New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct body position when negotiating a right-hand bend?
- Lean your upper body left while keeping the bike upright
- Keep your body upright and let only the bike lean
- Shift your weight slightly to the right and look through the curve (Correct answer)
- Grip the tank tightly with both knees and lean hard right
Correct answer: Shift your weight slightly to the right and look through the curve
Shifting weight into the curve and looking through it helps the bike follow a smooth arc while keeping you balanced and in control.
Question 2: During a swerve manoeuvre to avoid an obstacle, what should you do immediately after clearing the hazard?
- Apply maximum braking
- Counter-steer to straighten the motorcycle (Correct answer)
- Continue in the swerved direction to create distance
- Downshift two gears immediately
Correct answer: Counter-steer to straighten the motorcycle
A brief counter-steer input in the opposite direction returns the bike to an upright, straight-line path after the swerve.
Question 3: How does carrying a pillion passenger affect motorcycle handling?
- The bike steers more sharply due to less weight on the front wheel
- Braking distances increase and suspension compresses, altering geometry (Correct answer)
- Engine braking becomes more effective
- Tyre grip increases due to added weight
Correct answer: Braking distances increase and suspension compresses, altering geometry
Extra weight from a pillion compresses the rear suspension, shifts the bike's balance, and significantly increases stopping distances.
Question 4: What is the safest way to ride through a long sweeping bend?
- Hold a constant speed and a fixed line close to the centre line
- Position wide on entry, apex late, and exit wide
- Accelerate progressively from a safe entry speed as you straighten (Correct answer)
- Ride on the very outside edge throughout to maximise visibility
Correct answer: Accelerate progressively from a safe entry speed as you straighten
Entering at a controlled speed and accelerating smoothly as the bike straightens gives better traction and stability through the curve.
Question 5: What should you check before riding over a speed bump (road hump)?
- That your headlight is on high beam
- That you are in the correct gear and speed to absorb the impact (Correct answer)
- That no pedestrians are on the footpath nearby
- That your visor is fully closed
Correct answer: That you are in the correct gear and speed to absorb the impact
Approaching a speed bump at the correct slow speed and in a low gear allows the suspension to absorb the bump without bottoming out or unsettling the bike.
Question 6: When starting a motorcycle on a downhill slope, which control helps prevent rolling forward uncontrollably?
- The rear brake held on while easing the clutch to find the friction point (Correct answer)
- The front brake applied with two fingers while releasing the clutch
- The horn button to warn others
- Full throttle with a quick clutch release
Correct answer: The rear brake held on while easing the clutch to find the friction point
Holding the rear brake while finding the clutch friction point prevents the bike from rolling, allowing a controlled downhill take-off.
Question 7: What is the purpose of 'trail braking' in advanced motorcycle riding?
- Dragging the rear brake for long distances to slow gradually
- Carrying some brake pressure into the corner entry to control speed and aid turning (Correct answer)
- Using only engine braking through bends
- Trailing the foot brake lever while counter-steering
Correct answer: Carrying some brake pressure into the corner entry to control speed and aid turning
Trail braking involves gradually releasing the front brake as you lean into a corner, helping control entry speed and steering precision.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Basic Handling Skills 4
What is the correct body position when negotiating a right-hand bend?