Rear Brake: My Secret Weapon

The use of the rear brake is easily one of the most contentious issues in motorcycling. Some riders swear they never touch it, while others claim it’s all they use because anything more would mean they are “going too fast.”

So, what is the real answer? After 25 years as a professional coach and a Champions Certified Coach with Yamaha Champ School, I can tell you: it’s not about choosing one or the other. It’s about understanding that the rear brake is a precision tool designed to compliment the front.

The Problem: Overshadowing the Front

When we look at crash data—specifically in scenarios where a vehicle invades a rider’s right of way—we often see a long skid from the rear tire but zero evidence that the rider ever touched the front brake.

This is a fatal mistake. If you rely too heavily on the rear, you are ignoring 70–90% of your bike’s stopping power. First and foremost, the front brake is for slowing down; the rear brake is for precision.

What the Rear Brake Actually Does

A motorcycle is a complex machine. Because the rear brake is attached to the swingarm, applying it creates a physical force that pulls the back of the bike down toward the ground.

• Front Brake: The bike wants to rotate around the front wheel (the “stoppie” effect).
• Rear Brake: The bike wants to rotate around the rear wheel, causing the chassis to squat or settle.

This “squat” is vital for stability. If you release the brake quickly, the back of the bike springs up. If you release it slowly, you control that rebound. While a sportbike might only get 5% of its braking force from the rear, a long, low cruiser or a heavy touring bike will find the rear much more effective.

The MotoGP Evolution

In modern racing, the rear brake has seen a massive resurgence. Ducati is currently dominating MotoGP in part because they have built a bike that exploits rear tire grip. Former World Champion Sylvain Guintoli noted that while he barely touched the rear brake years ago, it is now almost impossible to ride a modern GP bike without it.

Where the Rear Brake Offers the Most Value

Even if the rear brake only provides 5% of your stopping power, that 5% can be the difference between a close call and a collision. Here is where it shines:

• Two-Up Riding: Applying a little rear brake before the front prevents the bike from diving and keeps your passenger from being thrown forward into your back.
• Downhill Corner Entry: When weight is heavily biased over the front tire, a bit of rear brake helps reduce that pressure and stabilizes the chassis.
• Trail Braking: Using light rear brake pressure mid-corner can actually reduce your radius, “sucking” the bike toward the apex without overloading the front tire.
• Grip Gauge: At the start of a ride, building pressure slowly on the rear brake until it locks (at slow speeds) is an excellent way to gauge the current traction levels of the road.

How to Use It: The “Earlier, Lighter, Longer” Rule

On most bikes—especially Japanese models—the rear brake is actually too powerful. It is incredibly easy to over-apply it and lock the wheel. To fix this, we use the 5% Rule.

The first and last 5% of your foot pressure are the most critical. You need a soft touch. Think of it this way: Earlier than you think, lighter than you think, and longer than you think. Racers often drill holes in their rotors or cut down brake pad material just to reduce the mechanical advantage and gain more “feel.” On the street, you just need to practice discipline.

The Bottom Line

On the track, the rear brake is a lower priority—it’s for fine-tuning. If it distracts you from your lines, ignore it until your pace demands it.

On the street, the value is higher. It manages fork dive, handles passengers better, and is a lifesaver in gravel parking lots. But never let the rear brake overshadow the front. The front brake is your primary life-saver; the rear is your secret weapon for smoothness.

Mastering the Craft

If you want to dive deeper into these techniques, I highly recommend the Champ U online courses from Yamaha Champ School (use coupon code FOCUS).

Stop being a passenger and start managing your machine.