What should you do if your motorcycle begins to skid?

If your motorcycle begins to skid, the appropriate action is to release the throttle and steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps to regain control because it allows the rear wheel to recover grip and stabilizes the motorcycle. When you release the throttle, you reduce the power to the rear wheel, which aids in preventing further loss of traction. Steering in the direction you wish to go helps align the motorcycle with the path of travel, which can also assist in regaining control.

The other responses can lead to worsening the situation. Accelerating while in a skid tends to exacerbate the loss of traction, as it increases the likelihood of losing control further. Braking hard can cause the wheels to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash. Turning off the engine immediately is unnecessary and can create additional problems, such as losing power to critical systems like brakes and lights. Therefore, the best course of action during a skid is to release the throttle and carefully steer to regain control.