Another braking thread...

[Neil955i]

OK so eldest son is finally going through the process of getting his full motorcycle licence here in the UK.  It's a PITA now with a three-stage process even for the over 25s.  He aced the theory test and went yesterday for his CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) prior to the last stage which, I gather, is a two stage (Modules 1 & 2) on the road test on a bike of more than 35kW (over 595cc).

So to the question.  Yesterday he was told by his CBT Examiner not to ride with 2 fingers covering the brake & clutch, but to use all four fingers.  What's your view, is the 2 finger approach (no puns pse) acceptable or do you subscribe to a four finger approach?

[mousejunks]

We were taught the same in motorcycle school. The reason for this is that in the event of panic braking, you are more likely to grab the lever with 4 fingers and are already trained with 4-finger braking.

[Iahawk]

it's a little more challenging to run the throttle while all your fingers are on the brake lever! I'm always a 2 finger on the brakes guy so throttle control is easily maintained.  If 4 fingers is what they require there probably isn't any point in arguing it!

(I should edit this to of course you use 4 fingers during any kind of panic or emergency stop...I was referring to my usual riding around in lightly to no traffic areas..always cover the brakes with 2 fingers and only need those for 99% of my stops)

[rjs987]

Motorcycle Safety Course here teaches all 4 fingers. The mc riders study manual for getting a license also shows that. All 4 fingers provides a much stronger grip on the brake levers for more controlled braking. The idea is that you don't want to be adding any throttle when you should be braking in a panic stop.

Once you become proficient I see no reason not to go to 2 fingers on the brake levers. That is what I actually do. There are rare occasions when I do get all 4 fingers on the levers but that is not my normal any more for performing common stops or braking maneuvers.

[CROSSBOLT]

Whatever works best for the individual. Depends on how many fingers you have left. The main idea is to have some fingers on the lever so it is a one stage event.

Another thought or two: guarding the brake lever(s) definitely in urban areas but countryside as well. Because you never know when Rocky Racoon or Bambi is going to appear!

[Iahawk]

Depends on how many fingers you have left.

haha!!

[Mancashire]

I switch between two and four-finger braking. Typically use two-finger in in-town slower speed riding and four-finger braking in higher speed riding and whenever quick action is required for my safety. My safety course instructors let us know that it was far more important to come to a full and complete safe stop than the number of fingers you used when braking. That said, they recommended full hand braking.

[Neil955i]

Thanks for all your comments guys, they pretty much echo my own thinking. He’ll be encouraged to use 4 fingers ‘til through his test, then, as his skills and experience increase I guess he can make up his own mind.

I may just point out to him that constant forward observations is important to plan for avoiding a panic braking situation in the first place…

[Iahawk]

I may just point out to him that constant forward observations is important to plan for avoiding a panic braking situation in the first place…

Neil - I think you're spot on...of all the skills to keep you safe in a motorized vehicle the ability to see the big picture and get a view far ahead of you will reduce or eliminate any 'surprises'.