Poor road surface

Loose surface

• sand
• loose gravel
• mud
• broken asphalt edge

On loose surfaces: no abrupt inputs

On a loose surface, brake, apply throttle, and change direction more smoothly. Keep the motorcycle as upright as possible and do not combine hard braking with a large lean angle. A slight shift of the wheels beneath you does not necessarily mean a fall.

Check how ABS works

On a loose surface, ABS may activate differently than it does on asphalt. Find out in advance how your motorcycle behaves when braking on gravel and which modes the manufacturer provides. Take this into account when choosing speed and following distance.

If the motorcycle wanders slightly

On a loose surface, the wheels may shift slightly. Look farther ahead and correct your direction with small, smooth movements, without jerking the handlebar.

Where to look and which line to take

Look ahead for areas with less sand, mud, and large gravel, and choose that line. A sudden move to the side at the last moment may be worse than the rough section itself.

Short slippery section

If possible, cross it with less lean and at a speed chosen in advance. It is better to finish hard braking before the section.

Puddle of unknown depth

There may be a hole, sharp edge, or debris under the water, and the puddle itself may be deeper than it looks. If there is room to go around calmly, go around it.

If you can no longer avoid the obstacle

Before a pothole, joint, or raised edge, slow as much as possible and straighten the motorcycle. Just before contact, ease off hard braking: the fork will extend slightly, leaving more travel to absorb the impact. Ride through without abrupt steering inputs.

Transition between surfaces

When leaving asphalt for gravel or a damaged shoulder, assess the edge: there may be a step or loose buildup. Choose the transition point and line in advance.

Hydroplaning

At speed, a layer of water can separate the tire from the road. That is hydroplaning. It depends on speed, water depth, and tire condition, so there is no single speed threshold for all conditions.