Practicing Panic Stops

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Aug 20, 2008 | 05:11 PM

mhud

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Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2007

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From: Western,NC

Practicing Panic Stops

I've been riding for nearly 40 years and luckily have only had one incident causing me to make a panic stop, this was years ago and the bike and I stopped just in time to avoid a left turning cager though we slid the last few feet. I ride my bike more now; have 16K on my 08 RG. I know I should be practicing panic stops but I'm hesitant because I'm worried about going down. I'm curious how many practice this maneuver and if any one has suggestions how to safely practice this important skill.

I'm looking to take the advanced riders course as soon as I find one I can make. Are panic stops part of that course?

Thanks folks!

Aug 20, 2008 | 05:20 PM

XTrooper3936

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA

Yes, emergency stops are practiced in the ERC (Experienced Rider Course). Take the course, you'll enjoy it, and it will build your braking and other skills. I take it annually as a refresher.

Aug 20, 2008 | 05:26 PM

CaptBlackPearl

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Cincinnati, OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhud

I'm curious how many practice this maneuver and if any one has suggestions how to safely practice this important skill.

I'm looking to take the advanced riders course as soon as I find one I can make. Are panic stops part of that course?

Thanks folks!

Yes practiced the panic stop many times - first thing they told us in the course was to squeeze both the hand brake and the clutch - then to press firmly with your feet on the down shift and rear brake. Essentially grab with with both hands and squeeze and press both feet down at the same time.

Now realize that the new ABS Brembo package feels a bit different then your probably used to so practice making it stop - need to get used to the anti-locking of the brakes rather then the squealing most of us have dealt with in the past.

Good luck

Aug 20, 2008 | 05:34 PM

biz44

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Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Hoboken, New Jersey

Just spend a few days riding around here in NYC.....you will be making more emergency stops than you can shake a stick at!

Aug 20, 2008 | 06:10 PM

Yachtman

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 1,325

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From: SE Florida

Skip NYC. That's low level practice. Move to S. Florida and get a real education in panic stops!! Grey Hairs everywhere!

(just kidding NYC. I know you guys get a lot of practice with one hand on the brake and one on the 45!)

Aug 20, 2008 | 07:06 PM

RoadKing_Al

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 602

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From: Lakewood, N.J.

Last night in a parking lot I was practicing my panic stops. I usually practice a turn then stopping to simulate something surprising me after the turn where I have to stop quick. I also practice fast swerves then stopping. Knock on wood hope I never have to do it.
Love that ABS, pretty neat the way it works!

Aug 20, 2008 | 07:25 PM

Peppa1

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Tallahassee, Fl

Panic stops are taught in both rider courses and should be something you work on periodically. You never know when you are going to need it. Just be prepared to put your feet down quickly. From articles I have read motocops recommend getting just a little front brake prior to going down with the rear one. Rider courses say hit them at the same time. Good luck and ride safe.