How to Handle Emergency Situations While Riding Your Motorcycle

It happens to the best of us.

You’re out riding and all of a sudden your bike starts to feel weird.

It could be a flat tire, a loss of power, or something more catastrophic.

Either way, there is no worse feeling than running into an emergency when you’re out riding.

But don’t worry too much.

Most emergencies can be handled safely, with minimal stress – as long as you’re prepared.

This guide is for new and experienced riders who may be worried about handling different mid-ride emergencies.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation is crucial: Always wear proper gear, maintain your bike, and stay mentally focused.

• Stay calm in emergencies: Knowing how to respond makes a huge difference.

• Practice makes perfect: Regularly practice emergency maneuvers to build confidence.

• Weather awareness matters: Adjust your riding techniques for rain, wind, and fog.

• Post-emergency steps: Check yourself, inspect your bike, and seek help if needed.

• Training is invaluable: Advanced courses and staying informed can save your life.

The Importance of Being Prepared

First things first, you need to be well prepared.

This is your first defense when it comes to handling emergencies out on the road and it’s surprisingly easy because it’s the things you should already be doing.

A. Safety Gear

Let’s face it, accidents can happen no matter how careful of a rider you are.

And when those accidents happen, the only thing riders have protecting them is their motorcycle gear.

Having solid gear is a no-brainer for most riders since it’s our only form of protection on the bike.

We go over this in better detail in our article on The Essential Motorcycle Gear, however, if you want to be prepared in the case of an emergency, always make sure you have the right gear ahead of time.

B. Motorcycle Maintenance

One of the best ways to avoid motorcycle emergencies on the road is to catch them BEFORE you hit the road.

Most of the time, if you are staying on top of your motorcycle maintenance, you’ll either avoid or catch any issues long before they become a problem.

Regardless, it’s always a good idea to run through a Pre-ride Checklist, inspecting all of the crucial safety parts before each ride.

Here are some of the areas I check before every ride:

• Check for any leaks or loose parts
• Check Tire PSI and Tread
• Check your chain for oil, kinks, and rust
• Check your fluid levels and color (brake fluid, oil, coolant)
• Check Suspension for Leaks and Rebound
• Check Brakes*

C. Mental Preparedness

Finally, being mentally prepared is the secret to avoiding emergencies and handling them safely when they do arise.

This really comes down to:

• Getting in the right mental state before each ride

• Staying focused

• Staying Alert

• Respecting your ride

Handling Common Motorcycle Emergencies

So you’ve prepared well, and you run into an emergency while out riding on the road. How do you handle it safely and correctly?

Here is a list of some of the most common Motorcycle-related emergencies and how you should handle them.

1. Running Out of Gas

Signs:

• Your engine starts to sputter.
• Sudden loss of power.
• Fuel gauge is empty (or near empty).

What to Do:

• Safely pull off to the side of the road or into a parking lot.
• If you’re close to a gas station, push your bike there (if safe).
• If you’re stranded, use your phone to locate the nearest station or call roadside assistance.

Pro Tip: Always fuel up before a ride and carry a small emergency fuel container on long trips.

2. Tire Blowout or Flat

Signs:

• A sudden wobble or pulling sensation.
• Difficulty maintaining control of the bike.
• Hissing noise or obvious deflation.

What to Do:

• Stay calm and keep a firm grip on the handlebars.
• Gradually roll off the throttle—do not brake hard.
• Shift your weight slightly to the back to reduce load on the front tire.
• Ease over to the shoulder or a safe area.

Pro Tip: Always carry a tire repair kit and ensure your tires are properly inflated before each ride.

3. Brake Failure

Signs:

• Brake lever feels loose or unresponsive.
• Sudden inability to slow down.

What to Do:

• Downshift through the gears to reduce speed.
• Use your engine brake and gradually apply the rear brake (if functional).
• Pump the brake lever to attempt to regain pressure.
• If all else fails, look for a safe escape route (like a grass patch or gravel) to bring the bike to a stop.

Pro Tip: Check your brake fluid regularly and ensure brake pads are in good condition.

4. Sudden Obstacles

Examples: Debris, potholes, animals, or stalled vehicles in your path.

What to Do:

• Look ahead and scan the road constantly to spot obstacles early.
• Use countersteering to quickly maneuver around the obstacle.
• Avoid panic braking—this can cause you to lose control.

Pro Tip: Practice evasive maneuvers in a safe environment to build muscle memory.

5. Engine Failure

Signs:

• Loss of power.
• Unusual noises like knocking or sputtering.
• Smoke or warning lights on your dash.

What to Do:

• Pull in the clutch and shift to neutral.
• Signal and carefully maneuver to the roadside.
• Assess the issue, but avoid riding further unless it’s safe to do so.

Pro Tip: Stay on top of regular oil changes and always listen for unusual engine sounds as an early warning.

6. Stuck Throttle

Signs:

• Throttle doesn’t release when you roll off.
• Engine revs uncontrollably.

What to Do:

• Immediately pull in the clutch to disengage power to the rear wheel.
• Kill the engine using the kill switch (or ignition key if necessary).
• Safely coast to the roadside using your brakes.

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your throttle cable for wear or dirt buildup.

7. Front or Rear Tire Lockup

Signs:

• Rear: The bike fishtails.
• Front: The handlebars jerk or the front end starts to slide.

What to Do:

• Rear Lockup: Keep the rear brake pressed until the bike stops fishtailing, then release gently.
• Front Lockup: Immediately release the front brake to regain traction, then reapply lightly if needed.
• Complete Lockup: Remain upright and in control, allowing the bike to come to a stop as safely as possible.

Pro Tip: Practice braking in a controlled environment to understand your bike’s limits.

8. Wreck or Fall

What to Do:

• Stay as calm as possible and assess yourself for injuries.
• If you’re in a safe spot, move off the road.
• Call for help if you or others are injured.
• If the bike is damaged, check for leaks and other hazards before attempting to move it.

Pro Tip: Riding with protective gear and practicing defensive riding techniques significantly reduces the risk of serious injury in a fall.

The most important takeaway? Stay calm, act quickly, and always prepare ahead of time.

Emergencies may be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.

Weather-Related Emergencies

Weather can change in an instant, and knowing how to adjust your riding techniques can make all the difference in staying safe.

Here’s how to handle some of the most challenging weather conditions you might face on the road.

9. Riding in Heavy Rain

Rain is one of the most common challenges riders face, and it requires extra caution to stay safe.

Adjusting Riding Techniques:

• Ride at a slower speed to maintain control and increase reaction time.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns to prevent skidding.
• Use smooth, gradual inputs on the throttle, brakes, and handlebars.

Ensuring Visibility:

• Keep your visor clear with an anti-fog solution or rain-repellent coating.
• Wear brightly colored or reflective gear to help others see you.
• Maintain a safe following distance—at least double the usual space to account for longer stopping distances.

Pro Tip: Avoid painted lines, metal grates, and oil patches—they become extremely slippery when wet.

10. Dealing with High Winds

Riding in high winds can throw off your balance and make maintaining a straight line difficult.

Maintaining Stability and Control:

• Keep a firm grip on the handlebars without tensing up.
• Lean slightly into the wind to counteract its force.
• Lower your profile by tucking in your arms and knees to reduce wind resistance.

Positioning Strategies:

• Stay in the center of your lane to allow for sudden gusts.
• If possible, ride on the side of the lane opposite to where the wind is blowing (e.g., if the wind is coming from the right, position yourself slightly left of center).
• Be cautious when passing large vehicles like trucks, as they can create wind turbulence.

Pro Tip: Avoid riding during extreme wind conditions, especially crosswinds that can make controlling your bike unpredictable.

11. Navigating Foggy Conditions

Fog reduces visibility dramatically, making it one of the riskiest weather conditions for riders.

Enhancing Visibility:

• Use low-beam headlights or fog lights—high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility.
• Wear a high-visibility vest or gear with reflective elements.
• Keep your visor clean and clear of fog by cracking it open slightly to allow airflow.

Speed Adjustments and Following Distances:

• Ride slower than usual, as obstacles or hazards may appear suddenly in dense fog.
• Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.
• Use the edge of the road or lane markers as a guide if visibility is extremely low.

Pro Tip: If the fog becomes too thick to ride safely, pull off the road and wait it out. Never push through if you can’t see where you’re going.

Being prepared for weather-related challenges isn’t just about adjusting your techniques—it’s about knowing your limits and riding with caution.

Safety always comes first, no matter the conditions.

Post-Emergency Actions

Once the immediate danger has passed, what you do next is just as important.

Staying calm and taking the right steps will ensure your safety and get you back on track.

Assessing for Injuries

Your first priority after an emergency is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries.

• Self-Check: Pause and take a moment to assess your condition. Are you in pain? Can you move without difficulty? Look for cuts, bruises, or anything that feels “off.”
• Passenger Safety: If you have a passenger, ask them how they feel and check for visible injuries.
• If either of you is injured, stay where you are unless it’s unsafe, and call emergency services immediately.

Pro Tip: Always carry a basic first aid kit on your bike. Even small injuries like scrapes or burns can be addressed quickly with the right tools.

Motorcycle Inspection

Once you’ve ensured everyone is okay, turn your attention to your bike.

• Evaluate for Damage: Check for any visible issues, such as:
  • Leaking fluids
  • Broken lights or mirrors
  • Bent handlebars or wheels
  • Loose parts or body damage
• If the bike is still rideable, test the brakes, throttle, and steering gently before continuing your journey.

If the damage seems significant or compromises safety, don’t ride it.

Pro Tip: Use your phone to take pictures of the damage, especially if insurance or roadside assistance will be involved.

Seeking Assistance

If you or your bike can’t continue, it’s time to get help.

• Call Emergency Services: If injuries are serious or you’re in an unsafe location, dial emergency services right away.
• Use Roadside Assistance: Many insurance plans or motorcycle organizations like AAA offer roadside assistance. They can help with towing, flat tires, or even bringing fuel if you’ve run out.
• Contact a Friend: If you’re in a familiar area, sometimes the quickest solution is calling someone you trust.

Pro Tip: Save your roadside assistance number and emergency contacts in your phone under easy-to-find names like “Motorcycle Help.”

Handling emergencies doesn’t end when the immediate danger is over.

Taking these steps will help you stay safe and minimize the stress of an already difficult situation.

Always prioritize safety first and don’t rush back onto the road until you’re sure everything is okay.

Preventative Measures and Training

The best way to handle emergencies is to prepare for them before they happen.

With the right training, practice, and knowledge, you can reduce risks and boost your confidence on every ride.

A. Advanced Riding Courses

Investing in professional training is one of the smartest things you can do as a rider.

• Advanced courses teach techniques like:
  • Emergency braking for different road conditions.
  • Countersteering and swerving to avoid obstacles.
  • Managing skids and maintaining control in unpredictable situations.
• Many courses simulate real-world scenarios, helping you build muscle memory for quick, safe reactions.

Pro Tip: Check out organizations like MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) or local riding schools for advanced training options.

B. Regular Practice

Even the best riders need to sharpen their skills regularly.

• Set aside time to practice essential maneuvers in a safe environment, such as:
  • Controlled braking from various speeds.
  • Evasive maneuvers and quick lane changes.
  • Handling tight turns and U-turns.
• Repetition builds confidence, so these actions feel natural when emergencies arise.

Pro Tip: Use an empty parking lot for practice—it’s a controlled space where you can focus without distractions.

Conclusion

Emergencies on the road are unpredictable, but they don’t have to be unmanageable.

Just remember:

• Preparation is key: The right gear, proper maintenance, and a sharp mindset make all the difference.

• Know how to respond: Whether it’s a flat tire, bad weather, or a sudden obstacle, staying calm and taking the right steps ensures safety.

• Train and practice: Advanced courses, regular skill drills, and staying informed can give you the confidence to handle any situation.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: stay prepared and prioritize safety.

With the right mindset and habits, you can tackle any ride with confidence, no matter what the road throws at you.