What should you do if your motorcycle begins to skid?

When your motorcycle begins to skid, the appropriate action to take is to lay off the brakes and steer into the skid. This response helps you regain control of the motorcycle. Skidding often occurs due to a loss of traction, and by steering into the skid, you are allowing the rear wheel to come back in line with the front wheel, reducing the likelihood of a complete loss of control.

When a motorcycle skids, it is typically the rear wheel that breaks loose first. By steering in the direction of the skid, you can help realign the wheels, allowing them to regain traction. Laying off the brakes is important because braking while skidding can lead to worsening the situation and exacerbating the skid, as it can shift weight forward and make the rear wheel lose even more traction.

The incorrect options involve actions that could worsen the skid or lead to further loss of control. Pulling the throttle aggressively can increase speed without regaining traction, while trying to brake harder can worsen the skid and lead to a crash. Steering away from the skid may cause the motorcycle to become unstable, potentially leading to a fall. Therefore, understanding how to appropriately respond by steering into the skid is crucial for maintaining control and safely navigating the situation.