Tank Slapper or Death Wobble Explained
171As this biker was racing, his motorcycle suddenly began to wobble uncontrollably a phenomenon known as a tank slapper or Death Wobble. This occurs when the front wheel and handlebars start to oscillate rapidly from side to side, usually after landing a wheelie, hitting a bump, or encountering uneven road surfaces at high speeds. In this situation, a natural reaction might be to grip the handlebars tightly or to brake hard, but these actions actually make the problem worse by disrupting the bike’s balance even further. Instead, the best way to regain control is to loosen your grip slightly, lean forward to put more weight on the front end, and allow the bike’s natural mechanics to correct the wobble. By staying calm and using the right technique, the rider can reduce the risk of a crash and safely stabilize the bike.