If a tire goes flat while riding, it is usually best to
- hold the handle grips firmly and stay off the brakes. ✓
- shift your weight towards the flat tire.
- use both brakes and stop quickly.
- steer to the right.
Answer: A. hold the handle grips firmly and stay off the brakes.
Hold the handle grips firmly and stay off the brakes; that is the usual best response to a flat tire while riding.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's flat-tire steps say to ease off the throttle and avoid braking when you can. If you do need to brake, it says to use the brake for the tire that is not flat. It also says to grip the handlebars firmly, keep the bike upright, and shift your weight away from the flat tire. That combination matches holding the grips firmly and staying off the brakes. The passage does not say to stop fast with both brakes or to lean toward the flat tire.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. shift your weight towards the flat tire. — The handbook says to shift your weight away from the flat tire, not toward it.
- C. use both brakes and stop quickly. — The flat-tire steps say to avoid braking if possible and, if braking is needed, to use only the brake for the tire that is not flat, so using both brakes to stop quickly goes against that guidance.
- D. steer to the right. — The passage does not call for steering to the right; it says to keep the motorcycle upright and pull over when it slows.
Remember it
Keep your hands steady and your weight on the healthy side; braking can wait.