Ask April - Trail Braking Basics for Beginners

Braking Basics with April - A Qualified Level 2 accredited Motorcycling Australia Coach 

Trail braking 

1. What is trail braking and how do you do it? 
Trail braking gets thrown around as a word a lot in the moto-world. Mostly because everyone thinks it’s a quick solve for ‘taking a better corner’. However, it’s only the case when done correctly, at speed and confidently, too. Now, if that sounds like a lot of mumbo-jumbo, here is the short, sharp and shiny run-down: 
 
Trail braking is a technique where you apply brakes gradually, past the braking point and into a corner, until you begin to lean your bike over. As you continue to lean, you’ll begin to slowly trail off the brakes – hence, trail braking. For our visual folks, here’s a really cool run through based on experience levels: 

2. How does it work? 
Trail braking works by shifting the weight of the bike (and rider) forward to compress your front forks. This in turn, shortens the bike’s rake and trail – meaning it makes the geometry for steering your bike a lot steeper. In easier terms: it makes the bike turn much more quickly and effectively. Plus, the forward weight transfer moves more of the load onto the front tyre, flattening the contact patch (i.e. the part of your tyre that is touching the bitumen) to give you more grip. More rubber on the road = better! 
 
3. Why do we trail brake? 
Much like we’ve said above, there are a few reasons why; both mechanically and generally for our riding benefit. Some include the above contact patch, steering ease and other mechanical ticks. However, riding wise for you, it allows for a better ‘feel’ and control of the bike. Instead of you abruptly letting off the brakes (i.e. losing all of the stability in the front because you’ve extended the suspension out and reduced contact patch/grip), you’re keeping control and feel of the front tyre and suspension as you move toward the corner apex. Not to mention this added control means you’ll be able to adjust and navigate quicker if you were to enter a corner and realise it’s tighter than you thought, or there’s an obstacle you have to move around (think of the kangaroos at Morgan Park!). 
 
4. How do I practice trail braking?
At your next track day, as you approach a corner, you’ll see your braking markers and realise: cool, it’s time to start braking. Whether you’re a faster rider, or someone who’s just getting started – the place you are braking doesn’t stop you from being able to test your trail braking. You’ll begin to brake to wash off your speed for the corner. As you do, you’ll start to think that you’ve maybe washed off enough and you’re beginning to lean so you can let off the brakes – don't! Keep your brakes engaged, but slowly and gradually begin to trail the brakes off as you encounter the apex. The key here is: GRADUALLY! So as your lean angle increases, your braking percentage should decrease.  
 
5. I’m struggling with trail braking... any advice? - @jazzy.5oh 
Always! The above can help, but in terms of other advice, visual thinkers and lots of people I work with need a ‘cue’ to help them remember things. Whether it’s ‘noodle arms’ or ‘chin up’, trail braking is a good one to add a cue to your toolkit for the high-adrenaline moments on track. I’d suggest something like lean in, brakes out, or something to that effect. The idea being that as you brake through a corner, you can remember that the more you’re leaned in (your body pos for a corner), the more you need to gradually release your brakes. Otherwise, you can message me for more!
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Conclusion:
Trail braking is a valuable technique that helps riders carry more control, stability, and confidence into a corner. By gradually releasing brake pressure as lean angle increases, you maintain front-end grip and feedback, allowing the bike to turn more effectively and giving yourself more time to react if conditions change. Like any skill, it takes practice, but when done correctly, trail braking can make your riding smoother, safer, and more predictable.
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April - Track Start Training

Want to take your riding to the next level? April offers both in-person and online coaching tailored to riders of all experience levels. As Queensland's only female Level 2 Motorcycling Australia accredited Road Race Coach, she provides personalised 1:1 coaching designed to build confidence, improve technique, and help you achieve your riding goals - whether you're preparing for your first track day or looking to improve your lap times. For coaching enquiries, visit her website or connect with her on Instagram.

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