What should you do before swerving if braking is required?

Separating braking from swerving is crucial for maintaining control of the motorcycle. When faced with an emergency situation where you need to avoid an obstacle, your instinct may prompt you to do both actions simultaneously. However, executing them separately allows for better stabilization of the bike. When you brake first, this helps to slow down the motorcycle and shift some weight forward, which enhances traction on the front tire. After establishing control by braking, you can then initiate the swerve, allowing for a smoother maneuver without the risk of losing traction or control.

Combining both actions—braking while swerving—can lead to a loss of control, especially in tight situations where traction is compromised. Attempting to swerve before braking may also not provide enough distance to avoid the obstacle. Hence, separating these critical actions enhances safety and control on the road.