Practice question

What should you do if the front wheel locks up when braking?

  1. Steer hard left
  2. Release the front brake
  3. Accelerate to regain control
  4. Pull the clutch in

Answer: B — Release the front brake

Releasing the front brake is the correct action to take if the front wheel locks up while braking. When the front wheel locks, traction is lost, which can lead to a slide and potentially result in a loss of control of the motorcycle. By easing up on the front brake, you allow the wheel to begin rotating again, which helps to restore traction and regain control of the bike. This technique is crucial as maintaining control is essential for safe riding. When the front wheel is locked, the motorcycle can become unstable, increasing the risk of a crash. The actions of steering hard left, accelerating, or pulling in the clutch may not provide the same level of control restoration or could make the situation worse. Steering hard in one direction can cause the rider to lose balance, while accelerating does not address the issue of locked traction and may exacerbate the loss of control. Pulling in the clutch can help to some extent by disconnecting the engine power to the wheel, but it does not directly assist in regaining traction on the front brake. Thus, releasing the front brake is the most effective response to regain stability and control.

Practice more: NZ Motorcycle Learner License Practice Test →