Why, if you use the front brake in a curve, you could go down!" me: "Yep. So let's figure out how to brake skillfully in curves, to avoid sliding out."
Teaching novice riders to not cover the break is ok, as Ari clearly stated in the video. Once they become comfortable with breaking, then they can gradually add covering the break. Until then, you’re just asking for accidents to happen
Ppl don’t realize how much riding as a kid prepares you for riding. Gives you riding “common sense” I haven’t rode in years then just bough a s1000rr and I’m on it like I never had a gap… I got my 6 year old and 5 year old electric dirt bikes before they had bicycles… and I’m going to get them real bikes soon.
I'm an MSF rider coach and I heartily endorse this message! He clearly explains why we don't teach or allow it in our basic classes. No doubt more advanced riders should cover their front brake and do the other things at the places and times he mentions. Well done Ari!
Is putting fingers in the correct place really that much of a barrier for new riders? I knew to cover the front from bicycles and dirtbikes, and it was a shock how militant the MSF guys were about discouraging it. You know they were supposed to be the experts so I stopped and only after almost binning it on the street did I make a concerted effort to get that habit back. I get why trail breaking isn't part of beginner training but covering the brakes? Something so easy and essential to being safe on a motorcycle. I dont get that one bit.
Exactly, I'm not an instructor but when I Taught my brother and my friends that doesn't have any motorcycling experience, I teach them to use 1 or 2 fingers only when breaking and emphasize to not use all of their fingers to avoid dropping the motorcycle.
I'm a MSF Ridercoach. The BRC (Basic Rider Course) is designed for someone who has never been on a motorcycle. We discourage covering the brake because brand new riders have a tendency to grab hard in tense situations. However, if we have a rider with some experience and observe they are riding well, we do not make them stop covering if they are doing it. In the braking demonstration exercise, we do discuss covering the controls when approaching intersections to decrease braking distance if needed. Covering the braking is covered and encouraged in the ARC (Advanced Rider Course) and recommend that all riders take this course, even as a refresher.
Not all coaches do that. When I did brc the coach was constantly telling me not to brake even though I was just covering it. I had no idea why he kept getting onto me about it. He never explained why, just told me not to do it.
..."brand new riders have a tendency to grab hard in tense situations." I know there's a reason, but MSF needs to fix this. Some new riders are going to do that regardless until they get a feel for the front brake. Not only is their braking less controlled, it's delayed. You're more likely to grab rather than squeeze if you have to reach for the lever because of that delay. It's safer to build that habit with a brand new rider while they're duck walking the bike rather than have them do a delayed panic brake on the road after they get their endorsement. I will also argue to cover the front brake lever at all times, even when you're not approaching that "cookie cutter" intersection. There are too many circumstances that you won't predict.
@@Motowinkle58 I agree. If anything, not covering would make panic breaking worse because inexperienced riders will feel like they need to hurry to make up the time it takes to reach the brake lever.
I taught basic courses for over a decade. We need to stop teaching riders to be afraid of the front brake and teach them to be afraid of abruptness instead. If we look at the primary reasons riders are crashing, running wide in corners and failing to stop when cars invade their right or way - we can draw a straight line back to what basic programs are teach. Don't cover the brake, and gently accelerate throughout the entire corner. 85% of new riders completely leave the sport within two years. We are failing new riders by teaching things that are getting them hurt.
I have been covering the front brake for nearly twenty years of riding- I have taken advanced courses from MSF, Total Control, done track days, etc. I first learned about covering the front brake from David Hough’s Proficient Motorcycling book, where he discusses another potentially life-saving concept: sight distance. I just want to support Ari here and say that I have never had an issue covering the front brake. In other words, the practice of covering the front brake (which I do all the time), has never had a negative impact on my riding. Great video!
1. I cover the front brake all the time, and I don't even notice it. 2. My fingers don't fully hook around the lever, they are on top of it so it's hard to apply the brakes like that, and it's also a reference point so I can keep steady throttle. 3. In case I need to brake (including in an emergency) the throttle closes and as a result the fingers move forward and can fully pull the brake lever. Additional benefit is you can better modulate the pressure on the lever at the start of the pull, to load the front tire before applying full pressure.
A big YES to this topic and video! I had been riding for over a decade before I took an MSF course and that was the first “wrong” thing they pointed out to me, almost immediately. I was so confused at the time. They also wanted to act like engine braking doesn’t exist and quickly waved it off when I brought it up. I learned very quick that MSF doesn’t teach new riders how to ride, they teach them how to “safely” ride. And they leave so much detailed riding information out of the conversation, that it’s a little unnerving.
The stopping distance demo should be enough to convince anyone, no matter what arguments might be against it! As a newb, this video feels priceless, so thank you for breaking it down so clearly 👌🏻
The best take on this I've heard up to date. I was initially going to explain the "only when necessary" aspect, but I see that's not needed. Mad props actually.
Just know that the school "Washington Motorcycle Safety Training" headquartered in Mukilteo WA DOES teach "2 fingers over the front brake." Our curriculum was developed in cooperation with Yamaha Champions Racing School. From the very first time a new rider sits on our training bikes, on a training range, we have them cover the front brake with 2 fingers. One of the results: Almost NO overbearing incidents on the training range. Additionally new riders are introduced to the concept of trail braking, to keep the front tire loaded while tipping into a corner. All of this at training range speeds. It works--we're proving it.
Great video Ari. I've also found that in certain situations I like to preload the front brake because going from 10% to 100% braking in an emergency is less likely to result in a lockup than it is from starting at zero.
Your braking is so much smoother when you ride like this too. And it makes trail braking just a lot easier too. I can't stress enough how much doing this improves your overall riding experience, even before you get into the safety aspect. I know Ari said you don't do it all the time, but I literally just ride with two fingers over the brake at all times
Yes, I agree. I ride this way as well. By covering the front brake (two fingers), you eliminate the "reach and grab" action when aggressive braking is required.
With these techniques, it's mostly knowing 'what' to use 'when'. For about 8 years, I rode exclusively onroad and basic techniques served me fine. But when I got into off-road and trials riding, I had to relearn everything. It took a while and I definitely still have much more to learn. But the positive thing is... Now I'm a much better rider onroad!
If covering the front brake has been the difference between life and death countless times I would say that you probably need to develop better situational awareness skills when riding
It's funny how I heard much about covering the front brake from Spurg on the podcast and wondered how that would work in everyday riding situations as he mentioned. In the beginning it felt weird and uncomfortable but I continued to consciously do it in city traffic and situations you mentioned in the videos. And now about a year later it's easy and second nature and gives me a lot more comfort. Good video!
As a long time instructor in Ohio, I thought this was a great video. You are right in emphasizing that this is a more advanced skill. Our courses are designed for brand new riders and I agree strongly that new riders should be encouraged to practice and sign up for more courses to improve their skill. Ari, I thought you were very fair in your comments about rider courses.
We were taught in driving school (in Sweden) to prepare when approaching possibly dangerous situations, like intersections. That included covering the brake.
This and the trail braking method are two topics that have left me questioning what was taught even decades after learning from msf. Thanks for clearing this up
The best tuition is buy a shagged out two stroke and ride that for a while. No engine braking, so always covering brake and covering clutch as well in case of seizure 😂 You’ll also learn how to corner smoothly as well due to the skinny tyres and poor power coming out of a turn.
I was a dispatcher in central London for 1985-97. Always covered the front brake and I’m still here, so it must be good advice. It was a habit i picked up from dirt riding in the late 70s. Two fingers are fine and I still do it on my motorcycle and mtb.
This video is VERY important and Ari nails it! Been riding for 46 years and cover the front brake on instinct. Has saved me several times. It’s that simple. Period, end of story.
I have always covered my front brake lever the day I started riding the bike. It actually helped me avoid panic braking and in applying the brakes gradually instead of finding and slamming them in emergencies.
Seeing some of the people in my msf course I get why instructors would be hesitant to teach this. Stoppies, whisky throttle, dumping the bikes, etc. But for anyone beyond that basest of levels of competency I totally agree that this is a vital skill, especially if you're an urban rider. Also I've heard that by reducing from 4 fingers on the brake to 2 you're more likely to apply smooth progressive braking and less likely to lock up the front wheel in a panic stop.
This was a great video. Short, sweet, about a very important. At sixty, in one second is 89.76 feet per second at sea level in distance. Covering the break gives you 20 to 50 feet of safety in an emergency every time. Smoother braking in town in traffic. My grandfather taught me this at 9 years of age on a bsa gold star on the farm a long time ago. Along with bump starting it!
Great vid. Bizarre people challenge this imo as it's common sense surely. You do it when necessary such as coming up to junctions & slip roads etc if there are vehicles waiting to pull out. Or in heavy traffic, especially at speed. I personally cover my front & back brake as well as the horn coming up to busy junctions etc. Covering the clutch is also irrelevant as the engine breaking will help you slow down quicker too & it doesn't matter if you stall as long as you stop as quickly as possible & avoid crashing.
18 часов назад+2
My day just got better with another shop manual video! Thank you so much for all the helpful knowledge.
When I mountain bike, I always have 1 finger on each brake lever. I never take those fingers off the levers. When I ride my motorcycle I generally cover the front brake with 1 finger and switch to two for hard braking. I find it kind of uncomfortable to have 2 fingers on the lever at all times. In New Zealand we have courses that are subsidised by the government called “Ride Forever”. I have done the Bronze and Silver courses and plan to do the gold course soon. When I did the silver course we did some emergency braking practice and the ignorant instructor kept telling me not to cover the brake lever. I did what he said but only until the end of the session and then went back to covering it again. I also had an instructor tell me not to cover the brake lever at a track day once which is crazy. I don’t care what any instructor says, covering the lever with even just one finger makes me feel way more comfortable. Even with just one finger I can stop pretty fast, especially when I’m at urban speeds. On the open road I’ll use 2 fingers to brake.
About a year into riding I learned how invaluable this skill is, and have been using it every time I ride for the past year. It definitely takes some getting used to for rev matching and building up finger muscles, but once you get used to it it becomes second-nature and has already been a life saver several times for me
Yes, both MSF and TC miss the boat on a few things. Covering the brake, trail braking and countersteering come to mind. When I took my TC instructor training for PA, I was surprised that even TC mishandled these topics with either outright wrong information (magic speed for countersteering) or incomplete information (covering the brake and trail braking).
In my MSF class in Washington, before we even turned on the bike, they had us cover the front brake, roll on the throttle, and practice smoothly rolling off and squeezing the brakes probably a hundred times.
I was taught at the Honda riding school that we must always ride with two fingers covering the front brake. At slow speeds, with two fingers covering the brake, if you get scared you will clench your first and stop the motorcycle, and maybe drop the bike, but if you have your entire fist on your throttle and get scared, you will give it more throttle and end up in a RUclips fail compilation for slamming yourself against a wall. The problem comes at high speeds, because if you never trained to apply progressive pressure with your front brake, you will end up in an accident regardless, but riding with your front brake ready will always be safer and faster.
Great video, Ari. I'll add to concern number five; if you're doing this correctly, when twisting your throttle your fingers will be out of place just enough to not engage the brake, but then when releasing and closing the throttle to start braking, your fingers will fall right onto the lever. When using this technique properly, it's very hard to gas it and brake simultaneously!
Up here in Washington State there's a motorcycle school named WMST and their curriculum teaches covering the front brake from day 1. Glad I learned from smart instructors and schools.
Great info. Personal story: one day I was at a Ducati dealer and there was a full racing sim (touring around countries). One of the tips from the instructor to 100% of people doing times, was to not hover the brake lever. I never understood the logic, but almost every person who did that got faster times. This was a racing sim in racing tracks btw (and with "MotoGP techniques").
Racing and street riding are totally different situations. I always cover front brake on street and almost never on the race track. There are multiple reasons for this. On race track, all traffic runs in same direction and there are no intersections, and usually runoff areas, as well as medical teams on-site. On the street, you should not be trying to improve lap times but get from point a to point b safely. I could continue to cite more reasons but What I just mentioned is the basic idea of it. This may be one of the only riding techniques that I perform differently on the street vs race track.
Advanced track rider here. While the USA riding licence is pretty much a joke, even here in France (where the licence is pretty hard) you still don't know how to ride properly after, because it'll take way too much time (and money) to teach. So as Mike on Bikes says, remember that "There's always something new to learn" :) I'm sure this video will save a life someday !
@dominicelek9394 Oh and please don't look at the road mortality rate between our countries, you might be "a bit" surprised. And in France we have turns... ;)
When I took the MSF course (years ago), it was primarily the fast route to an M cert and cheaper insurance because I had already been riding dirt bikes for years. I went in ready to hear the things that could keep me safer on the street, but I didn’t need to learn to ride. I think the instructors and I frustrated each other a bit because I tended to reflexively cover the brake with 2 fingers, and they didn’t want me to cover the brake, but then use 4 fingers when I did use it, which felt even more unnatural. At one point one of the instructors came up to me and said “Look, it’s clear that you know how to ride your bike and we aren’t going to fail you in the class because you use two fingers on your brake. But, you have to remember that half the people in this class have never ridden a bike on the street and the bike that they do get on is going to be some 20 year old bike with a poorly adjusted front drum brake, not a new Ducati Monster… We have to teach for those people.” He went on to say “Try thinking of it as an exercise in adaptability. Being adaptable is a skill every motorcycle rider needs, even if you’re just moving from riding your dirt bike to your street bike”. That guy’s words totally changed my perspective and made changing the way I was using my brake (and a few other things) a challenge for me to tackle instead of a frustration. As someone who teaches adults myself, it gave me a ton of respect for him because I saw him looking at things from my perspective and trying to help me succeed. It also made me respect the MSF program more, seeing the quality of instructors they had. Hopefully the “never cover the brake” crowd can exercise their adaptability and give this technique a try as well.
Great instructors make all the difference. Had a similar experience at my MSF course, as well as the advanced one and the two even more advanced Total Control courses I took. I had a great time at all of them and learned so much. Even learning as an adult having never ridden before they gave me the tools to practice and become a fairly competent and safe rider.
Really important video. I can’t ride without covering my brake, I’ve always done it and it feels weird and dangerous not to for me. First thing I do with a new bike is adjust the levers so it’s comfortable for my two fingers to sit on the lever and viola, all set to ride and brake in an instant if needed. I simply can’t believe that riding schools are advising against it for any of the reasons mentioned! Anyone with experience knows it’s the safest way to ride. I guess if you learn to ride without no gingers on the lever then the opposite will feel odd which is why it is critical to be trained with them on the lever. And by the way, I’ve ridden bikes for 40 years and I thought everyone did ride with fingers on the brake lever! Every day’s a schools day..
I'm from Slovenia (Europe) and in riding school I was taught to always have two fingers on both levers (clutch and front brake). I amazed they don't teach you that overseas as I read the comments.
Ari is 100% right. I learnt that actually in MTB before even riding a motorcycle. Same idea. As for the comments against it, it’s incredible how much misinformation can circulate on internet.
An item I have found that lets you cover with two fingers and greatly reduces grip fatigue is a throttle boss (may also be sold as a throttle rocker). Instead of gripping and twisting the throttle with your two weakest fingers, you’re using your palm to press down on a paddle. When I trade up for a new bike, it’s the first thing I keep from the old one.
Yep, I started covering both the front brake and clutch since I began riding, not because of anything I saw or read, but because ( to me ) it made logical sense. It’s saved me more than once and that’s in a 5 year period.
Totally agree with the message and think most riders with a bit of experience will start doing it naturally if they arent explicitly told not too. On a side note, I think a lot of concerns for most techniques for being ready with throttle and brake at the same time come from weak brakes that let the lever go all the way to the handlebar
I always cover my brake when coming to intersections or in residential areas with unclear situations. Saved me from a shocker many times so far and once in a roundabout saved me from a semi cutting me off. Also, thats exactly what I was taught in basic riding school in Germany.
I agree 100% on covering the brake. I do think it's easy to forget how freakin hard it is for some beginners to learn how to ride a bike. "Wait, I have to TWIST this thing to go, AND HOLD ON!? That's impossible!" There is no way in hell I'd have tried to get my girlfriend to cover the front brake when she was first learning lol. She really struggled just getting the bike to go, like teaching a toddler to ride a bicycle. However, once she was riding for a few weeks she was ready and added that to her skill set.
Great video, Ari. Didn't know the *reasons* why the MSF courses don't teach / discourage the covering of the front brake until now. I cover my front brake *all the time* except when I am alone on the road, and even then, I have to make a conscious decision to remove my covering fingers off the brake lever. I think that, when presented with a need to quickly slow / stop the bike, *not* covering the brakes increases the tendency and risk of "grabbing a handful" and causing a crash. For that reason, I prefer not to ride in groups where there are people behind me who might have the same mindset as the people in the comments you mentioned. Covering the brakes enables me to react more calmly to all situations requiring braking, and to combine smooth rolling off the throttle with smooth braking all at the same time. Oh, and depending on the riding conditions (traffic) I also cover the clutch as well.
@@Szlejer Yes, that was mentioned in the video. My wife would be a "scaredy cat" beginner and can see her potentially panic braking. However, experienced riders should be able to appreciate and use this technique for improved safety.
@@Szlejer Can't panic brake or overbrake with two fingers guarding the brake lever. You'll hurt yourself before you hurt yourself, if you get what I mean. Similar to Grump I'd always cover brakes and clutch in traffic and when riding with others. One less thing to think of when shit hits the fan.
Been doing it for years; it’s exactly as this guy says. Never once had an issue doing it this way. I took the MSF when I first started but don’t recall what they had said about the topic. However, progressive braking is a learned skill, and as they demonstrated can be the difference between crashing and not.
I took the MSF BRC a few months after I started riding and had actually gotten my full license by the time I took the course. I thought it would be worth it, and it definitely was. I was already 2-finger braking by the time I took the course, and I was quickly admonished for it by the instructors. I didn’t really agree, but went with it because that’s the rule for that course. But once back in the street I went back to the practice. Covering the brakes is not just valuable for emergency braking, but will be an essential skill when people behind to learn trail braking.
I ride street, adventure and trail; covering the front brake has become second nature and has benefit beyond just emergency stops such as that decreasing radius turn you didn’t expect.
I was a lazy, crappy commuter for a decade. Riding a crf100 on the kart track...where the brakes don't work anyway...then moving close to east TN and implementing this made riding fun, safer, and faster (and less scary).
I was taught this before I was 8 and riding a bicycle. But I am of an age when CHiPs was on TV and when UK schools provided Cycle Proficiency Tests. They even made us sit a test on The Highway Code at 8 years old. I passed with 91%. This was taught as a basic skill at the same time as "brake the rear wheel first or if you lockup the front you will go over the handlebar."
I commute to work in heavy traffic and covering my front brake is essential. A couple of feet of extra stopping distance can be the difference between getting to work safely and having an accident.
Additionally in offroad it gives stability to precise throttle position. Removes those jerky throttle imputs when hitting some obstacles and less armpump.
I'd just like to respectfully disagree on the topic of covering (at least) the front brake lever all the time. You never know when another vehicle is going to switch lane right onto you because they didn't see you (or didn't care), or when a pedestrian (or a dog, or a ball, or whatever) is going to cross in front of you, or whatever else could happen to make you need to brake when you normally think you wouldn't need to. I cover my front brake and clutch levers (or both brakes, if it's a scooter) at ALL TIMES, no matter what. Thanks for another excellent video, Ari!
Agree, I also ride with my index finger resting on brake lever at all times, doesn't take from my throttling at all and in emergencies it's there to start the braking immediately
I coach an advanced course in the UK and we discourage covering the brakes because it can lead to snatching the lever rather than progressive braking. Having said that, this makes a lot of sense and it's something I will try out and practice. The best way to keep safe, however, is proper Observation, Anticipation and Planning. Avoid putting yourself in the position where emergency braking is required.
I started covering the front brake without even making the conscious decision to do it. I just kinda started doing it. I don't do it all the time, just in congested traffic type situations or times I know or think I'll be braking soon or often.
When my dad teaches me how to ride back when I was an adolescent, he always reminds me to keep my ring and pinky fingers on the brakes, it's uncomfortable at first but I get used to it later and it does help create muscle memory a lot, only gods know how many times this save my ass especially where abs on bike wasn't even mainstream
I subconsciously did this from riding bikes (like bicycles) as a kid and the MSF instructor kept telling me to keep my whole hand on the throttle but then said off to the side what I did was actually safer/more advanced but not what the intro course teaches so he had to correct me in the group. I still think that's so weird to not teach people something safer from the start and then have them develop it later
Ari would you please give that bike to Zack for a Daily Rider episode so as an owner of it I can hear him say that it's the best middle class naked and I can be even more proud of my choice than I already am? Thanks in advance
I do it and have done for decades, with a slight difference. I use the thumb and forefinger for the throttle and the rest of the fingers for the brake. IMO it is a much better orientation for burn-outs with the front brake locked and after the smoke cleared I stuck with it in general riding.
Ii started riding in ‘67 when every bike had drum brakes. I learned quickly about covering the lever if you wanna stop fast as drums are so inefficient.
This is very essential for beginners. It might feel uncomfortable at first but it can really help us when emergency breaking. Another thing, you cab also practice 1 or 2 fingers breaking. That way we can avoid handful breaking which most of the time dangerous.
I’m pretty sure we discussed it when I took the Harley Davidson class (would have taken the MSF but they were booked too far out). Anyways, yeah, I cover my brake especially when approaching an intersection, in traffic, or on stretches of road near my house where there’s the potential for deer jumping out into the middle of the road. Luckily I’ve never needed to emergency brake where that would come into play, but I certainly feel a bit more confident that I’ll be able to stop sooner.
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There are lots of how to ride vids on RUclips, some are just dangerous, but I trust this guy.
Good to know you approve Robedmunds7163!
Ari is definitely the guy to trust
Ari is definitely the man
You should not trust anyone blindly, there is a lot of bullshit on the internet.
Don't get me wrong, it's a good thing to search for advices, but don't think there is some motorcycle god, make your own opinion on what work or not for you.
Ari starting off 2025 with 'skill issue' is something more people, including myself, need to hear
as a daily motorcycle commuter on a third world country with people cutting you off frequently, tuk tuks doing crazy u turns, busses coming on to face on narrow roads and occational dogs jumping the road , i have avoided countless accidents riding like this. i wish more riders use this method. it prevents panic breaking and smoothes the riding too. thanks ari for discussing this topic
Exactly, here in latinamerica people drive horribly, so you have to pay attention and be ready to break at all times. So covering the brake is a must.
exactly, good luck not covering your brake when riding in Indonesia
Same here. Those naysayers will almost immediately change their mind when put in this situation.
Awesome video! Lets save some lives! We need to stop teaching riders to be afraid of the front brake, and instead teach riders to be afraid of abruptness!
Back in the days when I was teaching experienced riders, I would suggest developing proper front brake skills. Students would immediately be shocked. "Why, if you use the front brake in a curve, you could go down!" me: "Yep. So let's figure out how to brake skillfully in curves, to avoid sliding out."
Teaching novice riders to not cover the break is ok, as Ari clearly stated in the video. Once they become comfortable with breaking, then they can gradually add covering the break. Until then, you’re just asking for accidents to happen
Grew up with a bunch of flat trackers and dirt track racers they taught me this at a young age so glad
Ppl don’t realize how much riding as a kid prepares you for riding. Gives you riding “common sense” I haven’t rode in years then just bough a s1000rr and I’m on it like I never had a gap… I got my 6 year old and 5 year old electric dirt bikes before they had bicycles… and I’m going to get them real bikes soon.
Read A Book About Vintage Flat Track Racing & It Said They Didn't Have Brakes. I Guess Times Have Changed. But Ari's 100% Right. Thank You.
I'm an MSF rider coach and I heartily endorse this message! He clearly explains why we don't teach or allow it in our basic classes. No doubt more advanced riders should cover their front brake and do the other things at the places and times he mentions. Well done Ari!
Is putting fingers in the correct place really that much of a barrier for new riders? I knew to cover the front from bicycles and dirtbikes, and it was a shock how militant the MSF guys were about discouraging it. You know they were supposed to be the experts so I stopped and only after almost binning it on the street did I make a concerted effort to get that habit back. I get why trail breaking isn't part of beginner training but covering the brakes? Something so easy and essential to being safe on a motorcycle. I dont get that one bit.
Exactly, I'm not an instructor but when I Taught my brother and my friends that doesn't have any motorcycling experience, I teach them to use 1 or 2 fingers only when breaking and emphasize to not use all of their fingers to avoid dropping the motorcycle.
I took the class in Southern California and my instructor very much so taught to hover over the brakes and be 100% ready for it
I'm a MSF Ridercoach. The BRC (Basic Rider Course) is designed for someone who has never been on a motorcycle. We discourage covering the brake because brand new riders have a tendency to grab hard in tense situations. However, if we have a rider with some experience and observe they are riding well, we do not make them stop covering if they are doing it. In the braking demonstration exercise, we do discuss covering the controls when approaching intersections to decrease braking distance if needed.
Covering the braking is covered and encouraged in the ARC (Advanced Rider Course) and recommend that all riders take this course, even as a refresher.
Not all coaches do that. When I did brc the coach was constantly telling me not to brake even though I was just covering it. I had no idea why he kept getting onto me about it. He never explained why, just told me not to do it.
..."brand new riders have a tendency to grab hard in tense situations."
I know there's a reason, but MSF needs to fix this.
Some new riders are going to do that regardless until they get a feel for the front brake. Not only is their braking less controlled, it's delayed. You're more likely to grab rather than squeeze if you have to reach for the lever because of that delay.
It's safer to build that habit with a brand new rider while they're duck walking the bike rather than have them do a delayed panic brake on the road after they get their endorsement.
I will also argue to cover the front brake lever at all times, even when you're not approaching that "cookie cutter" intersection. There are too many circumstances that you won't predict.
@@Motowinkle58 I agree. If anything, not covering would make panic breaking worse because inexperienced riders will feel like they need to hurry to make up the time it takes to reach the brake lever.
Thanks for doing what you do; I would have been a meat pie without the Safety Courses, when I first hit the streets.
I taught basic courses for over a decade. We need to stop teaching riders to be afraid of the front brake and teach them to be afraid of abruptness instead. If we look at the primary reasons riders are crashing, running wide in corners and failing to stop when cars invade their right or way - we can draw a straight line back to what basic programs are teach. Don't cover the brake, and gently accelerate throughout the entire corner.
85% of new riders completely leave the sport within two years. We are failing new riders by teaching things that are getting them hurt.
I have been covering the front brake for nearly twenty years of riding- I have taken advanced courses from MSF, Total Control, done track days, etc.
I first learned about covering the front brake from David Hough’s Proficient Motorcycling book, where he discusses another potentially life-saving concept: sight distance.
I just want to support Ari here and say that I have never had an issue covering the front brake. In other words, the practice of covering the front brake (which I do all the time), has never had a negative impact on my riding.
Great video!
1. I cover the front brake all the time, and I don't even notice it.
2. My fingers don't fully hook around the lever, they are on top of it so it's hard to apply the brakes like that, and it's also a reference point so I can keep steady throttle.
3. In case I need to brake (including in an emergency) the throttle closes and as a result the fingers move forward and can fully pull the brake lever.
Additional benefit is you can better modulate the pressure on the lever at the start of the pull, to load the front tire before applying full pressure.
Ditto
Same here.
same here.
A big YES to this topic and video! I had been riding for over a decade before I took an MSF course and that was the first “wrong” thing they pointed out to me, almost immediately. I was so confused at the time. They also wanted to act like engine braking doesn’t exist and quickly waved it off when I brought it up. I learned very quick that MSF doesn’t teach new riders how to ride, they teach them how to “safely” ride. And they leave so much detailed riding information out of the conversation, that it’s a little unnerving.
The stopping distance demo should be enough to convince anyone, no matter what arguments might be against it! As a newb, this video feels priceless, so thank you for breaking it down so clearly 👌🏻
The best take on this I've heard up to date.
I was initially going to explain the "only when necessary" aspect, but I see that's not needed.
Mad props actually.
Just know that the school "Washington Motorcycle Safety Training" headquartered in Mukilteo WA DOES teach "2 fingers over the front brake." Our curriculum was developed in cooperation with Yamaha Champions Racing School. From the very first time a new rider sits on our training bikes, on a training range, we have them cover the front brake with 2 fingers. One of the results: Almost NO overbearing incidents on the training range. Additionally new riders are introduced to the concept of trail braking, to keep the front tire loaded while tipping into a corner. All of this at training range speeds. It works--we're proving it.
Great video Ari. I've also found that in certain situations I like to preload the front brake because going from 10% to 100% braking in an emergency is less likely to result in a lockup than it is from starting at zero.
Even with abs if you do it in 2 stages you will stop faster.
Agree! Always cover the front brake. Microseconds count. Trail braking even a more advanced tech
Finally!! This is a much needed video, its game changing when you dominate this tip.
Your braking is so much smoother when you ride like this too.
And it makes trail braking just a lot easier too.
I can't stress enough how much doing this improves your overall riding experience, even before you get into the safety aspect. I know Ari said you don't do it all the time, but I literally just ride with two fingers over the brake at all times
Yes, I agree. I ride this way as well. By covering the front brake (two fingers), you eliminate the "reach and grab" action when aggressive braking is required.
Same and by doing so you can develope the muscles memory.
With these techniques, it's mostly knowing 'what' to use 'when'. For about 8 years, I rode exclusively onroad and basic techniques served me fine. But when I got into off-road and trials riding, I had to relearn everything. It took a while and I definitely still have much more to learn. But the positive thing is... Now I'm a much better rider onroad!
Thank you for your comment. I'm an old guy (66) riding for the first time. Good to know training and practice works and old dogs can learn too.
Covering the front break has saved my life countless times
If covering the front brake has been the difference between life and death countless times I would say that you probably need to develop better situational awareness skills when riding
@@Plorpoiseyeah and slow down
It's funny how I heard much about covering the front brake from Spurg on the podcast and wondered how that would work in everyday riding situations as he mentioned. In the beginning it felt weird and uncomfortable but I continued to consciously do it in city traffic and situations you mentioned in the videos. And now about a year later it's easy and second nature and gives me a lot more comfort. Good video!
As a long time instructor in Ohio, I thought this was a great video. You are right in emphasizing that this is a more advanced skill. Our courses are designed for brand new riders and I agree strongly that new riders should be encouraged to practice and sign up for more courses to improve their skill. Ari, I thought you were very fair in your comments about rider courses.
Doesn't Motohio BRS teach covering the brake? Iirc they said "don't cover the clutch that's for the advanced class"
@ other way around…we teach cover the clutch for beginners and not to cover the front brake
We were taught in driving school (in Sweden) to prepare when approaching possibly dangerous situations, like intersections. That included covering the brake.
Hi, same here in France. But remember not all States in the USA require the same level of license we have on this side of the Atlantic.
unfortunately
Same in Canada.
This and the trail braking method are two topics that have left me questioning what was taught even decades after learning from msf. Thanks for clearing this up
The best tuition is buy a shagged out two stroke and ride that for a while. No engine braking, so always covering brake and covering clutch as well in case of seizure 😂 You’ll also learn how to corner smoothly as well due to the skinny tyres and poor power coming out of a turn.
I was a dispatcher in central London for 1985-97. Always covered the front brake and I’m still here, so it must be good advice. It was a habit i picked up from dirt riding in the late 70s. Two fingers are fine and I still do it on my motorcycle and mtb.
This video is VERY important and Ari nails it! Been riding for 46 years and cover the front brake on instinct. Has saved me several times. It’s that simple. Period, end of story.
I have always covered my front brake lever the day I started riding the bike. It actually helped me avoid panic braking and in applying the brakes gradually instead of finding and slamming them in emergencies.
Seeing some of the people in my msf course I get why instructors would be hesitant to teach this. Stoppies, whisky throttle, dumping the bikes, etc. But for anyone beyond that basest of levels of competency I totally agree that this is a vital skill, especially if you're an urban rider. Also I've heard that by reducing from 4 fingers on the brake to 2 you're more likely to apply smooth progressive braking and less likely to lock up the front wheel in a panic stop.
It is true. Using just 1 or 2 fingers can really help for progressive breaking.
But is covering the brake making it really worse? The overbreaking? Or does it just happen .25s earlier?
This was a great video. Short, sweet, about a very important. At sixty, in one second is 89.76 feet per second at sea level in distance. Covering the break gives you 20 to 50 feet of safety in an emergency every time. Smoother braking in town in traffic. My grandfather taught me this at 9 years of age on a bsa gold star on the farm a long time ago. Along with bump starting it!
Great vid. Bizarre people challenge this imo as it's common sense surely. You do it when necessary such as coming up to junctions & slip roads etc if there are vehicles waiting to pull out. Or in heavy traffic, especially at speed. I personally cover my front & back brake as well as the horn coming up to busy junctions etc. Covering the clutch is also irrelevant as the engine breaking will help you slow down quicker too & it doesn't matter if you stall as long as you stop as quickly as possible & avoid crashing.
My day just got better with another shop manual video! Thank you so much for all the helpful knowledge.
Fully agree. People who don't agree just don't have enough experience yet.
When I mountain bike, I always have 1 finger on each brake lever. I never take those fingers off the levers. When I ride my motorcycle I generally cover the front brake with 1 finger and switch to two for hard braking. I find it kind of uncomfortable to have 2 fingers on the lever at all times. In New Zealand we have courses that are subsidised by the government called “Ride Forever”. I have done the Bronze and Silver courses and plan to do the gold course soon. When I did the silver course we did some emergency braking practice and the ignorant instructor kept telling me not to cover the brake lever. I did what he said but only until the end of the session and then went back to covering it again. I also had an instructor tell me not to cover the brake lever at a track day once which is crazy. I don’t care what any instructor says, covering the lever with even just one finger makes me feel way more comfortable. Even with just one finger I can stop pretty fast, especially when I’m at urban speeds. On the open road I’ll use 2 fingers to brake.
I was lucky to learn this before i started riding. It has helped me avoid a lot of accidents because of it.
Ari. I've been working on this. It took about 5 hours on bike to get comfortable why not keep covered all the time that's what champ u teaches
About a year into riding I learned how invaluable this skill is, and have been using it every time I ride for the past year. It definitely takes some getting used to for rev matching and building up finger muscles, but once you get used to it it becomes second-nature and has already been a life saver several times for me
I can use this in my chapter meeting, since I am the safety officer.
Yes, both MSF and TC miss the boat on a few things. Covering the brake, trail braking and countersteering come to mind. When I took my TC instructor training for PA, I was surprised that even TC mishandled these topics with either outright wrong information (magic speed for countersteering) or incomplete information (covering the brake and trail braking).
In my MSF class in Washington, before we even turned on the bike, they had us cover the front brake, roll on the throttle, and practice smoothly rolling off and squeezing the brakes probably a hundred times.
Great video Ari!!! Thanks for keeping us safe out there!
I was taught at the Honda riding school that we must always ride with two fingers covering the front brake. At slow speeds, with two fingers covering the brake, if you get scared you will clench your first and stop the motorcycle, and maybe drop the bike, but if you have your entire fist on your throttle and get scared, you will give it more throttle and end up in a RUclips fail compilation for slamming yourself against a wall.
The problem comes at high speeds, because if you never trained to apply progressive pressure with your front brake, you will end up in an accident regardless, but riding with your front brake ready will always be safer and faster.
Great video, Ari. I'll add to concern number five; if you're doing this correctly, when twisting your throttle your fingers will be out of place just enough to not engage the brake, but then when releasing and closing the throttle to start braking, your fingers will fall right onto the lever. When using this technique properly, it's very hard to gas it and brake simultaneously!
I have been doing this for years. Idk why people are against it. They should try it
Up here in Washington State there's a motorcycle school named WMST and their curriculum teaches covering the front brake from day 1. Glad I learned from smart instructors and schools.
Great info. Personal story: one day I was at a Ducati dealer and there was a full racing sim (touring around countries). One of the tips from the instructor to 100% of people doing times, was to not hover the brake lever. I never understood the logic, but almost every person who did that got faster times. This was a racing sim in racing tracks btw (and with "MotoGP techniques").
Racing and street riding are totally different situations. I always cover front brake on street and almost never on the race track. There are multiple reasons for this. On race track, all traffic runs in same direction and there are no intersections, and usually runoff areas, as well as medical teams on-site. On the street, you should not be trying to improve lap times but get from point a to point b safely. I could continue to cite more reasons but What I just mentioned is the basic idea of it. This may be one of the only riding techniques that I perform differently on the street vs race track.
Great video!! Sometimes I think I know what all is going to be said about a topic and it’s nice to finish pleasantly surprised by learning even more.
Advanced track rider here.
While the USA riding licence is pretty much a joke, even here in France (where the licence is pretty hard) you still don't know how to ride properly after, because it'll take way too much time (and money) to teach.
So as Mike on Bikes says, remember that "There's always something new to learn" :)
I'm sure this video will save a life someday !
Cool story, but I think France has a few other really bad problems they need to work on before you can talk smack about the US.
Unlike france, we don't need the government holding our hand when we ride our motorcycle, enjoy 😂
@dominicelek9394 There's always a moron to make things political. Today it's you :)
@dominicelek9394 Oh and please don't look at the road mortality rate between our countries, you might be "a bit" surprised.
And in France we have turns... ;)
When I took the MSF course (years ago), it was primarily the fast route to an M cert and cheaper insurance because I had already been riding dirt bikes for years. I went in ready to hear the things that could keep me safer on the street, but I didn’t need to learn to ride. I think the instructors and I frustrated each other a bit because I tended to reflexively cover the brake with 2 fingers, and they didn’t want me to cover the brake, but then use 4 fingers when I did use it, which felt even more unnatural.
At one point one of the instructors came up to me and said “Look, it’s clear that you know how to ride your bike and we aren’t going to fail you in the class because you use two fingers on your brake. But, you have to remember that half the people in this class have never ridden a bike on the street and the bike that they do get on is going to be some 20 year old bike with a poorly adjusted front drum brake, not a new Ducati Monster… We have to teach for those people.” He went on to say “Try thinking of it as an exercise in adaptability. Being adaptable is a skill every motorcycle rider needs, even if you’re just moving from riding your dirt bike to your street bike”.
That guy’s words totally changed my perspective and made changing the way I was using my brake (and a few other things) a challenge for me to tackle instead of a frustration. As someone who teaches adults myself, it gave me a ton of respect for him because I saw him looking at things from my perspective and trying to help me succeed. It also made me respect the MSF program more, seeing the quality of instructors they had. Hopefully the “never cover the brake” crowd can exercise their adaptability and give this technique a try as well.
Great instructors make all the difference. Had a similar experience at my MSF course, as well as the advanced one and the two even more advanced Total Control courses I took. I had a great time at all of them and learned so much. Even learning as an adult having never ridden before they gave me the tools to practice and become a fairly competent and safe rider.
Really important video. I can’t ride without covering my brake, I’ve always done it and it feels weird and dangerous not to for me. First thing I do with a new bike is adjust the levers so it’s comfortable for my two fingers to sit on the lever and viola, all set to ride and brake in an instant if needed. I simply can’t believe that riding schools are advising against it for any of the reasons mentioned! Anyone with experience knows it’s the safest way to ride. I guess if you learn to ride without no gingers on the lever then the opposite will feel odd which is why it is critical to be trained with them on the lever. And by the way, I’ve ridden bikes for 40 years and I thought everyone did ride with fingers on the brake lever! Every day’s a schools day..
One of my all-time favorite series. Thanks Ari!!!!!
I'm from Slovenia (Europe) and in riding school I was taught to always have two fingers on both levers (clutch and front brake). I amazed they don't teach you that overseas as I read the comments.
Ari is 100% right. I learnt that actually in MTB before even riding a motorcycle. Same idea.
As for the comments against it, it’s incredible how much misinformation can circulate on internet.
Same idea but different brake usually
An item I have found that lets you cover with two fingers and greatly reduces grip fatigue is a throttle boss (may also be sold as a throttle rocker). Instead of gripping and twisting the throttle with your two weakest fingers, you’re using your palm to press down on a paddle. When I trade up for a new bike, it’s the first thing I keep from the old one.
Yep, I started covering both the front brake and clutch since I began riding, not because of anything I saw or read, but because ( to me ) it made logical sense. It’s saved me more than once and that’s in a 5 year period.
Totally agree with the message and think most riders with a bit of experience will start doing it naturally if they arent explicitly told not too. On a side note, I think a lot of concerns for most techniques for being ready with throttle and brake at the same time come from weak brakes that let the lever go all the way to the handlebar
Awesome video! Love the frustration and setting the record straight. Skills and Practice!
I did this instinctively. You gotta love when biking is in you.
I naturally do this especially in more urban areas.
More shop manual please!
I always cover my brake when coming to intersections or in residential areas with unclear situations. Saved me from a shocker many times so far and once in a roundabout saved me from a semi cutting me off.
Also, thats exactly what I was taught in basic riding school in Germany.
I agree 100% on covering the brake. I do think it's easy to forget how freakin hard it is for some beginners to learn how to ride a bike. "Wait, I have to TWIST this thing to go, AND HOLD ON!? That's impossible!" There is no way in hell I'd have tried to get my girlfriend to cover the front brake when she was first learning lol. She really struggled just getting the bike to go, like teaching a toddler to ride a bicycle. However, once she was riding for a few weeks she was ready and added that to her skill set.
Great video, Ari. Didn't know the *reasons* why the MSF courses don't teach / discourage the covering of the front brake until now.
I cover my front brake *all the time* except when I am alone on the road, and even then, I have to make a conscious decision to remove my covering fingers off the brake lever. I think that, when presented with a need to quickly slow / stop the bike, *not* covering the brakes increases the tendency and risk of "grabbing a handful" and causing a crash. For that reason, I prefer not to ride in groups where there are people behind me who might have the same mindset as the people in the comments you mentioned. Covering the brakes enables me to react more calmly to all situations requiring braking, and to combine smooth rolling off the throttle with smooth braking all at the same time.
Oh, and depending on the riding conditions (traffic) I also cover the clutch as well.
Beginner riders tend to overbrake or panic brake and crash, that's why they tell them not to cover the lever.
@@Szlejer Yes, that was mentioned in the video. My wife would be a "scaredy cat" beginner and can see her potentially panic braking. However, experienced riders should be able to appreciate and use this technique for improved safety.
@@Szlejer Can't panic brake or overbrake with two fingers guarding the brake lever. You'll hurt yourself before you hurt yourself, if you get what I mean. Similar to Grump I'd always cover brakes and clutch in traffic and when riding with others. One less thing to think of when shit hits the fan.
Nick Ienatsch spoke of this years ago, and many of us adopted it then..... if they didn't already.
Been doing it for years; it’s exactly as this guy says. Never once had an issue doing it this way.
I took the MSF when I first started but don’t recall what they had said about the topic.
However, progressive braking is a learned skill, and as they demonstrated can be the difference between crashing and not.
I love that the salvaged old Versys 650 is still around... 😁
Countless times covering the break has saved me in this concrete jungle of a city I am living in
I took the MSF BRC a few months after I started riding and had actually gotten my full license by the time I took the course. I thought it would be worth it, and it definitely was.
I was already 2-finger braking by the time I took the course, and I was quickly admonished for it by the instructors. I didn’t really agree, but went with it because that’s the rule for that course. But once back in the street I went back to the practice.
Covering the brakes is not just valuable for emergency braking, but will be an essential skill when people behind to learn trail braking.
Ironically covering both levers is an essential for dirt riding and learnt from day zero (the first moment you first off 😀)
I ride street, adventure and trail; covering the front brake has become second nature and has benefit beyond just emergency stops such as that decreasing radius turn you didn’t expect.
Fantastic advice as always!
Excellent information. One of the best videos in this series.
I was a lazy, crappy commuter for a decade. Riding a crf100 on the kart track...where the brakes don't work anyway...then moving close to east TN and implementing this made riding fun, safer, and faster (and less scary).
I was taught this before I was 8 and riding a bicycle. But I am of an age when CHiPs was on TV and when UK schools provided Cycle Proficiency Tests. They even made us sit a test on The Highway Code at 8 years old. I passed with 91%.
This was taught as a basic skill at the same time as "brake the rear wheel first or if you lockup the front you will go over the handlebar."
I find these milliseconds saved also allows you to apply the breaks less abruptly.
Amen
Clear, concise, quality information as always. Love it, keep up the good work!
I commute to work in heavy traffic and covering my front brake is essential. A couple of feet of extra stopping distance can be the difference between getting to work safely and having an accident.
Great video! I've been doing this since I took Yamaha Champ School, it makes a HUGE difference!
Additionally in offroad it gives stability to precise throttle position. Removes those jerky throttle imputs when hitting some obstacles and less armpump.
When you're supposed to use 70% front and 30% rear brakes, you should've automatically understood the importance of covering front brake
I'd just like to respectfully disagree on the topic of covering (at least) the front brake lever all the time. You never know when another vehicle is going to switch lane right onto you because they didn't see you (or didn't care), or when a pedestrian (or a dog, or a ball, or whatever) is going to cross in front of you, or whatever else could happen to make you need to brake when you normally think you wouldn't need to. I cover my front brake and clutch levers (or both brakes, if it's a scooter) at ALL TIMES, no matter what. Thanks for another excellent video, Ari!
As far as concern number 6. I think not covering the brake leads to more people grabbing the brake to hard in a panic situation.
Amen
Agree, I also ride with my index finger resting on brake lever at all times, doesn't take from my throttling at all and in emergencies it's there to start the braking immediately
love it! calling out folks for fears and emotions vs facts and logic!
I coach an advanced course in the UK and we discourage covering the brakes because it can lead to snatching the lever rather than progressive braking.
Having said that, this makes a lot of sense and it's something I will try out and practice.
The best way to keep safe, however, is proper Observation, Anticipation and Planning. Avoid putting yourself in the position where emergency braking is required.
I started covering the front brake without even making the conscious decision to do it. I just kinda started doing it. I don't do it all the time, just in congested traffic type situations or times I know or think I'll be braking soon or often.
When my dad teaches me how to ride back when I was an adolescent, he always reminds me to keep my ring and pinky fingers on the brakes, it's uncomfortable at first but I get used to it later and it does help create muscle memory a lot, only gods know how many times this save my ass especially where abs on bike wasn't even mainstream
I was curious about riding school not teaching brake lever cover. Very interesting! I was already used to covering brakes when on my bicycle.
I subconsciously did this from riding bikes (like bicycles) as a kid and the MSF instructor kept telling me to keep my whole hand on the throttle but then said off to the side what I did was actually safer/more advanced but not what the intro course teaches so he had to correct me in the group. I still think that's so weird to not teach people something safer from the start and then have them develop it later
I started covering my front brake more this last riding season. Can definitely recommend.
Ari would you please give that bike to Zack for a Daily Rider episode so as an owner of it I can hear him say that it's the best middle class naked and I can be even more proud of my choice than I already am? Thanks in advance
I do it and have done for decades, with a slight difference. I use the thumb and forefinger for the throttle and the rest of the fingers for the brake. IMO it is a much better orientation for burn-outs with the front brake locked and after the smoke cleared I stuck with it in general riding.
Thank you Ari, have been doing it for years but I had instructors telling me I shouldn't.
Ii started riding in ‘67 when every bike had drum brakes. I learned quickly about covering the lever if you wanna stop fast as drums are so inefficient.
This is very essential for beginners. It might feel uncomfortable at first but it can really help us when emergency breaking. Another thing, you cab also practice 1 or 2 fingers breaking. That way we can avoid handful breaking which most of the time dangerous.
Thanks for this video I'm actually a beginner and it's really help ful and confidence boosting
I love seeing these types of videos
Thanks
I’m pretty sure we discussed it when I took the Harley Davidson class (would have taken the MSF but they were booked too far out). Anyways, yeah, I cover my brake especially when approaching an intersection, in traffic, or on stretches of road near my house where there’s the potential for deer jumping out into the middle of the road. Luckily I’ve never needed to emergency brake where that would come into play, but I certainly feel a bit more confident that I’ll be able to stop sooner.
I have “Wild at Heart” shorty levers on my GS. I love them for this reason.
I am glad I started with enduro, now that I am on a street bike have developed the right technique