Riding on Slippery Surfaces

How to safely Ride Motorcycles on Roads with little Traction

Jul 18, 2007
Matt Finley

Metal Grate on Roadway - USFS

Knowing how a motorcycle reacts when traction is at a minimum, such as a metal grated bridge or cattle crossing, can help you avoid falling.

Riding motorcycles on slippery surfaces is dangerous and takes practice. You only have 2 small patches of rubber that separate you from the ground, so maximizing their use in adverse situations is key to safety.

Lets assume you are riding along a road you've never been on before, and you notice a metal-grated bridge ahead. Do you know how to get across it safely?

Here's How:

Check the mirrors and look behind you to ensure that no one is tailgating you. If so, open up some space or pull over if you don't think the vehicle behind you will give you enough room as you cross.
As you approach the bridge, check for any oncoming traffic, pedestrians, bicycles or other objects that could pose a threat if you need to use extra lane space.
Be sure to ride in the left or right tire track position. The traction here will be better since this is where the tires from cars ride.
Slow down a little. Have your speed set before you get there so you don't upset stability or traction.
If necessary, drop down one gear to match your speed, but don't leave the motorcycle in too high (or too low) of a gear. Too high of a gear could make any throttle inputs jerky and cause a loss of traction or instability. Too low and you may cause "dieseling", which could cause instability.
Keep your head up and your body straight and seated.
If you're tense, loosen your grip on the handlebars. Tight grips on handlebars pass more jerky inputs to the tire than a looser, firm grip.
Try to relax. Any tension you feel is usually passed through your body and absorbed by the motorcycle. You usually don't notice it, but on a very slippery surface, you will.
As you enter the bridge, keep a steady speed with the motorcycle as straight up as possible. Don't make any sudden inputs to either the drive train, the handlebars or the foot pegs.
You will likely feel the motorcycle sliding a bit. Maintain steady speed and don't panic.
As you move across, keep a straight line across the bridge.

Important Tips to Remember:

Resist the temptation to slow down while on the slippery surface. Keep a steady speed with your head up. Also avoid shifting gears or moving the handlebars quickly.
Dirt, pebbles, leaves, trash, branches and any other number of small items on the already slippery surface cause even more traction loss. Avoid these if possible.
Riding across a rain soaked metal bridge can be one of the worst situations imaginable. If you haven't ridden much in these kinds of conditions, you should wait until you feel more comfortable with the dry ones before attempting it.

If you stay calm, don't over-react or make any sudden inputs, and plan your line, crossing a slippery surface on a motorcycle can be easier than you think.