RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary cause of a 'speed wobble' on a motorcycle?
- Applying the front brake too quickly at high speed
- Aerodynamic instability caused by wind only
- Imbalanced wheels, improper tire pressure, loose steering head bearings, or poor weight distribution (Correct answer)
- Riding in the left lane position on highways
Correct answer: Imbalanced wheels, improper tire pressure, loose steering head bearings, or poor weight distribution
Speed wobbles are typically caused by mechanical issues such as wheel imbalance, low tire pressure, worn steering head bearings, or improper loading.
Question 2: When navigating a series of S-curves, what is the best approach?
- Accelerate between curves to generate gyroscopic stability
- Brake hard before each curve and stop accelerating until exit
- Maintain a consistent pace, look through each curve, and position for the next curve at each exit (Correct answer)
- Stay in the center of the lane throughout to avoid crossing the center line
Correct answer: Maintain a consistent pace, look through each curve, and position for the next curve at each exit
Linking S-curves smoothly requires looking through each curve and positioning at exit to set up optimally for the next one.
Question 3: What is the safest action if your throttle sticks open while riding?
- Apply only the rear brake to avoid upsetting the front wheel
- Pull in the clutch and apply both brakes, then shut off the engine if needed (Correct answer)
- Immediately turn the key to the off position without pulling the clutch
- Continue riding and slowly work the throttle back and forth to free it
Correct answer: Pull in the clutch and apply both brakes, then shut off the engine if needed
Pulling in the clutch disconnects engine power immediately, allowing both brakes to slow the bike safely without engine resistance complicating the stop.
Question 4: How does increased speed affect the lean angle required to navigate the same curve?
- Higher speed requires less lean because of increased gyroscopic force
- Lean angle is unrelated to speed — only the radius of the curve matters
- Higher speed requires a greater lean angle to produce the centripetal force needed (Correct answer)
- Higher speed requires less lean due to greater tire contact patch
Correct answer: Higher speed requires a greater lean angle to produce the centripetal force needed
At higher speeds, centrifugal force increases, requiring a deeper lean angle to maintain the curved path through the corner.
Question 5: When riding over railroad tracks, what angle of crossing is recommended?
- Parallel to the tracks to minimize time on the metal surface
- At a 45-degree angle or greater to reduce the risk of the tire catching the groove (Correct answer)
- Exactly perpendicular (90 degrees) is the only safe angle
- Railroad tracks should be approached from the far left of the lane only
Correct answer: At a 45-degree angle or greater to reduce the risk of the tire catching the groove
Crossing at 45 degrees or greater prevents narrow motorcycle tires from catching in the groove and deflecting the front wheel.
Question 6: What is the effect of loading heavy luggage high and toward the rear of a motorcycle?
- Improves handling by lowering the overall center of gravity
- Raises and shifts the center of gravity rearward, making steering heavier and reducing front-wheel traction (Correct answer)
- Has no handling effect if total weight is within the load limit
- Reduces braking distance because the rear tire carries more weight
Correct answer: Raises and shifts the center of gravity rearward, making steering heavier and reducing front-wheel traction
High, rear-loaded cargo raises and shifts the center of gravity, causing sluggish steering and reducing the front tire's grip on the road.
Question 7: What is the most effective way to increase visibility to other drivers while riding at night?
- Ride in the far right of the lane to stay out of oncoming headlight glare
- Wear retroreflective gear, use high-beam when safe, and position to be in other drivers' mirrors (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed and turn off your headlight to avoid blinding drivers ahead
- Stay close behind a large vehicle to use its lights as extra illumination
Correct answer: Wear retroreflective gear, use high-beam when safe, and position to be in other drivers' mirrors
Retroreflective gear reflects headlights back toward drivers, while proper lane positioning and high-beam use maximize how easily other drivers see you.
RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 5
What is the primary cause of a 'speed wobble' on a motorcycle?