If your bike develops a full skid you are unlikely to have the time and space to correct it. Concentration and obseration are needed to avoid skids and to be able to take immediate corrective action if one starts to develop.
When a skid develops, the first action should be to recognize what type it is and remove the cause.
Rear Wheel Skid
Occurs when the rear wheel loses grip because of:
- excessive speed for the circumstance
- excessive banking
- harsh acceleration
- excessive braking
- not matching engine speed to road speed when releasing the clutch
A rear wheel skid can cause the rear wheel to slide to either side. During cornering, the wheel will swing to the outside of the curve. The bike may turn broadside and go completely out of control. It may fall to the inside of the curve if the bike is banked.
Remove the cause by easing off the throttle and reducing braking effort and bring the bike upright. Steer in the direction of the skid. When stability is restored, apply the throttle or brake but with greater sensitivity.
If you are traveling straight in the upright position (not banking, or cornering) and you lock the rear wheel due to excessive braking, it is best to ride out the skid until stopped to avoid a high side.
Front Wheel Skid
Occurs when front wheel loses its grip because of:
- excessive speed for the circumstance
- excessive turn on the handlebars
- excessive banking during cornering
- excessive braking
There is very little time to recognize and react to and correct a front whel skid, so make every effort to avoid one.
If the bike is banked and the front wheel suddenly regains its grip the bike will be unbalanced, on the wrong course and in danger of falling to the outside of the curve. Restore control by returning the bike to an upright position and reducing speed.
If you are traveling straight in the upright position (not banking, or cornering) and you lock the front wheel due to excessive braking, release the front brake and reapply with reduced force (greater sensitivity).
You will feel a swaying when the front is about to lock up. This occurs rapidly so be sure to recognize and correct quickly.
