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 that 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 a skill, but there are things to understand about your motorcycle before you even get to practising it. Clinton Smout from Smart Performance Centre takes us through what riders need to know to become more comfortable, confident and capable when they really need to stop.