Braking, Cornering, and Swerving Techniques
Braking
Use both brakes every time you slow or stop. On good pavement the front brake provides the majority of stopping power, so apply it progressively - squeeze, don't grab. Grabbing the front lever can lock the wheel and put the bike down. The rear brake stabilizes the bike and is especially useful at low speed, but it will not stop you alone. Keep the handlebars straight and your eyes up during hard braking.
Cornering
Do your braking before the corner, select the right gear, then look through the turn and roll on the throttle smoothly. If you must brake while already leaned over, straighten the motorcycle first, then brake, then re-lean - or use very light, smooth pressure if there is no room to stand the bike up.
Swerving
A swerve is two quick pushes: press the handgrip to lean one way, then press the other to bring the bike back. Keep your head level, keep your knees against the tank, and do not brake and swerve at the same time on a straightaway - pick one, then the other. In a curve, light braking combined with a swerve may be necessary, but it demands smoothness.
Traps and rule of thumb
Expect options like “use only the rear brake for all stops,” “grab the front brake for maximum stopping,” or “lean away from the turn.” All are wrong. Slow, look, press, roll - brake before the curve, not in it.