Technique 6:   What techniques will help me make smooth, controlled stops?

The secrets to coming to a controlled stop -- and looking good doing it

• KEEP YOUR EYES AND HEAD UP, LOOKING STRAIGHT AHEAD throughout the stop.  This aids in balance control, orientation, and situational awareness -- all good things!!! • Pull in the clutch to remove engine drive -- coast a little • Downshift to 1st gear -- always try to stop with your shifting done and in 1st gear • Smoothly apply BOTH brakes -- helps control deceleration and reinforces good habit patterns. • ENSURE THE HANDLEBARS ARE SQUARED. You do not want the wheels out of alignment even a little when stopping, it causes the bike to DIVE in the direction the handlebars are turned to and can cause a fall.  Ensuring the handlebars are squared is easy if you keep your eyes and head up, looking straight ahead. You'll feel the bike's balance change and square the handlebars to keep it upright. • Left foot to the ground first, planted where you intend to stop. Keep your foot on the peg until just before you are ready to plant it so you don't change the bike's balance point. When fully stopped you put your right down.

There you have it. Stopping like a rock -- solid, in control, and looking cool

Can you see yourself in this picture?
This is how you’ll be stopping after the second exercise!

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