Emergencies are rare, but a planned response keeps a problem from becoming a crash. The repeated principle: stay calm, keep control, and slow down gradually rather than reacting violently.
Tire failure
A flat tire feels different depending on which tire fails:
- Front tire flat: the steering feels heavy.
- Rear tire flat: the back of the motorcycle slides from side to side.
In either case:
- Grip the handlebars firmly and keep steering control.
- Stay off the brake. Gradually close the throttle and let the motorcycle coast.
- When you are going very slowly, edge toward the side of the road and coast to a stop, away from traffic.
Stuck throttle
If the throttle will not close, ease back on it, pull in the clutch, and turn off the engine with the kill switch. If the motorcycle has no kill switch, use the clutch and brakes to bring it to a controlled stop.
Wobble
If the motorcycle starts to wobble, grip the handlebars firmly and do not fight the wobble. Gradually close the throttle and let the bike slow and settle. Do not brake hard, sudden braking can make a wobble worse.
Engine seizure
An engine can seize from overheating or lack of lubrication; warning signs include power loss and a change in engine sound. On a clutch-equipped motorcycle, squeeze the clutch to disengage the engine from the rear wheel, then pull over and let the engine cool.
Animals on the road
Do everything you can to avoid swerving around an animal. A sudden swerve is very dangerous. It can send you into another vehicle or off the road. Controlled braking is usually the safer choice.
Memory hook: in most emergencies, roll off, don't grab. Easing the throttle closed keeps the motorcycle stable; grabbing the brake or swerving hard often makes things worse.
Recall: How does a flat front tire feel compared with a flat rear tire? What should you do if the throttle sticks open? Why is swerving around an animal discouraged?