If you brake hard on a straightaway and your rear wheel locks, what should you do?

When braking hard on a motorcycle, if the rear wheel locks, the best response is to release the brake immediately. Locking the rear wheel can lead to a loss of control since the motorcycle could skid, potentially causing an accident or a fall.

Releasing the brake allows the wheel to start rolling again, which helps regain traction and stability. Once traction is restored, you can then apply the brakes more gently to slow down without locking the wheel again.

Other actions, such as keeping the rear wheel locked or shifting weight forward, would not effectively resolve the situation. Continuing to apply the rear brake while it is locked can increase the risk of a skid or a crash. Therefore, releasing the brake is crucial for regaining control of the motorcycle.