"I can still save this!"

When bikes wheelie past a certain steepness they reach their balance point.

It’s actually broader than a point, but beyond it lies the overbalance point where the bike, if left to its own devices, would wheelie over backwards.

But you’re not going to leave it to its own devices. You’re going to:

1. Apply the rear brake very slightly
Sudden panicky movements are likely to land you in another type of crash rather than the one you were about to have.

Instead, use light pressure on the lever to bring you back into the area of control. Leave the the throttle position exactly the same.

2. Look straight ahead
Look straight into the fuel tank and use your peripheral vision to give you left and right as needs be. Make an effort to keep your head still.

3. Apply the rear brake more
If the bike is rearing up and over very quickly, apply the brake harder and pull the clutch in – the momentum of the bike will carry it back in the right direction.

4. Re-engage the clutch
Before the front wheel hits the ground, you must re-engage the clutch and tweak the throttle to avoid an over-hard landing.

Heavy frontal impacts can crack the frame or pop your fork seals.