You are driving a motorcycle in the rain. How should you react when you notice that the rear tyre of your vehicle is losing grip?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
B. Slow down immediately, reducing first of all the engine rpm.
Explanation
In the photo you can see the rear wheel and the swingarm of a motorcycle with a chain, on an unpaved surface. When, in the rain, you feel that the rear wheel is losing grip, you slow down immediately, reducing the engine rpm first - answer B.
The Road Traffic Act requires you to brake in a way that does not cause danger and to ride in a way suited to the weather conditions. A rear-wheel slide on a wet surface means that the tyre is getting more drive than it can transmit - the cure is to ease off the throttle gently, which reduces the driving force and lets the wheel regain grip, while at the same time keeping your direction of travel and keeping the motorcycle upright. Braking immediately (answer A) on a slippery surface locks the wheels and turns the slide into a fall. Changing down a gear (answer C) sharply increases engine braking on the rear wheel, which then slides even more. It is important to close the throttle smoothly, not suddenly - cutting the drive abruptly on a leaning motorcycle can also jerk the rear wheel. In the rain you ride more slowly, accelerate gently and avoid painted lines and drain covers.
Legal basis: Art. 19 para. 1 and para. 2 point 2 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)