What should a rider do if the front wheel locks up during braking?

When the front wheel locks up during braking, the best action a rider can take is to release pressure on the front brake to get the tire rolling again. This allows the front wheel to regain traction, which is crucial for maintaining control of the motorcycle. When a wheel locks, it skids, leading to a loss of steering ability and a higher risk of falling. By easing off the brake, the rider can help the tire start rolling again, thus restoring control and allowing for more effective braking without risking a tip-over or uncontrolled skid.

While holding the front brake until the bike stops might initially seem like a strong approach, it can lead to a complete loss of control if the wheel remains locked. Applying more pressure would only exacerbate the problem, as it would maintain or worsen the skid. Shifting weight backward might help in a scenario where you're trying to adjust the bike's balance, but primarily, the key to regaining control lies in carefully managing the brake pressure to allow the wheel to roll once more.