Basic Operation & Riding; Braking - Honda TRX500FM6 Owner's Manual

Braking

Your ATV is equipped with disc brakes on both front wheels which
are hydraulically activated by operating the front brake lever. The
single disc brake of the rear drivetrain is hydraulically activated by
pressing down on the brake pedal and mechanically activated by
operating the rear brake lever/parking brake lever.
Although the front and rear brakes have separate controls, all four
wheels are interconnected when your ATV is in the 4WD mode. So
operating any brake control in the 4WD mode will cause braking at
both the front and rear wheels.
As a general rule, the front braking system provides about 70
percent of total stopping power.
For full braking effectiveness, use both the pedal and lever
simultaneously. Using both braking systems will stop your ATV faster
with greater stability.
To slow or stop, apply the brake lever and brake pedal smoothly,
while downshifting to match your speed.
Gradually increase braking as you feel the brakes slowing your
speed. The increase in engine compression from downshifting will
help slow your ATV.
Applying the brakes too hard may cause the wheels to lock and slide,
reducing control of your ATV. If this happens, release the brake
controls, steer straight ahead until you regain control, then reapply
the brakes more gently.
(cont'd)
Basic Operation & Riding 93