Front-end tuck (washing out the front)

When the front tucks or washes out, the front tyre loses grip while the bike is leaned over. The handlebars suddenly turn further into the corner, the front slides towards the outside and the bike usually falls on its side in a low-side crash.

Common causes:

• braking too hard with the front brake while leaned over;
• cold tyres, wrong tyre pressure or worn tyres;
• slippery surfaces such as wet paint, diesel, gravel, leaves or mud;
• too much weight on the front, or suspension set too stiff or too soft.

Prevention: finish most braking before leaning, release the brake smoothly as you lean (see trail braking), check tyres regularly and adjust speed to the surface. Cornering ABS can reduce, but not remove, the risk.