Improving Your Motocross Braking

When it comes to improving your motocross riding, one of the most important things you’ll need to master is your braking technique. Braking is an essential part of not only performance, but also safety when you’re out on the track, allowing you to navigate corners, obstacles, and jumps with precision and control.

Figure 1: Always make sure that you have the right protective gear before heading out on your bike.

First, you’ll need to do a couple of things before you hit the track. As always, prioritise your safety above all else by ensuring you have the necessary protective gear on hand. Essential items such as a helmet, boots, protective pants, and gloves should be considered the bare minimum to provide the required level of protection.

Figure 2: Keep your brakes, tyres, and suspension in top condition to maximise your riding safety and experience.

The next step is to ensure your bike is in track-worthy condition. Key components such as brakes, suspension, and tires are vital for maintaining proper riding technique. Be sure to inspect and address any servicing needs before heading out there.

Figure 3: Utilise both your front and rear brakes to get the most out of your bike at the track.

To learn proper braking technique, you’ll first need to understand your bike’s braking system. Your bike has front and rear brakes, and when used correctly, produce a tonne of stopping power. Shifting down coming into a corner will also slow the bike down through the gears.

Next, you’ll need to focus on your body positioning. As you brake, grip with your knees and feet, bend slightly at the hips, shift to a 45-degree angle, and shift your weight backwards, making sure that your head remains over the crossbar.

Be sure to always keep your elbows up in the attack position to maintain full control over the bike and always look ahead.

From there, understanding proper brake timing is key. There are three phases when taking a corner to consider. The first is hard braking with both the front and rear brakes as you enter the corner. Next is setting up for the corner and turning in, and finally, getting onto the gas as you exit the corner. As you enter the corner, it’s critical that you don’t lock up the brakes. This will make the bike skid, causing you to lose control and miss the apex of the corner.

Figure 4: The three phases of taking a corner.

To get the most out of your bike and your braking technique, you’ll need the right brake pads to match the way that you ride. Check out Bendix Moto’s range of Street Road Track and Ultimate+ brake pads on our website at the link below and ride with confidence.

Figure 5: Bendix Moto Street Road Track brake pads are a sintered compound and are built for longevity and spirited riding.

Figure 6: Bendix Moto Ultimate+ brake pads are a ceramic compound and are for the everyday commuter or casual rider who wants ultimate confidence and control on their journey.

For more information on Bendix Moto products, click HERE.

To find your Bendix Moto brake pads, click HERE.

For the latest Bendix Moto news and updates, visit our Facebook page.