Lowside

A lowside is a type of motorcycle crash where the bike loses traction during a turn and slides out, falling onto its side along with the rider.

This crash typically happens when a motorcycle is leaning through a corner and one of the wheels—either front or rear—suddenly loses grip with the road surface. When this happens, the bike can no longer support itself at that lean angle and simply slides out from under the rider. The motorcycle falls to the "low" side, which is the same side the bike was already leaning toward during the turn.

Several factors can cause a lowside crash. Braking too hard while entering a corner is a common culprit, as it can overwhelm the front tire's available grip. Similarly, twisting the throttle too aggressively while accelerating through or out of a corner can cause the rear wheel to spin and lose traction. Riders can also trigger a lowside by simply carrying too much speed into a turn, leaning the motorcycle beyond what the tires can handle, or encountering unexpected slippery conditions like oil, water, gravel, or wet leaves on the road.

When a lowside occurs, both the rider and motorcycle typically slide across the road surface together at a relatively low height. This is why it's called a "lowside"—everything stays low to the ground. The rider usually separates from the bike and slides along the pavement, which can result in what motorcyclists call "road rash" or abrasion injuries. While any crash carries risks, lowsides are generally considered less dangerous than their counterpart, the highside crash.

The key difference between a lowside and a highside lies in what happens to the tires. In a lowside, the tire loses grip and continues sliding without regaining traction. In a highside, the rear tire loses grip, then suddenly regains it while the bike is still sliding sideways. This sudden grip causes the motorcycle to violently flip or catapult, often launching the rider through the air. Highsides typically result in more serious injuries because of the violent ejection and higher impact forces.

Riders can reduce their risk of lowside crashes by practicing smooth throttle and brake control, completing most of their braking before entering corners, paying close attention to road surface conditions, and avoiding excessive lean angles, especially in unfamiliar situations. Understanding proper cornering technique and respecting the limits of tire grip are essential skills for any motorcycle racer or street rider.

While lowsides are common in motorcycle racing at all levels, from amateur track days to professional MotoGP competitions, they remain a significant concern for street riders as well. The consequences can range from minor scrapes and damaged motorcycle parts to serious injuries if the rider slides into obstacles or other vehicles.