How to Avoid Skidding on Your Motorcycle
Skidding is a scary situation for any motorcycle rider, and new riders in particular are likely to panic when this happens. Panic is a logical response! After all, a skid can cause the rider to slide out and hit the pavement, or collide with another vehicle. That’s why skidding should be avoided whenever possible. That being said, when skidding does occur, there are some strategies that can help you take back control of your motorcycle.
This guide from North County Indian Motorcycle® explains how to prevent skidding, and how to deal with skidding when it occurs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! North County Indian Motorcycle® is your trusted motorcycle dealer in the San Diego region, with locations in San Marcos and Corona, CA.
What Causes Skidding?
Skidding can result from:
- Sudden braking
- Accelerating too fasta
- Making sharp turns
- Riding on slick roads (usually due to rain or ice)
- Abruptly changing direction
Of course, combining two or more of these factors will compound the risk – for example, making sudden sharp turns on wet pavement can easily lead to skidding.
How Do I Prevent Skidding?
Like so many things, skidding prevention is simple in theory but harder in practice. First of all, you need to avoid all the maneuvers mentioned above. Apply the brakes slowly and well in advance to maintain traction, and release the brakes if you feel the wheels starting to lock up. Take corners at a wide angle, and accelerate at a gradual rate so that your tires retain their purchase on the pavement.
Second, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast, and stay home if inclement weather is predicted. If you must ride in wet or icy conditions, take it slow and practice extreme caution. Steer clear of any visible puddles or ice on the road.
What Should I Do if I Start Skidding?
Despite their best efforts, even the most experienced motorcycle rider may sometimes experience skidding. When this happens, the goal is to stay balanced and prevent the bike from sliding out from under you. Resist the impulse to panic, and instead focus your attention on the direction you want to head in. Steering in the direction of the skid should allow you to resume control of the motorcycle.
While you steer into the skid, brake the engine without using the clutch: simply press the brakes and downshift to reduce speed. This method may cause the bike to shudder, but it will ultimately let you slow to a stop without losing control.
If you ever find yourself skidding, we hope these tips come in handy! Looking for more advice on motorcycle safety? The qualified staff here at North County Indian Motorcycle® would be happy to assist you. We welcome our neighbors from Oceanside, CA.