Reaction time

In everyday riding, reaction time is the delay between noticing a hazard and starting to brake or steer. For an alert rider it is commonly around one second, and tiredness, alcohol, distraction or cold can make it much longer. At 90 km/h the bike covers 25 m every second, all before the brakes are even applied.

In drag racing, reaction time is measured from the start signal to the moment the bike leaves the start beams. Leaving before the green light triggers a red light, which normally loses the run.

You can shorten real-world reaction time by scanning far ahead, covering the brake lever in risky spots, keeping a safe gap and practising emergency braking in a safe place.