How To Prevent And Control Motorcycle Skidding
Motorcycle skidding is a frightening and dangerous experience, which could lead to a collision, motorcycle damage, or even injury. Motorcycle riders should take proper precautions to prevent skidding and learn the strategies to handle skidding. We cover both in the below guide. If you have any questions or want to shop motorcycles for sale, contact Biggs Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is in San Marcos, California, and we also serve those in San Diego and Oceanside.
Preventing Motorcycle Skidding
There are many proactive ways to keep motorcycle skidding from occurring.
Watch The Weather
Poor weather conditions can affect the road conditions. Rain, for example, can cause hidden puddles and slippery spots. Avoid riding in poor weather when possible. If you must go for a motorcycle ride, steer clear of puddles and take it slower than usual on slick roads.
Brake Cautiously
Suddenly slamming on your brakes can result in a motorcycle skid. Apply pressure well in advance so you can do it slowly and evenly. If you feel your motorcycle wheels begin to lock up, release the brakes.
Approach Corners Carefully
Taking a corner too tight can also cause motorcycle skidding. Try to turn at a wide angle and a steady pace. It's also helpful to look ahead, instead of down at the motorcycle tires.
Accelerate Evenly
Trying to accelerate too fast can easily trigger motorcycle skidding. Focus on gradually speeding up so that you can maintain traction more easily.
Change Directions Slowly
A sudden direction change can cause a motorcycle skid. Keep your motorcycle straight and change direction cautiously.
Handling A Motorcycle Skid
Despite your best efforts, you could still end up skidding. If that happens, you can follow these steps.
- Stay calm and collected. Panicking will send your body into fight, flight, or freeze mode and can interfere with your decision making process.
- Direct your attention to where you want your motorcycle to go.
- Steer your motorcycle into the direction of the skid.
- Engage the brakes without using the clutch, then shift down your gear to decrease the motorcycle's speed. This may feel jerky or shuddery.
- Adjust your body weight so that more of it rests on the rear wheel.
These steps should help you stop the skid and regain control of your motorcycle. It may be helpful to practice in an empty parking lot or low-traffic residential road. That will allow you to build up the muscle memory, making it easier to engage the steps in a real time motorcycle skid situation.
Looking to explore motorcycles for sale? Check out the selection at Biggs Harley-Davidson. Peruse the models online or stop by our dealership in San Marcos, California. We are also proud to serve those in San Diego and Oceanside, California.