MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Cornering and Turning Questions and Answers

Question 1

When executing a turn, what is the primary purpose of smoothly rolling on the throttle after initiating the lean?

Accepted Answer

To stabilize the suspension and maintain traction.

Answer

To significantly increase speed while in the curve.

Answer

To make the motorcycle's engine noise more audible to others.

Answer

To allow for easier gear shifting while leaned over.

Question 2

A rider is approaching a blind right-hand curve. To maximize safety and visibility, what is the recommended path of travel through the turn?

Accepted Answer

Start wide on the outside (left portion) of the lane, move toward the inside (apex) once the exit is visible, and exit toward the outside.

Answer

Hug the inside of the curve (the right side of the lane) to shorten the distance.

Answer

Stay in the center of the lane for the entire duration of the turn.

Answer

Start on the inside, drift to the outside mid-corner, and then cut back to the inside at the exit.

Question 3

To make a motorcycle initiate a lean to the right at speeds above 10-15 mph, what action must the rider take?

Accepted Answer

Press forward on the right handgrip.

Answer

Lean their upper body as far as possible to the right.

Answer

Turn the handlebars to the right.

Answer

Apply slight pressure to the rear brake.

Question 4

While leaned over in a turn, you unexpectedly encounter a patch of loose gravel covering your intended path. What is the safest response?

Accepted Answer

Make no abrupt control inputs; cross the hazard as smoothly as possible.

Answer

Apply the front brake firmly to slow down before hitting the gravel.

Answer

Quickly accelerate to lift the front wheel and pass over the gravel.

Answer

Swerve sharply to try and go around the patch of gravel.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a 'decreasing radius' turn?

Accepted Answer

A turn that becomes progressively tighter as you ride through it.

Answer

A turn that has a consistent curve from entry to exit.

Answer

A turn that becomes wider or straightens out as you pass the apex.

Answer

A series of two turns in opposite directions, also known as an 'S' curve.

Question 6

In the MSF's cornering strategy 'Slow, Look, Press, Roll,' what is the primary objective of the 'Look' step?

Accepted Answer

To turn your head and look through the corner to where you want to go.

Answer

To check your mirrors for vehicles behind you before turning.

Answer

To focus on the pavement immediately in front of your tire.

Answer

To glance down at your speedometer to confirm your entry speed.