Trail braking is a motorcycle riding technique that involves continuing to apply braking force after initiating the turn-in to the corner instead of completing all of the braking while the motorcycle is still vertical and before beginning the turn. In trail braking, the rider continues using the brakes (either front or both front and rear) while leaning into the turn and gradually reduces braking pressure as the lean angle increases. Eventually, the braking pressure trails off to nothing, ideally about the time the rider has almost achieved maximum lean angle and is approaching the apex of the turn. Trail braking helps to transfer weight onto the front tire, which can be advantageous. It also compresses the forks, which in turn reduces trail, making the bike easier to turn. Trail braking can be difficult to learn and practice, especially for novice motorcyclists. Trail braking also loads the front tire heavily with braking and steering forces, but when done incorrectly, trail braking has the potential to overload the tire with those forces. Front tire slippage, especially mid-turn, is generally a bit more difficult to recover from than rear slippage. Trail braking was born on the racetrack, where its use became popular as it meant riders could brake later into a corner, keeping them ahead of their rivals on track. On the road, trail braking can be good for more than just getting into and out of corners faster. Because the rider is braking all the way to the apex, they have more time to slow the bike. This helps them to better ascertain how tight the corner is, whether there is any danger, and what speed they can safely make the turn at.
Here are some top tips for trail braking on a motorcycle:
- Practice at a safe speed on a corner you know
- Don’t push your boundaries too quickly
- Judge the corner before trail braking
- Judge the weather/surface grip – if either is sub-optimal avoid it
- Be smooth – on the brakes and the throttle
- Try and keep the transition from brake to throttle as smooth as possible
- Look where you want to go
- Keep your body position smooth and consistent
- Gradually release the brakes as you approach the apex of the turn
- Be aware of the risks of trail braking, including front tire slippage and the need for finesse from the rider.
