Experiencing a front brake failure while riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous situation, but it's important to remain calm and take the following steps to mitigate the risk:
Stay calm and maintain control: It's crucial to keep a cool head and avoid panicking. Maintain a firm grip on the handlebars and focus on maintaining balance and control of the motorcycle.
Use the rear brake: Shift your focus to using the rear brake as your primary means of slowing down or stopping. Apply gentle and progressive pressure to the rear brake pedal to slow down the motorcycle. Be aware that the rear brake alone may not provide the same level of stopping power as the front brake, so increase your following distance and allow for more time to stop.
Downshift and engine braking: Downshifting can help in reducing speed using engine braking. Shift to lower gears to slow down the motorcycle gradually. Engaging the engine braking technique can provide additional assistance in slowing down safely.
Look for an escape route: Assess your surroundings and identify potential areas where you can safely maneuver or come to a stop. Look for open spaces, side lanes, or shoulders where you can steer the motorcycle to a halt if necessary.
Use friction zones: Utilize the friction zone of the clutch to manage the motorcycle's speed and maintain control. By modulating the clutch engagement, you can control the power delivery to the rear wheel and help in managing speed.
Alert other road users: Signal your intention to slow down or stop using hand signals or the motorcycle's indicators to communicate with other drivers. Be cautious and anticipate the reactions of other road users who may not expect your reduced speed.
Seek professional help: Once you have safely come to a stop, it's important to have the motorcycle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Front brake failure can have various causes, and it is crucial to address the issue before riding the motorcycle again.
Remember, prevention is key. Regular maintenance and inspections of your motorcycle's braking system can help identify and address any potential issues before they result in brake failure.