ONYX RCR Braking

The ONYX RCR’s stock brake setup is a sneaky stroke of genius-big up front, small in the back. No matter how hard you squeeze that left rear lever, the smaller brake keeps the hefty 40 lb hub motor tire from locking up. That’s a lifesaver because, for the unprepared, a surprise fishtail could turn an “oh cool” moment into an “oh no” situation real fast!

Two Rear Brakes

The ONYX RCR’s left rear brake lever is a two-for-one deal-it kicks in regenerative braking (which has a mind of its own) and also engages the rear brake caliper, depending on how hard you squeeze. Since the rear brake is a tiny little guy, those pads wear out fast-unless you do what I do and ignore them altogether.

Instead, I let regen do all the work for the left rear brake lever. It’s easy-just never squeeze it more than an inch, and boom, you’ve got smooth, rear brake pad-saving, battery-boosting braking!

Regenerative Braking

Regen brake lever travel is just fancy talk for how far the lever moves before regen kicks in-but here’s the trick: regen is basically just an on/off switch hiding inside the left rear brake lever. Squeeze it an inch, hold it there, and bam-regen braking in the rear. Let go, and it’s off. That’s it. Want to get the hang of it? Cruise down a side street and practice feathering that inch-no more, no less-until regen feels like second nature.

Downhill Regenerative Braking

When your battery is fully charged (above 82V), go easy on the regen braking-especially when heading downhill. Why? Because ONYX’s regenerative braking turns your speed into energy and sends it back to the battery. But if your battery is already topped off at 83V or 84V, there’s nowhere for that extra energy to go! In rare cases, this can make the battery say, “Nope!” and shut itself off to prevent overcharging. So, unless you enjoy unexpected power naps mid-ride, give regen a break when your battery is full.

Aftermarket Rear Brake Fishtails

Bigger aftermarket rear brakes are awesome-until they turn your ONYX into a drama queen with surprise fishtails. The trick to keeping things under control? It’s all in your head-literally. If you know that locking up the rear tire between 20 and 50 mph can send you sliding, you’re already winning. The real problem isn’t the fishtail-it’s the surprise. Expect it, and you’ll correct it. Don’t? Well… that’s how bikes end up taking unscheduled naps.

Brake Bias

Brake bias-the secret sauce behind smooth stops on an ONYX-is all about how braking power gets split between the front and rear wheels. The balance shifts depending on how you’re riding, but here’s the kicker: when you hit the brakes, weight dives forward, giving the front tire more grip while the rear gets a little light. That’s why a well-tuned brake bias keeps you in control-too much rear brake, and you’re sliding; too much front, and you’re testing your reflexes.

Downhill Braking

  • Downhill: Front Brake 90% / Rear Brake 10%

Mostly using the front brake downhill is smart, as weight shifts forward, giving it more grip and up to 90% of stopping power.

Prevent battery cut-out when going downhill by avoiding rear regen braking if the battery is above 82 volts.

  • Brake smoothly-gradually apply pressure to avoid locking up.
  • Use some rear brake-for balance, not stopping power.
  • Avoid braking hard on loose or wet surfaces-front wheel loss = bad day.

Key rule: Front brake does the work, rear brake keeps things stable.

Braking in the Rain

  • Rain: Front Brake 60% / Rear Brake 40%

When riding in the rain, a good brake bias is around 60% front / 40% rear or even 50/50 depending on road conditions.

Less front brake than dry conditions - Wet roads reduce traction, and too much front brake can cause the front wheel to slip.

More rear brake than usual - The rear tire has a better chance of staying planted in wet conditions, helping maintain balance and control.

  • Apply brakes smoothly and progressively - No sudden grabs!
  • Increase rear brake usage - Helps stabilize the bike.
  • Brake early - Stopping distances are longer in the rain.
  • Avoid braking mid-turn - Brake before the turn, then lean gently.
  • Look for dry patches - Even small dry spots can improve grip.

Key Rule: Balance is everything-stay smooth, stay controlled, and avoid sudden inputs.

Heavy Traffic Braking

  • Heavy Traffic: Front Brake 70% / Rear Brake 30%

In heavy traffic, a good brake bias is around 70% front / 30% rear, but it depends on your speed and surroundings.

Front brake does most of the work - Quick stops are often needed, and the front provides the strongest braking power.

Rear brake helps with stability - Keeps the bike balanced, especially in stop-and-go situations.

More controlled slow-speed braking - Using the rear brake lightly at low speeds helps smooth out stops and prevent jerky movements.

  • Cover both brakes - Be ready for sudden stops.
  • Use the rear brake more at slow speeds - Helps prevent front-end dive and keeps the bike stable.
  • Stay smooth and predictable - Sudden hard braking can lead to a rear-end collision.
  • Keep a safe following distance - Gives you more time to react.
  • Watch for road hazards - Oil, potholes, and painted lines can be slippery.

Key Rule: 70/30 for stopping power, 50/50 for low-speed control. Stay smooth and alert!

Uphill Braking

  • Uphill: Front Brake 60% / Rear Brake 40%

When riding uphill, a good brake bias is around 60% front / 40% rear, or even 50/50 depending on the incline and speed.

Less weight shift forward - Unlike braking on flat ground or downhill, the bike’s weight stays more balanced between both wheels.

More rear brake effectiveness - Since the rear wheel has more traction on an incline, the rear brake contributes more than usual.

Better low-speed control - Rear brake helps prevent rolling backward when stopping or starting on a hill.

  • Use more rear brake than usual - Helps prevent front-end dive and keeps balance.
  • Apply front brake smoothly - Still the main braking force, but don’t overload it.
  • Avoid stopping mid-hill - If you must stop, hold the front and rear brake to prevent rolling backward.
  • Stay steady on throttle - Helps maintain momentum and stability.

Key Rule: More rear brake than usual, smooth front application, and use engine braking to stay in control!