RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When riding through a curve, where should you position your body weight?
- Lean opposite to the curve to stay upright
- Keep your body upright and only lean the motorcycle
- Shift weight toward the inside of the curve with the motorcycle (Correct answer)
- Shift weight to the outside peg to stabilize
Correct answer: Shift weight toward the inside of the curve with the motorcycle
In a curve, your body and the motorcycle should lean together toward the inside of the turn for proper cornering balance.
Question 2: What is 'target fixation' and why is it dangerous for motorcyclists?
- Looking too far ahead, causing you to miss nearby hazards
- The tendency to ride toward whatever you are staring at (Correct answer)
- Focusing on your speedometer instead of the road
- Locking your eyes on the horizon to maintain balance
Correct answer: The tendency to ride toward whatever you are staring at
Target fixation causes riders to unintentionally steer toward whatever they are focused on, making it critical to look where you want to go, not at the hazard.
Question 3: What is the recommended technique for downshifting while braking on a motorcycle?
- Downshift first, then apply brakes
- Apply brakes first, then downshift while releasing the clutch smoothly (Correct answer)
- Simultaneously release the throttle, pull the clutch, and brake hard
- Skip gears to save time during emergency stops
Correct answer: Apply brakes first, then downshift while releasing the clutch smoothly
Braking first slows the bike, then smooth downshifting with a controlled clutch release prevents rear wheel hop.
Question 4: On a highway on-ramp, you notice a car merging into your lane. What is the best action?
- Honk and maintain your position to assert right of way
- Speed up to pass the car before it reaches your lane
- Adjust your lane position and speed to increase your visibility and space (Correct answer)
- Move to the far left edge of the lane and brake hard
Correct answer: Adjust your lane position and speed to increase your visibility and space
Adjusting your position and speed creates a buffer zone and maximizes your visibility to the merging driver.
Question 5: Why should a motorcyclist avoid riding in the center of a lane in heavy traffic?
- The center offers the best visibility for oncoming traffic
- Oil and debris accumulate in the center strip of most lanes (Correct answer)
- Riding center makes it harder for other vehicles to pass
- Center lane position improves traction in wet conditions
Correct answer: Oil and debris accumulate in the center strip of most lanes
The center track of a lane collects oil drips, coolant, and debris from vehicles, making it the most slippery part of the lane.
Question 6: When should you apply both brakes simultaneously on a motorcycle?
- Only on dry pavement during normal stops
- Only the rear brake should be used in emergency stops
- In most braking situations, applying both brakes together provides the most effective stopping power (Correct answer)
- Front brake only — the rear brake causes skids
Correct answer: In most braking situations, applying both brakes together provides the most effective stopping power
Using both brakes together distributes braking force optimally; the front brake provides up to 70% of stopping power while the rear stabilizes the bike.
Question 7: What happens to a motorcycle's handling if the rear tire is significantly under-inflated?
- Steering becomes lighter and more responsive
- The motorcycle may weave or feel sluggish, especially at higher speeds (Correct answer)
- Braking distance decreases due to more tire contact
- The bike pulls consistently to one side
Correct answer: The motorcycle may weave or feel sluggish, especially at higher speeds
A significantly under-inflated rear tire causes instability, weaving, and poor handling, and increases the risk of a blowout.
RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 2
When riding through a curve, where should you position your body weight?