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Motorcycle Emergency Stop Look to Horizon for Success

Last Update: 28 October 2021

Motorcycle Emergency Stop on MOTORESS
Motorcycle Emergency Stop Look to Horizon for Success

Being proficient at good motorcycle braking and the stopping technique is generally not a strong point for many riders. Everyday use of the motorcycle brakes, particularly the front brake [lever] are generally operated well, but when a motorcycle emergency stop needs to happen – far too many motorcyclists get into trouble.

Half Of All Motorcycle Collisions Reported That The Rider Fell Before Collision Took Place.

Studies done of motorcycle collisions in Europe showed that in more than half of the cases revealed, the rider had fallen before the collision took place. Meaning, the rider had not controlled themselves during the motorcycle emergency braking activity. The main reason was because of not looking up while braking, but instead the rider was focused on the ground or the object they were trying to avoid. With that, the consequences are easy to predict just as I do when teaching and likely your rider coach explained “look where you want to go and not where you’re at”.  This is ever so relevant in an emergency situation when you’ve no time to think and panic reactions take over.

In the occurrence of a true motorcycle emergency stop, you’ve got to focus on one thing – the horizon. As difficult as it is, it’s very important not to “target fixate” on the danger but look at the spot on the road where you can steer the motorcycle to – and avoid the danger. This is your focus in such a situation where we have not yet fully applied the brakes but the point of brake application. Your chin is held and pointed high. Your head upright and forward to the horizon making use of your peripheral vision (again, avoiding target fixation) so that after the emergency stop you’ve got the best chance to ride straight on through. Stopping with the bike in a straight upright position, aimed at the horizon ready to ride straight through provides stability and reduces the chance of falling. Besides, you’ll be ensuring the bike is using the full contact patch of the tire, equally maximizing available grip.

In the occurrence of a true emergency stop you’ve got to focus on one thing – the horizon.

Here’s another situation which further describes the importance of not looking at the ground or down at the object you’re trying not to collide with.  Often a rider must quickly pull off the highway and on to a gravel shoulder of the road. They pull on to the gravel but, focusing on the unstable road surface, looking down, lose control and drop the bike. The rider in this scenario should have focused ahead at the horizon while keeping the bike straight up – slowing and braking.

The Motorcycle Emergency Stop Needs Frequent Practise

The motorcycle emergency stop is something which needs regular and frequent practise to ensure your skills remain honed. This is easily done during any part of your regular ride. Take a portion of your ride and turn a few regular stops into emergency stops. Try it when you’re approaching a stop sign or when a traffic light turns red. Just ensure you’ll not surprise any unsuspecting vehicle behind you. By practising this often you’ll increase your chances of success for when the real occurrence happens your reflexes will respond in the correct way.

Ride safe!


2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1

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