M1 Turning and Cornering 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching a curve on a motorcycle, what should you do with your speed before entering?
- Accelerate through the curve to maintain momentum
- Reduce your speed before entering the curve (Correct answer)
- Maintain your current speed throughout
- Apply both brakes while leaning into the turn
Correct answer: Reduce your speed before entering the curve
You should slow down before entering a curve so you can focus on steering through it safely without needing to brake mid-lean.
Question 2: The most effective technique for initiating a turn on a motorcycle at highway speeds is:
- Leaning the handlebars away from the direction of the turn
- Countersteering — pushing forward on the handlebar on the side of the intended turn (Correct answer)
- Shifting your body weight sharply to the outside of the turn
- Applying the rear brake before beginning to lean
Correct answer: Countersteering — pushing forward on the handlebar on the side of the intended turn
Countersteering — pushing the handlebar forward on the side of the intended turn — is the standard technique for initiating turns at speeds above approximately 12 mph.
Question 3: When riding through a curve, where should you focus your eyes?
- Directly in front of your front wheel to spot hazards
- On the road surface to check for debris
- Through and beyond the curve toward where you want to go (Correct answer)
- On the center line to maintain lane position
Correct answer: Through and beyond the curve toward where you want to go
Looking through and beyond the curve helps you steer accurately and anticipate road conditions ahead.
Question 4: What does 'countersteering' mean in motorcycle riding?
- Steering against the direction of oncoming traffic
- Briefly pushing the handlebar grip forward on the side you want to turn toward (Correct answer)
- Using only the rear brake to change direction
- Leaning your body away from the direction of the turn
Correct answer: Briefly pushing the handlebar grip forward on the side you want to turn toward
Countersteering means briefly pushing the handlebar in the direction you want to turn, which initiates the lean needed to execute the corner.
Question 5: What is the best lane position when entering a right-hand curve?
- Right side of the lane near the fog line
- Left side of the lane near the center line (Correct answer)
- Center of the lane at all times
- Position does not matter as long as you reduce speed
Correct answer: Left side of the lane near the center line
Positioning toward the left side of your lane before a right-hand curve gives you a better line of sight through the curve and increases your effective turning radius.
Question 6: When should you roll on the throttle during a curve?
- Before entering the curve to build speed for the turn
- Smoothly and gradually once you have established your lean angle (Correct answer)
- Only after the motorcycle is completely upright again
- You should never use the throttle while in a turn
Correct answer: Smoothly and gradually once you have established your lean angle
Maintaining or gently rolling on the throttle mid-turn stabilizes the motorcycle by keeping the suspension evenly loaded.
Question 7: What is the primary danger of 'running wide' in a curve?
- You may exceed the posted speed limit for that road
- You may drift into oncoming traffic or go off the road entirely (Correct answer)
- Your brakes may overheat from friction
- Your tires will wear unevenly on one side
Correct answer: You may drift into oncoming traffic or go off the road entirely
Running wide means your motorcycle drifts toward the outside of the curve, which can place you in oncoming traffic or off the roadway.
M1 Turning and Cornering 1
When approaching a curve on a motorcycle, what should you do with your speed before entering?