What to Do if Your Motorcycle Starts to Skid

Here’s What You Should Do If Your Motorcycle Starts to Skid

So there you are, cruising along the winding roads of Utah, the wind whipping through your hair, and then suddenly—bam!—your motorcycle starts to skid. What do you do? Panic might be the first thing that crosses your mind, but let’s take a deep breath and break this down.

Understanding Skidding

First off, let’s get to the heart of the matter. A skid is often caused by loss of traction between your tires and the road. This can happen for various reasons—wet pavement, loose gravel, or simply sharp turns at the wrong speed. The goal here is to regain control and avoid a nasty spill. When it feels like things are spiraling out of control, remember that there’s a method to the madness.

A Common Misstep: Fighting the Skid

It’s common for riders, especially those who are still learning, to instinctively turn away from the direction the motorcycle is sliding. Honestly, that’s a common reflex—but it’s the wrong move. You know what? This action can often lead to more trouble because it can worsen the skid and throw you completely off balance.

The Correct Move: Steer in the Direction of the Skid

The right answer to our opening question? Steer in the direction of the skid. This technique, known as countersteering, is crucial. Here’s why: when you steer into the skid, you help align your front wheel with the path your motorcycle is currently on. This move stabilizes the bike and maximizes your chances of regaining grip on the road.

Imagine you’re ice skating and you start to slip. What do you do? You lean into the slide to regain balance. The same principle applies here.

Why Not to Accelerate or Brake Hard?

Now, what about the other options, like accelerating or braking hard? Remember, these can actually exacerbate the situation. Accelerating tends to push your rear wheel out further, while braking abruptly can lock up your wheels and increase the likelihood of a crash. Clearly, neither option puts you in a safe position.

The Dreaded Fall Off

Let’s be clear: falling off? Not an option. I mean, it’s every rider’s worst nightmare, right? And while falling off sounds like a swift exit, it does nothing to regain control when you're already sliding. In fact, it can lead to serious injury.

Practice Makes Perfect

So, how can you prepare for such moments? Practice, practice, practice! This technique of steering into the skid takes time to feel natural. Consider enrolling in an advanced riding course where you can safely learn to handle different riding conditions. Trust me, the more familiar you are with these techniques, the less panicked you’ll feel if a slip happens.

Real-World Scenarios

Let’s talk briefly about real-world scenarios. Imagine you’re riding on a freshly paved road, and suddenly, the sky opens up, and rain starts pouring. The asphalt becomes slick, and that’s your cue to lower your speed and increase your awareness. If you sense a little slip, don’t freak out—remember, steer into it!

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to handle a skid is a crucial skill for any motorcycle rider. With time and practice, you'll feel more confident navigating through those potentially slick or tricky moments on your ride. Just remember, it’s about keeping your cool when things get shaky on the road. Now, get out there and ride safe!