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At low speeds, if the front tyre goes flat what is the first thing you will notice? At low speeds, if the front tyre goes flat what is the first thing you will notice?

  • A. The steering will feel heavy.

  • B. The motorcycle will tend to slide from side to side.

  • C. The motorcycle will lean heavily to one side.

  •  
    The correct answer is A
     
    Correct. Your turning ability will be compromised and you may experience a front wheel washout if you try to turn. Use the back brake gently and try to brake in a straight line.
     
 
 
 
 

Tyre blowouts on a motorbike

If you have a blowout or puncture the first thing to do is close the throttle and let the bike coast to a stop. Keep a firm hold on the handlebars and try to avoid turning. Don't let the bike control you - stay in control. If the rear tyre blows then you will be able to use the front brake to help you slow down, and if the front tyre blows you will be able to use the rear brake. But don't brake heavily unless you need to to avoid an obstacle or scrub off enough speed before a corner. Braking heavily on the rear wheel can cause a skid quite easily.

In the case of a front wheel puncture, keep your weight more on the back wheel. At low speeds you will notice that the steering will feel heavy. If you try to turn, the tyre could roll off the rim and the bike will slide from underneath you.

In the case of a rear wheel puncture the first thing you will notice is that the back end of the motorbike will want to slide from side-to-side. Rear-wheel slides are not that difficult to control unless you let them get too far around, in which case they can highside you (flip you off the bike).

This video shows you the kind of vibration you get through your front handlebars when you get a front wheel puncture on a motorcycle.