Trail braking is a riding method or technique which is quite important for safe and skillful cornering, that involves continuous application of brakes after the bike has initiated the turn-in to the corner and then gradually releases the brake, instead of applying brakes before the beginning of the turn while the bike is still in vertical. Depending on the number of factors the rider releases the brakes at any point between the turn-in and turn-off of the turn.
Trail braking is useful in tighter turns with relatively high approach of speed. To perform this move a rider generally had to enter a turn at a safe speed. This “safe speed” is a speed that allows you to turn comfortably while applying gradual acceleration, it makes the bike cornering predictable and stable.
Trail braking helps transfer weight onto the front tyre which in turn reduces the turning radius making the bike easier to turn, reducing speed also reduces the turning radius. Although trail braking is done either with front, rear or both the brakes.
Trail braking is done as it has several benefits, it gives more traction to the front tyre, the weight shifts forward which compresses the forks changing the steering geometry and decreasing the stability in a way that it makes an easy turn. It also helps rider to immediately stop the motorcycle without any slippage on blind turns if something blocks the path. It is difficult to learn and it also makes the brakes of front tyre lose grip because of excessive use.
It can be learned by continuous practice on the street, careless trail braking considerably reduces your safety margins especially on rough road surfaces or when other vehicles are present. Try it out but safely.
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