RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of 'trail braking' in motorcycle cornering?
- Dragging the rear brake through a turn to slow down gradually
- Continuing to apply front brake into the corner entry to fine-tune speed (Correct answer)
- Releasing all brakes before entering a curve
- Using engine braking exclusively through corners
Correct answer: Continuing to apply front brake into the corner entry to fine-tune speed
Trail braking involves gradually releasing the front brake as you lean into the corner, allowing precise speed control at corner entry.
Question 2: You are riding on a multi-lane road. Which lane position gives you the best view of traffic ahead and behind?
- Far left of your lane, close to the center line
- Far right of your lane, near the shoulder
- The left third of your lane, in most situations (Correct answer)
- The center of your lane at all times
Correct answer: The left third of your lane, in most situations
The left third of your lane allows you to see around vehicles ahead, reduces blind spots, and makes you more visible to following traffic.
Question 3: When is it most important to check your mirrors before braking?
- Only when stopping at a red light
- At highway speeds, where following vehicles may not react in time (Correct answer)
- Mirrors should be checked after braking, not before
- Only when you intend to make a turn
Correct answer: At highway speeds, where following vehicles may not react in time
At highway speeds, checking mirrors before braking warns you of tailgaters who may not be able to stop in time, allowing you to brake more gradually.
Question 4: What effect does 'highsiding' have on a motorcyclist?
- The rear wheel slides outward and the rider is thrown over the high side of the bike (Correct answer)
- The front wheel washes out in a corner causing a low-speed fall
- The handlebars lock in one direction during a turn
- The front forks compress fully causing a loss of steering
Correct answer: The rear wheel slides outward and the rider is thrown over the high side of the bike
A highside occurs when the rear wheel regains traction suddenly after sliding, snapping the bike upright and throwing the rider violently over the high side.
Question 5: How does carrying a passenger affect a motorcycle's braking distance?
- It has no effect if the passenger holds on correctly
- Braking distance decreases because more weight improves traction
- Braking distance increases due to the added weight (Correct answer)
- Only affects braking on curves, not in a straight line
Correct answer: Braking distance increases due to the added weight
A passenger adds significant weight, increasing momentum and requiring greater stopping distance — you must brake earlier and more gradually.
Question 6: What is the 'friction zone' on a motorcycle clutch?
- The point where the clutch fully engages and transfers full power
- The narrow range where the clutch partially engages, giving the rider precise power control (Correct answer)
- The distance the clutch lever travels before any engagement begins
- The wear limit indicator on the clutch plates
Correct answer: The narrow range where the clutch partially engages, giving the rider precise power control
The friction zone is where partial clutch engagement occurs, allowing the rider to feather power delivery for smooth starts, low-speed maneuvers, and hill starts.
Question 7: Which factor most increases a motorcycle's stopping distance on wet roads compared to dry roads?
- Increased air resistance from rain
- Reduced tire-to-road friction on wet pavement (Correct answer)
- Cold engine temperature reducing brake fluid effectiveness
- Wet clothing adding aerodynamic drag
Correct answer: Reduced tire-to-road friction on wet pavement
Wet pavement dramatically reduces the friction coefficient between tires and the road, requiring significantly longer stopping distances.
RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 3
What is the purpose of 'trail braking' in motorcycle cornering?