Lowside
The motorcycle slides out and falls to the inside of the turn. Less violent than a highside but far more common.
What is it
A lowside is when the motorcycle loses traction and falls to the inside of the turn. The tire slides out, and the bike drops onto its lower side. The rider typically slides along the pavement with the motorcycle.
How it happens
- Too much lean angle for the available traction
- Braking while leaned over — the front tire exceeds its grip limit
- Slippery surface — sand, paint, oil, wet asphalt
- Cold tires — insufficient temperature for proper grip
How to reduce the risk
- Complete braking before the turn, not during
- Warm up tires for the first few miles — no aggressive leaning
- Read the road surface: sand, paint lines, stains — reduce lean
- Never ride at the edge of tire grip — always keep a margin
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Related terms
Highside
A violent ejection over the top of the motorcycle — one of the most dangerous motorcycle crashes.
Stoppie
Flipping over the front wheel from excessive front brake force. The rear wheel lifts off the ground.
Whiskey Throttle
Involuntary throttle opening from panic — the hand grips tighter, accelerating the bike uncontrollably.
Tank Slapper / Wobble
Uncontrollable handlebar oscillation at speed — the bars violently slap side to side.
T-Bone Collision
A right-angle collision where one vehicle strikes the side of another. Extremely dangerous for motorcyclists.
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Stoppie
Flipping over the front wheel from excessive front brake force. The rear wheel lifts off the ground.