Stops

Exercise: Quick Stop, Straight

Directions
Practicing this exercise will help you stop quickly when something suddenly appears in your path.

Approach marker one, shifting to second gear. As your front tire passes marker one, downshift and begin braking. Try to stop before marker two. Try this at 10 mph, then 15 mph, then 20 mph. Do not exceed 20 mph.

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Coaching Tips

	Keep head and eyes up.
	When stopping, pull in the clutch, downshift to first gear and apply both brakes. Do not release the clutch.
	Keep handlebars straight.
	Do not release the brakes until fully stopped.
	Try to stop before the second marker.
	When stopped, the left foot should touch the ground first, and you should be in first gear.

Problems	Corrections
1. Overshooting the final marker.	1. Apply more pressure to brakes; however, avoid locking front wheel brake.
2. Motorcycle slides sideways.	2. Sit straight on seat and do not turn handlebars, look straight ahead. NOTE: It is okay to lock the rear wheel if the motorcycle is going straight.
3. Engine overrevs when using the front brake.	Close the throttle before braking. Avoid pulling back on the throttle when applying pressure to the front brake. Squeeze the front brake with fingers only.

Exercise: Normal Stop, Straight

Directions
Practicing this exercise will help you stop smoothly, such as for stoplights and stop signs.

Accelerate straight ahead across the parking lot between 15-20 mph (shift to second gear.) Begin to slow down and downshift at the first marker. Try to come to a smooth nonskidding stop with your front tire next to the last marker.

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Coaching Tips

	Keep head and eyes up.
	Keep the motorcycle on a straight course.
	Begin downshifting and braking at the first marker.
	Squeeze the clutch, downshift to first gear and gradually apply both brakes at the same time.
	Do not release the front and back brakes until you come to a complete stop.
	When stopped, the left foot should touch the ground first and you should be in first gear.

Possible Problems	Corrections
1. Rear wheel skids.	1. Apply less pressure on the rear brake.
2. Overshooting marker.	2. Begin slowing and braking sooner.

Exercise: Normal Stop on a Curve

Directions
Practicing this exercise will help you stop smoothly in a curve. Ride to the outside of line "A". As you reach marker one, turn in the curve path indicated by markers two, three, and four. Once you enter the curved path, gradually apply both brakes and downshift. Do not release the clutch. Try to come to a smooth stop with your front tire next to marker four. Do this at 10 mph, then 15 mph.

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Coaching Tips

	Keep head and eyes up; focus on where you want to stop.
	Straighten up the motorcycle before you stop completely.
	Use both brakes to stop.
	Keep feet on pegs until almost stopped.
	When stopped, the left foot should touch the ground first, and you should be in first gear.
	Don't skid either tire.

Possible Problems	Corrections
1. Overshooting the final marker.	1. Apply more pressure to the brakes once motorcycle is straightened from the lean angle.
2. Motorcycle nearly falls over.	2. As soon as you begin stopping, decrease your lean angle. Straighten up the motorcycle, and apply more pressure to the brakes. Before stopping be sure the handlebars are square with the motorcycle.
3. Rear wheel skids.	3. Apply less pressure on the rear brake and make sure the motorcycle is straight up.

Exercise: Quick Stop on a Curve

Directions
Practicing this exercise will help you stop quickly when something suddenly appears in your path on a curve.

Ride to the outside of the line "A". Start, facing marker one at a distance sufficient enough to increase speed to 10-15 mph. As you reach marker one, turn in the curved path indicated by marker two, three, and four. When your front tire passes marker two, begin braking. Try to stop before marker three. Do this at 10 mph, then 15 mph. Do not exceed 15 mph.

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Coaching Tips

	Keep head and eyes up; focus on where you want to go.
	Straighten motorcycle, then apple both brakes stopping as quickly as possible.
	Keep feet on pegs until almost stopped.
	When stopped, the left foot should touch the ground first, and you should be in first gear.
	Do not skid either wheel.

Possible Problems	Corrections
1. Overshooting the final marker.	1. Apply more pressure to the brakes once motorcycle is straightened from the lean angle.
2. Motorcycle nearly falls over.	2. Straighten up the motorcycle, then apple the brakes. Be sure the handlebars are square with the motorcycle.
3. Rear wheel skids.	3. Apply less pressure on the rear brake and make sure the motorcycle is straight up.