MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Cornering and Turning Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When executing a turn, what is the primary purpose of smoothly rolling on the throttle after initiating the lean?
- To significantly increase speed while in the curve.
- To make the motorcycle's engine noise more audible to others.
- To stabilize the suspension and maintain traction. (Correct answer)
- To allow for easier gear shifting while leaned over.
Correct answer: To stabilize the suspension and maintain traction.
Applying smooth, steady or slightly increasing throttle through a turn stabilizes the motorcycle's suspension. This gentle acceleration puts a light, consistent load on the chassis and rear tire, which helps maintain traction and control throughout the corner.
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?
- Hug the inside of the curve (the right side of the lane) to shorten the distance.
- Stay in the center of the lane for the entire duration of the turn.
- 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. (Correct answer)
- Start on the inside, drift to the outside mid-corner, and then cut back to the inside at the exit.
Correct 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.
The 'outside-inside-outside' path is the standard and safest line for cornering. Starting wide (outside) provides the best and earliest view through the corner, allowing the rider to spot hazards. Moving to the inside (apex) and exiting wide straightens the curve, requiring less lean angle for a given speed and increasing stability.
Question 3: To make a motorcycle initiate a lean to the right at speeds above 10-15 mph, what action must the rider take?
- Lean their upper body as far as possible to the right.
- Turn the handlebars to the right.
- Press forward on the right handgrip. (Correct answer)
- Apply slight pressure to the rear brake.
Correct answer: Press forward on the right handgrip.
This technique is known as counter-steering. At speed, pressing forward on the handgrip in the direction of the desired turn (press right to go right) causes the front wheel to momentarily steer left. This action unbalances the motorcycle, initiating a lean to the right, and the motorcycle then turns in the direction of the lean.
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?
- Make no abrupt control inputs; cross the hazard as smoothly as possible. (Correct answer)
- Apply the front brake firmly to slow down before hitting the gravel.
- Quickly accelerate to lift the front wheel and pass over the gravel.
- Swerve sharply to try and go around the patch of gravel.
Correct answer: Make no abrupt control inputs; cross the hazard as smoothly as possible.
When encountering a slippery surface mid-turn, abrupt inputs like hard braking, sharp swerving, or sudden acceleration can easily overwhelm the limited traction, causing a fall. The safest strategy is to keep a steady throttle and steering, look ahead, and ride across the hazard with as little change in speed or direction as possible.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'decreasing radius' turn?
- A turn that has a consistent curve from entry to exit.
- A turn that becomes wider or straightens out as you pass the apex.
- A turn that becomes progressively tighter as you ride through it. (Correct answer)
- A series of two turns in opposite directions, also known as an 'S' curve.
Correct answer: A turn that becomes progressively tighter as you ride through it.
A decreasing radius turn is one that gets sharper as you proceed through it. This can be hazardous because a speed that was appropriate for the entrance of the turn may become too fast for the tighter portion, requiring the rider to add more lean or reduce speed mid-corner.
Question 6: In the MSF's cornering strategy 'Slow, Look, Press, Roll,' what is the primary objective of the 'Look' step?
- To check your mirrors for vehicles behind you before turning.
- To focus on the pavement immediately in front of your tire.
- To glance down at your speedometer to confirm your entry speed.
- To turn your head and look through the corner to where you want to go. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To turn your head and look through the corner to where you want to go.
The 'Look' step is crucial because a motorcycle tends to go where the rider looks. By turning your head and looking through the turn toward the exit, you are providing your brain with the information needed to subconsciously guide your steering inputs and maintain a smooth, accurate path.
MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Cornering and Turning Questions and Answers
When executing a turn, what is the primary purpose of smoothly rolling on the throttle after initiating the lean?