My police training dictates there is only one way to be stopped… left foot down, right foot on rear brake, motor in 1st gear, monitoring mirrors, ready to identify & escape threat from rear… my motor officer instructors would accept no other way… size of the motor not withstanding…

At 72 and my legs not as strong as they use to be, and balance not as good as it once was. I almost always put both feet down once stopped. I'll ride till I can't.

Hey Kevin, this episode struck a chord with me. I’ve been riding consistently for 55 years, now being 76 years young I’m riding a tall bike (R1250GS) and my balance is not what it used to be, so I daily step on my balance board and practice staying balanced with no hand assist. This exercise has improved my static and slow speed balance immensely.

I've tried that technique with using only the rear brake for the last 5ish mph and the difference was surprising! The front end lightens up and is much easier to control when encountering rough surfaces. I do it all the time now!

Thank you, again, for sharing your knowledge and experience. A few things I learned over the years concerning stopping are: 1-If the wheels are turning, the feet belong on the pegs (or boards). No Duck-Walking. 2-Don't approach the final stopping point too slowly. No Duck-Walking! 3-No Duck-Walking, ever! If you find that you have to, get a trike. I've been on two wheels for almost sixty years, but I can see where someday I'll have three.

I think this will help many too and it compliments the technique of the rear brake: When coming to a stop and the speed is low (as mentioned) AND the rear brake is applied, apply just a tad of throttle and use the friction zone. It is an approved technique for KEEPING YOUR BALANCE and it makes a huge difference. Oh, and I am not a police officer flexing years of moto officer training. Just a guy with common sense

Good tips! Maneuvering at slow speed is a unique set of skills that does require practice. I generally use the rear brake exclusively at slow speeds. Finding the finesse between the rear brake, throttle, and friction zone is key to getting through parking lots, city traffic, and tight u turns. Plus it’s fun to practice!

I knew #2, #3, and #4, but looking up and straight ahead is new to me. I'll try it. Come to think of it, my worst balance issues braking are when checking left and right traffic *while still rolling* Kevin, you're a Motorcycle genius! 👍

This is why I am here. Lets revisit basics all the time. Great technical content. Road skills, Road strategy!

Great refresher especially since it is winter with very limited riding and keeping current on technique.

I say put both feet down once fully stopped. Cant tell you how many times I put my left foot down only wanting to be "proper" and I slipped on a rock, oil, wet leaf, whatever and almost dropped my bike. Just put your right foot back up before taking off.

Great stuff again Kevin. Those albatross cracked me right up. Thanks!!

Albatross stops - I've never heard it described so beautifully!!😅😅 Thanks again Kevin for another informative and entertaining video. Keep up the great work, cheers from Oz. 👍🇦🇺

Thanks for yet another informative video, Kevin. I've been heeding your advice as outlined in this video ever since I first listened to you covering them in a video from years ago. I am gratified, however, to hear you say that it is a matter of "personal preference" to put down the right foot after completing a stop! Especially on my Goldwing, every time I put my right foot down, there's the voice of Kevin in my head chiding me for poor technique. LOL I genuinely appreciate your guidance. 😀

Kevin. Thank you. This is awesome information. I practiced this tonight on a 2 hour ride with a lot of stops. it absolutely works and is a great habit to get into.

Great tip on the rear braking till the end of a stop.

thanks for sharing. i've begun to practice what you shared here and have been a game changer for me. much appreciated. subscribed.

Super tip - I've been riding for a very very long time. My prior bikes where in the cb750 weight class - then I bought my first harley I started to have problems coming to a full stop. I discovered your site and found myself doing all the wrong thinks coming to a full stop. I used all the proper full techniques on my lighter bikes but forgot them all on the harley. I think I was intimidated with the harley's weight. After seeing your stopping tips - started to practice them on the harley and corrected my problems. Thanks for getting back on track.

Kevin, this video is very helpful. You explanation of the front and rear brake sequence and using the rear brake through the full stop is the best instruction I have received on stopping. Thanks!

Sage advice as usual. I really appreciate your videos, just fantastic.

Always good advice from your channel. Thanks Kevin.

Good Morning Kevin , Thank you for keeping us on our Tires.

Had not thought about keeping my eyes straight ahead. I do now and will think about it. Thanks for the reminder

This advice is so good. I’ve been practicing it as you explain recently but I sometimes glance down at my dash. I’ve got the braking down well, using only the rear brake at low speed. I’ll keep working on it until it becomes automatic.

Couldn't agree more. This summer in Europe on old cobblestone roads - large rock cobblestones from probably the 14th century...I lost my bike using my front brake. Rolled right. Really caught me by surprise, but not only was it the wrong technique, but I was heavily packed and the bike was top heavy. Luckily these conditions don't exist in the US, nor in the US do I pack as much.

Thank You Kevin, A couple things I've caught myself and people I've helped to get riding are; Looking towards the direction you intend to turn, aiming the bike in the direction of an upcoming turn or merge and attempting to balance instead of stopping. For many riders balancing instead of stopping looks cool but without slow speed practice in a "safe zone" it's dangerous in the roadway. I've always ridden touring bikes and more than likely packed for travel. I make it a point of having my bike packed for trips before I go to practice slow speed spring riding. That one step aids me in being prepared for my trips by practicing with the bike as it will loaded for the trip. I'll never be the complete professional "cool" rider I am in my head, but if I stick with basics and not concern myself with other's opinions of me, I'll be safer and enjoy my rides so much more. Mental stability is a tough one but you last longer. South Dakota has a "two feet down" rule for complete legal stops- so I just make it a point and now it's habit. You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

Stopping with your head up is kin to how they teach the slow-ride maneuver. Look forward and relax! Also, I had my big Harley on wet grass…going slow…careful with the throttle. Well, the back wheel broke free and slipped. I instinctively reached up and touched the rear brake. The bike was going down…but it snapped up when I applied that rear brake. I was presently surprised!

Both feet on the ground means you are not applying the rear brake. I think that if you are not in the habit of holding the bike still with the rear brake, stopping on a steep uphill may surprise you with a slow motion crash sliding backwards down the hill, especially with extra weight on the back of the bike. The slightest bit of grease, oil, sand, or even water can let your front wheel slip on such a hill. Passengers should be taught to stay upright with both feet on the passenger pegs at a stop.

This is 'off-topic', but a Good-to-Know tip. The D.U.I. field sobriety test where the cop tells you to balance while standing on one foot AND INSTRUCTS YOU TO STARE AT YOUR TOES is designed to help you fail. Try this test while sober. Do it staring at your toes and then, again while looking straight ahead.

Thank you for lending your experience 👍🏾

Always great advice kevin It’s amazing how many riders come to a complete stop with both feet still on the pegs.. It’s a recipe for dropping your bike. I always come to a stop with my right foot on the brake, my bike in 1st gear and my left foot ready to put on the ground just before I completely stop. Controversially, I find against Kevin’s advice, that just before I completely stop , I slightly turn my handlebars very slightly to the right. For me, I find this guarantees that the bike will fall to the left on my left foot. When completely stopped I put both feet down. I don’t put the bike in neutral until I am sure traffic is stopped behind me.

Thank you Kevin. I’ll be making notes on this an practicing these skills. 👍

Very very good stuff on this one. This especially true with a larger bike with a faring full of a ton of electronic equipment. It is also good to have a brake on in case there is a unnoticed slope.

More excellent content from MCRider. Thanks Kevin.

Great advice. These practices will keep you upright at stops 👍👍

Great tips, Kevin! You didn’t mention to keep your throttle loaded and using the friction zone to stay steady. Lmao at the albatross video!

Another great video full of great advice for newbies & "experienced" riders alike, I am currently helping a friend's daughter learn the basics of motorcycling & I contacted the local authorities to find out what she needs to know to pass her test. I quote, (this is from 3rd gear on a 125) 7. On approach to markers - both brakes - pull in clutch and hold - change down to 1st gear - stop - front tyre within 1 metre of markers - left foot down"! It goes on to give a list of things for which points will be deducted, number 7 being "Not engaging 1st gear or placing left foot down when stopping"! It seems my local authorities are in complete agreement with you. Please keep doing what you do so well!

Great video sir, you knowledge is a blessing . Ride safe.

Sage advice as always. Thank you sir.

I've noticed some of these issues in my riding, time for me to make some changes. Thank you

Thanks Kevin, good advice as always.

Really useful tips. Thanks so much. Hey, I love the albatross footage from New Zealand! Some of my kiwi mates put me onto you. You have quite a following here. Thanks for your great work

Another Great video and also more to learn. I very rarely use my rear brake to come to a stop. I always downshift while applying front brake (concerned about whether this is a good thing). By the time I’m at the light, I’m already in 1st gear and ready to go when the light turns or the unexpected.

Been flying and biking since I was 16, so I loved the albatross landings...(check gear down)

❤❤thanks for the timely advice for me

I'm glad you reminded me to regularly using both brakes so I'm prepared in an emergency. I always used both at first, but these days I almost always just grab the front. I'll get back to using both. (That rear one needs practice anyway. So so so easy to lock up on a fast stop.)

Thank you for sharing this useful knowledge

Very good advice, thanks!

Great tips, thank you!

Good tips. I aslo make sure that I'm leaning the bike slightly to the left as I stop with the right foot on the brake and my left foot out to support the weight of the bike. The last thing you want is to fall over to the right as you stop.

Great tip that I needed. I have a lowrider st that I purchased last year. It is a heavier bike than my 69 750 honda and I've been having a hell of a time getting use to the harley during stops. I've been riding for ever and look like that bird you where talking about. In stead of using the back brake for the last 2mph I'm using the fronts only and sticking both feet out. Needless I look like an person that is just learning to ride. I have no trouble with my honda and use the proper techniques for stopping. On my next ride on the harley - I'll try using the back brake for the last few feet of the stop - thanks

Excellent tips.

Thanks for the tips.

Thanks! I needed that advice

Great video sir and I like your analogy using the birds.

Great video as always. I recently got a new seat for my ride and I can no longer get fully flat foot when coming to a stop. I have noticed I am a bit more wobbly when stopping than before, but the seat really adds to my comfort and improves my knees angle for better circulation. And tips on this? Thank you.

Hi just watching your video and saw the Albatrosses. I live a couple of miles from there. Love the Chanel 👍

Really interesting. Thank you.

Great Tips! Thank you Kevin.

Thanks Kevin 😎

I’m an advanced rider on the street, but just starting out in ADV. I’m very good at looking through the turns. However, when I did a 4 day ADV course in the Georgia clay, which made it very challenging, I was constantly looking right in front of my wheel trying to see the terrain, even though there was no traction anywhere, instead of looking where I want to go. I figure it’s fear that causes us to not look ahead. Something to be conscious of.

All the difference in the world! Thanks so much!

Thank you, great advise.

Great tips Kevin. Now practice, practice, practice

Thanks Kevin

Great channel. Found recently and stuff like this is great for all us know it alls. Like the comment columns for all the “facts”. Forty years not owning one and realizing in my wiser years motorcycles require some training and practiced skills. Thanks.

LOL! Learned a lot. Thanks for sharing.

1:49, one could also use the coffee example: carrying your full cup of coffee while looking at the cup is bound to result in spillage. 😁

Thanks Kevin. Essential skills.

Great advice

Great tips to employ. Many thanks for sharing. Look down fall down I always say.

Thanks for the tips Kevin,regards Mike United Kingdom 🇬🇧

I may be preaching to the choir, but here in Komifornia we have regulated traffic lights on the onramp. If you stop in the far right hand lane, that is banked pretty steep in some places, you will dump it for sure if you try to put your left leg down. There are several off camber stops in the foothills that are the same way. But yes, 99% of the time, you have changed my stops to steady stops by using rear brake and putting my left foot down, thanks Kevin......Kevin.

In my opinion, keeping the handlebars straight in the last 2 or 3 feet before complete stop is more important than rear-brake-only on those last few feet. A little rebound is not as bad as having your bike fall down and having to pick it up (You can always work on your rear-brake-only stop afterwards). Regardless, good advice as usual, thank you Kevin!

Thanks. Good to know.

Excellent idea Sir 🙏 Thank you sir 🙏

Thank you Sir!🙏

All great tips, but I might add, you need to also pay attention to your stopping point(the spot you want your front tire to be when you stop. ). Don't focus on it, but definitely pick the spot and be aware of it. I've seen too many riders looking too far ahead and then rear ending the car stopped in front of them.

When I am approaching a traffic light or stop sign, I tap the rear brake several times to get the attention of the car behind me, then I apply the front and rear brakes together.

UK has 4 tests, a theory exam, a basic intro days training which lets you ride a 125, a mod 1 which is focused on low speed and agility. Then a final Mod 2 where you are followed for 40 mins by a tester. Its a lot but massively reduced accidents and fatalities. My instructor said a 90% reduction in fatalities.

Kevin-Thanks for all of your instruction. May I add to this episode by noting that after the stop that they hold the bike in place with the front brake?

😎love the Bike on the thumbnail. Where is it featured? PS: you have helped Us All tremendously .

Good advice. Thanks

Turning the bars at the last moment to the right will ensure the bike drops to the left as you drop your left foot, which builds confidence. The more windy the more I would lean the bike on to my left foot as I find a 'tripod' between the wheels and my foot far more stable than lightly touching both feet down, but my bikes aren't super heavy. The exception to the left foot down rule for me is with a passenger and a road that drops away to the left, in that case I'd rather be on the right foot and have to mess about with blending throttle and front brake - not ideal! Good topic!

Motorman from "Ride Like a Pro" put out a video of stopping with a passenger to improve stability. He says that at about 1 to 2 miles per hour, you should use the front brake and use both feet to stop. And solo should follow steps of stopping as discussed in this video.

It's true that with the front brake, there's more suspension travel in the front during the stop, but if you don't have a passenger, this seems like a minor thing? The car does the same thing, the front suspension bounces back a little bit at a full stop, but people are used to it and it's not an issue. PS. Fun little way to see the difference between the front and the rear brake: if you're stopped at the light, and the road is sloping down so you're holding the bike still with the brake, then by switching between front brake and rear brake, that's a good way to see the difference on the impact of each brake on the suspension. Just a fun little thing one can do the next time waiting at a light on a slope.

I have designed a self ballancing motorcycle, with four wheels. It is similar to the Harley, with self lowering training wheels. It also has an electric winch, attached to am overhead beam, that will lift the rider clear of an accident. Patents pending Rube Goldberg

Yep, practice the rear brake only, “limousine stop” in which your (imaginary) passengers drinks won’t slosh.

That Albatross cartwheelling was me at 13 teen on my monkey bike back in '71. Front brakes were either off on on back then. 😢

All three of these tips were taught and emphasized in my MSF class. It makes me wonder how many people either forget these tips after a while, or somehow manage to get their endorsement having never taken an MSF course. You’re right though, you do see a lot of riders with really poor technique. My favorite is hanging both feet down like landing gear and dragging/duck walking them as the bike comes to a stop.😂

Man, those two bird clips were hilarious. You must have searched awhile to find those.

I had to replay that albatross landing- very funny!!

Ahhh im a new older age rider and i practice and ride but that slight wavering at a stop light sometimes is annoying. Im actually slightly aiming my motorcycle for a quick escape if needed so im not often straight. I think thats part of my issue. Thanks for the great tips.

Motorcops use mostly rear brake for the last 5 mph. This allows you to use use both hands on the handlebar.

Great practical advice as usual Kevin! Too bad common sense isn't just that, common. Keep up the great work.

Really good tips, thank you! Although I’ve never had a problem stopping on a cruiser, I recently bought an ADV bike with high clearance. I caught a head cold, went riding, had a foggy brain, felt slightly off balance to begin with. As I came to a stop, I caught pants on foot pegs, paddled along, looked down at what my pants were doing, handlebars turned slightly right, hit the front brake as I realized everything was going to hell (which made it worse), and you can guess the rest. One of the many morals to the story is, do not ride while under the influence of a head cold, migraine, the flu, or anything else. And there are a few more morals to the story as well.

How does this brake technique change for emergency braking and/or bikes with ABS? Great video! Too bad my bike is stored away for the winter. Your videos make me want to ride. Lol

Fun example of the albatross landings, or crashes as it were. It's easy to spot an unconfident or inexperienced rider when they awkwardly come to a stop, and then leave their feet dangling through the entire intersection as they pull away.

Good true tips

Great stopping techniques all three. I would suggest however, that riders occasionally practice finishing a stop with the front brake. There are road conditions (poor surface on the left or very crowned road) that require the right foot to get the the road first. This means you’ll have to take that foot off the rear brake.This especially applies to short riders (I’m 5’5”) on taller bikes.