Safe Riding Practices (continued)
If in doubt, reduce your speed when:
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- - The weather is windy, raining, or otherwise causing slippery or rapidly changing conditions.
- - The traffic is heavy, congested, not allowing sufficient space between vehicles, or otherwise not
flowing smoothly.
- - You are being passed in either direction by a large vehicle that produces a wind blast in its wake.
To maximize braking effectiveness, use the front and rear brakes together. Be aware of the following
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braking facts and practices:
- - The rear brake provides 40% of the motorcycle's stopping power, at most.
- - Consider road conditions before applying the brakes; when the road is wet, rough, or contains loose
or other slippery substances, apply the brakes gradually.
- - Bring the motorcycle to the upright position before applying the brakes, and avoid applying the
brakes in a corner if at all possible. When the motorcycle is leaning through a corner, the amount of
traction available for braking is reduced, increasing the possibility of the tires skidding when you
apply the brakes.
- - Improper braking may cause you to lose control of the motorcycle or may not slow you in time to
avoid a collision.
As you approach a curve, choose a speed and a lean angle that allow you to pass through the curve in
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your own lane without applying the brakes. Excessive speed, improper lean angle, or braking in a curve
can cause you to lose control of the motorcycle.
Safety Precautions
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