The front brake is probably the most feared part of a dirt bike. It’s that little lever on the same side as the throttle. A long, long time ago, we used drum brakes and they worked okay. Today, disc brakes are on nearly every motocross bike sold and they work great.

The key here is this: you have to use the brakes to go fast. Sounds silly, but it’s true. If you can get on the gas quicker coming out of a corner, then hold it on longer than your competition, you will be faster. But, in order to make the next corner, you have to brake hard. Only using the rear brake is not enough and you’ll just lock it up and slide all over the place. So, use both brakes.

Quicker throttle and braking later equals extending the length of time that you are on the gas. Do you hold the gas on for 50 yards or 60 yards? Have you ever hit the brakes and realized that you had to gas it to even get to the corner? If so, you need to hold the throttle on longer and learn how to use both brakes to slow down. Ideally, you should either be on the gas or on the brakes—-no coasting. But, even the top pros have a hard time with that concept.

To be successful racing motocross, you have to know how to use the front brake and be able to use it properly. The front brake gives you 75% of your stopping power. When you use the rear brake, use the front brake with the same intensity.

One, two, three or four fingers? Each rider has to experiment with this process. You’ll come up with a formula that will be comfortable for you. Just remember to keep those fingers on the lever so that you’ll be ready when you need that front brake. If you are afraid of the front brake, at least ride with your fingers on it and one day you’ll be ready to start using it.

To improve your front braking skills, you have to practice them. Set up some cones or anything that you can use as a visual aid. Start off by riding hard up to the cones and brake hard using only the rear brake. Have your buddy mark your stopping point. Then begin making passes up to the cones and use both brakes. Start out with an easy throttle and easy braking and work up to full hard braking with both brakes. You’ll see the difference quickly.

As you become more comfortable using both brakes, move your practice to the track. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll see a difference in your lap times.