Honda CBR125RW - Owner's Manual > Braking

Your motorcycle is equipped with disc braking systems which are hydraulically activated. Operating the brake lever applies the front disc brake. Depressing the brake pedal applies the rear disc brake.

As a general rule, the front braking system provides about 70 percent of total stopping power.

For full braking effectiveness, use both the pedal and lever simultaneously. Using both braking systems will stop your motorcycle faster with greater stability.

To slow or stop, apply the brake lever and brake pedal smoothly, while downshifting to match your speed.

Gradually increase braking as you feel the brakes slowing your speed. The increase in engine compression from downshifting will help slow your motorcycle.

To prevent stalling the engine, pull the clutch lever in before coming to a complete stop. For support, put your left foot down first, then your right foot when you are finished using the brake pedal.

Applying the brakes too hard may cause the wheels to lock and slide, reducing control of your motorcycle. If this happens, release the brake controls, steer straight ahead until you regain control, then reapply the brakes more gently.

When possible, reduce your speed or complete braking before entering a turn.

Avoid braking or closing the throttle quickly while turning. Either action may cause one or both wheels to slip and reduce your control of your motorcycle.

Your ability to brake in a turn and to brake hard in an emergency situation are important riding skills. We suggest attending a certified rider training course to retain these skills.

When riding in wet or rainy conditions, or on loose surfaces, the ability to maneuver and stop will be reduced. All of your actions should be smooth under these conditions. Rapid acceleration, braking or turning may cause loss of control. For your safety, exercise extreme caution when braking, accelerating or turning.

When descending a long, steep grade, use engine compression braking by downshifting, with intermittent use of both brakes. Continuous brake application can overheat the brakes and reduce their effectiveness.

Riding with your foot resting on the brake pedal or your hand on the brake lever may actuate the brakelight, giving a false indication to other drivers. It may also overheat the brakes, reducing effectiveness.

Parking

1. Look for a level parking area. If you can't park on a paved surface, make sure the ground surface is firm, especially under the side stand.

If you must park on a hill, leave the transmission in gear and position the rear tire against the curb at a 45 degree angle.

Make sure flammable materials such as dry grass or leaves do not come in contact with the exhaust system when parking your motorcycle. Refer to Catalytic Converter.

2. Use the side stand to support the motorcycle while parked.

• To lower the side stand, use your foot to guide it down. Remember that lowering the side stand with the transmission in gear will stop the engine, even if the clutch lever is pulled in. That is a function of the side stand ignition cut-off system.
• Check that the side stand is down all the way so that the side stand ignition cut-off system is activated.
• If you have to park on a soft surface, insert something solid under the side stand for support.

FRONT

1. ignition key

1. push in
2. turn to LOCK
3. turn to OFF

3. Use the steering lock, which locks the handlebar in place. Turn the handlebar all the way to the left. Push in on the ignition key (1) and turn it to LOCK.

Remove the key.

(To unlock the steering lock, insert the key and turn it to the right to the OFF position.)

LEFT REAR

2. holder hooks

4. Use the helmet holder to secure your helmet with your motorcycle:

• Remove the rear seat.
• Hang your helmet on the holder hooks (2).
• Install the seat.

WARNING

Riding with a helmet attached to the holder can interfere with the rear wheel or suspension and could cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Use the helmet holder only while parked. Do not ride with a helmet secured by the holder.

Theft-Prevention Tips

• Park your motorcycle in a locked garage whenever possible. If a garage isn't available, park in a concealed area or in a well-lit area with enough pedestrian traffic to discourage a thief.
• Always take the ignition key with you.
• Always use the steering lock, even if you're parking for just a minute or two. A thief can easily push an unlocked motorcycle to a waiting truck.
• In addition to the steering lock, use a good quality anti-theft device made specifically to lock a motorcycle to a secure object.
• If you decide to use an anti-theft device, select one of good quality and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep your owner's manual, current registration, and insurance information with your motorcycle. This will make it easier for the authorities to find you if your motorcycle is stolen and recovered.

Riding with a Passenger or Cargo

Your motorcycle is a high-performance sport model designed to carry you and one passenger. Whenever you add a passenger or cargo, you must be careful not to exceed the total load limits for this vehicle (Load Limits). Make sure your cargo is properly secured (Loading Guidelines).

Be aware that carrying a passenger or heavy cargo can affect acceleration, braking, and handling.

Before riding with a passenger, make sure your passenger is wearing the proper protective apparel. Also check that your passenger is not wearing any loose apparel that might get caught in the drive chain.

Tell your passenger to hold the grab rail or your waist, lean with you in the turns, and keep their feet on the passenger footpegs at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped at a traffic light.

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