What is the difference between a high-side and low-side motorcycle accident?

Answer

Here's the summary from Timberwoof's Motorcycle FAQ:

A high-side is where the bike suddenly regains traction after beginning to skid and spits the rider over the bike. The rider typically exits on the high side of the bike�the side not closest to the ground.

A low-side is simply where the bike loses traction and skids into the ground with the rider remaining on the low side of the bike�the side closest to the ground.

High-sides are usually more severe. The most common high-side accident scenario is where the rider loses traction at the rear wheel (due to excessive power or over-braking), the bike starts to skid, the rider regains traction suddenly by releasing the brake or chopping the power, and the bike immediately regains traction and spits the rider over the bike and tumbles. The key to avoiding this is learning not to chop the power and not to overuse the rear brake.

Low sides mean you slide out on your bum or side. High sides literally throw you over the bike into the air, often with the bike landing on top of you. Try not to high side.

First answer by ID1369410650. Last edit by Paulusaemail. Contributor trust: 28 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 121 [recommend question]