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How to Avoid Skidding on Your Scooter or Motorcycle

Mar. 2 2021 Ownership Tips By Cycles Of JacksonVIlle

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Something that can be frightening for new and experienced motorcyclists alike is the feeling of your motorcycle skidding and sliding out from under you as you frantically try to control it. A skid can cause a rider to slide out and hit the pavement or collide with another vehicle, which is extremely dangerous.

So how do you take steps to prevent skidding from occurring while you ride? Cycles of Jacksonville is your Florida scooter and motorcycle dealer, serving the greater Jacksonville metro. No matter what kind of bike you ride, here are some tips to help avoid skidding and keep yourself upright in wet weather or other challenging riding conditions.

Causes of Skidding

Skidding might happen for a number of reasons, some of which include:

  • Wet or slippery roads due to rain, ice or other inclement weather
  • Braking too quickly
  • Taking a corner too severely
  • Accelerating so fast you lose traction
  • Changing direction suddenly
    Each of these issues has its own answers when it comes to skidding prevention.

Rider Prevention Strategies

You can prevent skidding from each of the above scenarios by being a proactive and responsible rider who is aware of your surroundings. Here are some recommendations for how to avoid skidding:

  • Weather: Check the forecast before you go out riding and try to avoid visible puddles and black ice in the path ahead. Ride slowly and with extreme caution.
  • Braking: Apply brakes slowly and well in advance of needing to stop to maintain traction, and release brakes if you feel the wheels begin to lock up.
  • Cornering: Take corners at a wide angle while looking ahead instead of down at the wheels.
  • Accelerating: Speed up your motorcycle gradually so that your tires can retain their purchase on the road.
  • Direction: Avoid changing direction suddenly if at all possible; take turns gently and with purpose.

Dealing With Skids As They Happen

Of course, no matter how good a rider you are, it’s still possible to skid while riding your motorcycle. If your motorcycle skids, you need to try to keep balanced and prevent it from sliding out entirely. We recommend:

  • Remain calm and try not to panic as you look for a way out of the situation.
  • Focus your attention on where you want your bike to go.
  • Maintain stability by steering your motorcycle in the direction of the skid. 
  • Brake the engine without using the clutch: press the brakes without using your clutch and shift down your gear to reduce your bike’s speed (this may feel jerky or shuddery to do).
  • Shift your body weight to place more weight on the rear wheel.

Stop by our dealership in Jacksonville, FL, today to take a look at our wide array of new and used scooters and motorcycles for sale. Discuss financing options with our staff if you’d like to use them to fund your purchase. Cycles of Jacksonville proudly serves all our Florida customers coming from Orlando and St. Augustine.