Tips to Control a Motorcycle from Skidding

Your two-wheeler would skid if the wheels lose traction with the road surface, the brakes become less effective and the bike no longer drives the way it should be.

What are the Causes of a Motorcycle Skid?

A motorcycle can skid due to different reasons, which usually involve:

• A sudden change in direction
• Excessive braking that locks both or one of the wheels
• Excessive acceleration that causes the bike’s rear wheel to spin
• Leaning too much at the corners, which causes both the tyres to lose traction

How to Control a Motorcycle Skid?

Here are some of the reasons that cause your bike to skid and the tips that you can use to control a skid on your motorcycle:

• Excessive Braking

  To control a bike skid due to extreme braking:

  • Release the brake of the motorcycle to allow the wheels to turn again and regain traction.
  • Then firmly reapply the brakes to avoid the wheels from getting locked again

  If your bike has skid due to excessive braking then you need to apply hard brakes. At the same time, it will be difficult for you to steer as the tyres that are missing traction with the road will prevent it from happening. You may naturally press the brake harder but its better if you avoid doing it as it’s important for you to regain traction with the road surface to gain control of your steering.

• Excess Acceleration

  To control your two-wheeler skid due to extra acceleration you need to reduce the throttle in order to gain traction again. If you apply acceleration in access, the rear will can lose traction and the bike can slide sideways.  So, try and steer it into the direction that your motorbike is sliding
  
  Change of Direction or Cornering

  Your 2-wheeler may begin to skid whilst changing the road direction or cornering.

  • In that case you need to maintain the balance; if you keep your feet on the road it can lose stability, so you need to keep your feet on the footrests
  • Steer your bike in the direction in which your bike is skidding. If it skidding towards left move in that direction and if it’s skidding towards right then you move towards the right

• Avoid Using Clutch

  Engine braking is a technique that can help you in decreasing the speed of the bike along with the brakes. When pressing hard brakes, avoid using the clutch and shift the gear down. You might feel some jerks but your bike’s speed will get reduced.

• Shift Your Weight

  Put extra weight on the rear wheel to reduce the skid. And you might lose control completely if you try to slide your bike forward, so avoid doing that.

• Look Where You Want To Go

  Do not get your mind diverted, it is always better to look in the direction of your bike. Do not focus on other vehicles, and be extra careful when turning at the corners. And in case it skids, you can immediately get your bike to find its way with subtle body movements.

• Maintain Calm

  In all the accident situations it is recommended to maintain calm and do not panic. Find a solution to move out of the situation without harming yourself. With a relaxed mind, you can react to the situation in a better way.  Keep your focus on the road and not anywhere else as in this way you can anticipate danger and come out of it quickly.

So next time,

Always pay attention to the road and refrain from making common mistakes while driving on a narrow road. In addition to the above-mentioned safety tips and tricks do not forget to wear your helmet and safety gears as it will shield in case of skidding and prevent injuries.