What should you do if the engine begins to slow down while starting on an incline?

When starting on an incline, it is crucial to maintain control of the motorcycle while managing the engine's power. If the engine begins to slow down, the best action is to shift to a lower gear. This allows the engine to provide more torque, which can help maintain momentum and prevent stalling. Lower gears offer greater power for climbing, which is particularly important on an incline.

Using the rear brake to stabilize can be beneficial in certain situations, particularly when waiting at a stop on a slope, as it helps prevent the motorcycle from rolling backward. However, when starting off from an incline and experiencing a decrease in engine power, changing to a lower gear is more effective in ensuring a successful launch. The lower gear provides the necessary power to ascend, as higher gears may not provide sufficient torque in this scenario.

Revving the engine may provide a temporary boost but can lead to loss of control, especially if the motorcycle starts to roll backward. Releasing the foot brake prematurely could also result in rolling back if the engine does not have enough power to move forward immediately. Therefore, shifting to a lower gear is the most appropriate response to the situation.