In order to brake on a motorcycle, should you have the clutch pulled in? Or is it okay to start braking while slowly closing the throttle and not using the clutch?I dont need to know anything else about stopping power, front/rear brake, emergency stopping, etc. Just want to know if I need to fully disengage the clutch before braking or not.
First off, roll off the throttle all the way before you even begin braking. There is no reason in regular riding conditions to brake while you are still giving the machine gas. Second, braking with clutch is dependent on your bike, your speed and the gear you are currently in. If you are going too slow, then braking without being on the clutch will kill your bike, but traveling at 50 mph and grabbing some brake without the clutch to make it around a curve or corner is normal. You'll be able to feel it when you need to use your clutch while braking. The bike will start to hestitate and if you don't grab the clutch or let off the brake, then it will die. To be honest, you sound like you don't understand the mechanics and regular operation of a motorcycle, and you should take a MSF course. They will teach you through experience. It's a much better help than stangers on the internet trying to describe an action and set of skills in text. Good luck and ride safe.
I will keep it simple just like you asked. If you are slowing down, you can take off a little speed by just rolling off the throttle and using a little brake if you need it. When you let the revs drop too low, or come to a complete stop the clutch is needed. There's a bunch of variations described nicely by other answers, but this is the short version.
Dammuzi is right you can't tell someone. It depends on your riding style. I only use the clutch to change gear and when I stop. I use the brake and throttle off during riding and use the clutch, throttle, brake, to come down through the gears to brake with the g/box, then I'm in the right gear to zoom off when I get clear. It's something you gotta learn through practice
