What is the correct action if your motorcycle starts to skid?

When a motorcycle starts to skid, the best action to take is to release the throttle and steer in the direction of the skid. This technique helps regain control of the motorcycle by allowing you to balance the bike and prevent the rear wheel from sliding out further.

When you release the throttle, it reduces the power to the rear wheel, which can help it regain traction. Steering into the skid aligns the motorcycle with its direction of travel and helps stabilize it, allowing the rider to recover from the skid more effectively. This approach also helps to avoid the risk of an overcorrection, which can lead to a loss of control or a worse crash.

Other actions, such as accelerating aggressively, could worsen the situation by further reducing traction and increasing instability. Sudden braking can lead to skidding as well, especially if the front wheel locks up. Steering away from the turn is counterproductive since it can cause the motorcycle to flip or go off balance during a slide. Therefore, the recommended response during a skid focuses on regaining control through careful throttle management and proper steering technique.