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If a tire goes flat while you are riding, what is the recommended action for braking?

  1. Brake hard immediately

  2. Gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat

  3. Shift your body weight to the flat tire

  4. Stop abruptly to regain control

The correct answer is: Gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat

When a tire goes flat while riding, the recommended action is to gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat. This approach helps maintain control of the motorcycle. Abruptly applying brakes can lead to a loss of traction and control, especially on the flat tire, which can result in an accident or uncontrollable skidding. By focusing on the functioning tire and applying the brakes gently, you create a smoother deceleration process. This allows you to stabilize the motorcycle while reducing the risk of putting too much weight or pressure on the flat tire, which could worsen the situation. Additionally, it provides you with time to steer the motorcycle safely towards a stop rather than jerking to a stop, which can be very dangerous. Other actions like shifting body weight to the flat tire or stopping abruptly can destabilize the motorcycle further and increase the risk of losing control. Therefore, the gradual approach to braking maximizes safety and stability when dealing with a flat tire situation.