What to Do When Your Motorcycle Starts to Skid or Slide

75.4k

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its own set of risks. One of the most common dangers that riders face is losing control of their bike due to skidding or sliding on the road. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as wet or slippery roads, debris on the pavement, or even rider error. Whatever the cause may be, it's important to know how to handle a skid or slide to avoid a potential accident.

Stay Calm and Focused

The first thing to remember when your motorcycle starts to skid or slide is to stay calm and focused.

It's natural to panic in such a situation, but panicking will only make things worse. Take a deep breath and try to keep your cool. This will help you think clearly and make better decisions. It's also important to keep your eyes on the road ahead and not on the ground. Your instincts may tell you to look at where you're sliding, but this will only make you lose control of your bike even more.

Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go and steer in that direction.

Don't Slam on the Brakes

When your motorcycle starts to skid or slide, your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes. However, this is one of the worst things you can do in this situation. Braking hard will only make your wheels lock up and cause you to lose control of your bike completely. Instead, gently apply both the front and rear brakes while keeping your bike as upright as possible. This will help slow down your bike without causing it to skid even more.

If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), let them do their job and don't try to pump the brakes.

Use Countersteering

Countersteering is a technique that involves pushing the handlebars in the opposite direction of where you want to go. This may seem counterintuitive, but it's an effective way to regain control of your motorcycle when it starts to skid or slide. If your bike is sliding to the left, push the handlebars to the right. This will help straighten out your bike and prevent it from sliding further. Once you have regained control, you can then steer in the direction you want to go.

Shift Your Weight

Another way to regain control of your motorcycle during a skid or slide is to shift your weight.

If your bike is sliding to one side, shift your body weight in the opposite direction. This will help balance out your bike and prevent it from tipping over. It's important to remember that you should never try to put your foot down to stabilize yourself during a skid or slide. This can cause serious injuries and make the situation even more dangerous.

Avoid Overcorrecting

When trying to regain control of your motorcycle, it's important not to overcorrect. This means making small, gradual adjustments rather than sudden, jerky movements.

Overcorrecting can cause your bike to fishtail and make the situation even more dangerous. If you feel like you're losing control of your bike again after regaining it, don't panic and try to make big corrections. Instead, continue making small adjustments until you have regained complete control.

Know Your Bike's Limits

Every motorcycle is different, and it's important to know its limits. Some bikes may handle better in wet or slippery conditions, while others may not. It's important to know how your bike handles in different situations so that you can be better prepared. If you're riding a new or unfamiliar bike, take some time to get used to it before hitting the road.

This will help you understand how it handles and how it may react in different situations.

Wear Proper Gear

Last but not least, always wear proper gear when riding a motorcycle. This includes a helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing. In the event of a skid or slide, these gear can help protect you from serious injuries. It's also important to regularly check your tires and make sure they are in good condition. Worn out tires can increase the chances of skidding or sliding on the road.