MSF Cornering and Turning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'decreasing-radius curve' and why does it require extra caution?
- A curve that widens as you ride through it
- A curve that tightens progressively, demanding more lean or speed reduction (Correct answer)
- A curve with a banked surface that aids turning
- A curve marked with chevron signs only
Correct answer: A curve that tightens progressively, demanding more lean or speed reduction
A decreasing-radius curve gets tighter as you proceed through it, requiring the rider to either reduce speed beforehand or increase lean angle mid-corner.
Question 2: How does a heavily loaded motorcycle (passenger + luggage) behave differently in corners?
- It requires less lean angle due to added stability
- It corners identically to an unloaded bike
- It has slower steering response and needs earlier entry speed reduction (Correct answer)
- Weight lowers the center of gravity and improves cornering
Correct answer: It has slower steering response and needs earlier entry speed reduction
Added load raises inertia, making the motorcycle slower to initiate lean and harder to change direction, so speed management before the corner is more critical.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the 'late apex' cornering technique?
- To maximize speed through the first half of the turn
- To hit the innermost point of the curve early
- To delay the closest approach to the inside, allowing a safer exit (Correct answer)
- To keep the bike upright longer before leaning
Correct answer: To delay the closest approach to the inside, allowing a safer exit
A late apex keeps the bike on the outside of the curve longer, allowing you to see farther and straighten the exit sooner for a safer, more controlled path.
Question 4: When cornering on a slippery surface (wet road, sand), how should you adjust your technique?
- Increase speed to maintain balance through gyroscopic effect
- Reduce lean angle and increase corner radius by entering wider and slower (Correct answer)
- Lean the body more while keeping the bike upright
- Apply steady rear brake to stabilize the rear wheel
Correct answer: Reduce lean angle and increase corner radius by entering wider and slower
On low-traction surfaces, reducing lean angle (which means wider, slower entry) keeps cornering forces within the reduced traction available.
Question 5: Which statement about countersteering is MOST accurate?
- It only works at speeds below 15 mph
- Pushing the right handlebar initiates a right turn (Correct answer)
- It is only effective on sport motorcycles
- Pulling the left handlebar initiates a left turn
Correct answer: Pushing the right handlebar initiates a right turn
At speeds above approximately 12 mph, pushing forward on the right handlebar causes the motorcycle to lean and turn right—the fundamental principle of countersteering.
Question 6: What role does throttle control play once you are committed to a curve?
- Throttle should be fully closed to reduce speed throughout
- A steady or slightly increasing throttle stabilizes the chassis mid-corner (Correct answer)
- Rapid acceleration helps straighten the bike if it feels unstable
- Throttle has no effect on stability once leaned over
Correct answer: A steady or slightly increasing throttle stabilizes the chassis mid-corner
Smooth, steady throttle maintains suspension balance and rear-wheel drive, keeping the chassis settled; abrupt changes can upset the bike mid-corner.
Question 7: At what point in a curve should you begin to accelerate out?
- As soon as you enter the curve
- After passing the apex when the bike is beginning to straighten (Correct answer)
- Only after the motorcycle is completely upright
- When the front wheel reaches the center line
Correct answer: After passing the apex when the bike is beginning to straighten
Begin progressive throttle application after the apex, as the bike starts to track toward the exit, so acceleration assists in standing the motorcycle up.
MSF Cornering and Turning 3
What is a 'decreasing-radius curve' and why does it require extra caution?