When we apply our brakes, our bike begins slowing. Because of the physics of momentum, weight is transferred forward increasing the load on the front tire and reducing it on the rear. This means we gain traction on the front wheel and lose some on the rear. Thus the braking power of our front wheel is greater than the braking power of our back wheel. In fact, our front tire provides as much as seventy percent of our total braking power.

This is why it is so important that we use both brakes to stop our motorcycle. But we must use those brakes properly to gain the maximum effect from them. This chart shows that it takes a certain distance to stop our motorcycle using the rear brake only. Stopping from the same speed using the only front brake shortens our stopping distance. By using both brakes together, we are able to stop even more quickly and reduce the distance traveled before coming to a stop.

This effect is the result of the weight transfer on to the front wheel increasing the traction available.