What is the safest way to handle a skid on a motorcycle?

To effectively recover from a skid on a motorcycle, gradually releasing the throttle and avoiding abrupt braking is the safest approach. This method helps maintain control of the motorcycle and allows the tires to regain traction more smoothly. Abrupt actions, such as slamming on the brakes, can exacerbate the skid and lead to losing control.

When throttle input is reduced gradually, the weight shifts back onto the rear tire, which can help improve grip and stabilize the bike. It’s important to remain calm during a skid; sudden movements or decisions can worsen the situation.

In contrast, hitting the brakes hard can cause the wheels to lock up, worsening a skid. Steering in the opposite direction might be appropriate in certain scenarios but can be counterproductive if it leads to oversteering. Accelerating to regain traction could lead to more instability and potentially increase the skid. Thus, the method of gradually releasing the throttle and avoiding abrupt braking strikes the right balance between regaining control and preventing further loss of traction.