What is the danger of a rear-wheel skid?

A rear-wheel skid is particularly dangerous because it can lead to a violent crash. When the rear wheel of a motorcycle loses traction, the rider may find it extremely challenging to maintain control of the motorcycle. This loss of control often results in the bike swinging out, causing the rider to become unbalanced and potentially leading to a high-side or low-side accident. Given that the rear wheel is critical for stability, any skid can lead to a quick and unpredictable loss of control, significantly increasing the chances of a serious crash.

In addition, the severity of a rear-wheel skid is often compounded by factors like road conditions, speed, and the rider's reactions, which can escalate the situation quickly. Understanding this risk emphasizes the importance of proper riding techniques and awareness of road conditions to prevent skids from occurring in the first place.