First, stabilise the bike and pull over to a safe area away from moving traffic. Do not attempt to ride on a flat or damaged tyre. This can destroy the rim, leading to a total loss of control. Once in a safe location, check for visible damage to the wheel rim and suspension. If the bike is unrideable, call for professional recovery.

If the pothole was a direct cause of the damage, take these steps:

• Make sure the road is clear of traffic before taking photos; only take photos if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk.
• Take clear photos of the pothole, its location, and the damage to your motorcycle.
• Contact the relevant local authority for the road to make your claim.
• Provide the evidence you have collected to support your claim.