Credit: Clinton Smout
Think about the last time something surprised you on the road or trail and you had to get on the brakes—hard and fast. What did it feel like? Was it unnerving? Did the motorcycle suddenly feel like something you were fighting to control?
It doesn’t necessarily have to feel that way.
Maximum braking is about getting as much stopping power out of the motorcycle as the conditions allow. But how well do you really understand what happens when you pull that brake lever? Riding in dirt—ABS on or off? Well, it’s not quite that simple anymore. Do you know whether your riding modes are changing the way your ABS behaves—or whether they’re changing it at all? How quickly can you move through those modes without having to stop and think about it? And when those lights and indicators change on the dash, do you know exactly what they’re telling you?
Then there’s the braking itself. How much should you be using the front brake off pavement? Why would you ever want a wheel to lock? And if you regularly ride more than one motorcycle, are the braking habits you’ve built on one bike really the right ones for the other?
Clinton Smout from Smart Performance Centre joins us to work through maximum braking—from understanding the motorcycle underneath you to developing the skills that can make hard braking feel a lot less like a fight for control.
Clinton Smout - SMART Adventure Programs/SMART Performance Centre:
Clinton Smout is the highly regarded chief motorcycle instructor and founder of SMART Adventures in Ontario, Canada. With his extensive experience and expertise in motorcycling, Clinton has become a prominent figure in motorcycle education and safety. He is known for his passionate approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of proper riding techniques, road awareness, and safety precautions. Through SMART Adventures, Clinton has helped numerous individuals enhance their motorcycling skills, whether they are beginners looking to learn the basics or experienced riders aiming to refine their techniques. His dedication to promoting safe and responsible motorcycling has made him a respected authority in the motorcycling community.
Web: SMART Performance Centre
DISCLAIMER: This segment is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be viewed as a substitute for formal rider training. It is highly recommended that you consult a certified professional trainer before attempting any of the discussed techniques, or proceed at your own risk. Canoe West Media, Adventure Rider Radio, SMART Adventures, SMART Performance Centre, and Clinton Smout accept no liability for any injuries or damages sustained, including but not limited to those affecting yourself, another individual, or a motorcycle. Your safety and the safety of others are of the utmost importance.
More RIDER SKILLS episodes at adventureriderradio.com/riderskills.