RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest way to handle a wobble or tank-slapper at highway speeds?
- Immediately apply both brakes firmly to regain control
- Grip the handlebars tightly and accelerate to stabilize
- Gradually roll off the throttle and hold the handlebars firmly without fighting the wobble (Correct answer)
- Lean sharply to one side to counteract the oscillation
Correct answer: Gradually roll off the throttle and hold the handlebars firmly without fighting the wobble
Gradual throttle roll-off reduces speed without the destabilizing effect of braking, while firm grip and a relaxed posture allow the wobble to dampen.
Question 2: When approaching an uncontrolled intersection on a motorcycle, what is the best strategy?
- Maintain speed — motorcycles have right of way over cars
- Cover the brakes, reduce speed, and scan all directions before entering (Correct answer)
- Flash your headlight and proceed without slowing
- Stop completely regardless of traffic conditions
Correct answer: Cover the brakes, reduce speed, and scan all directions before entering
Covering the brakes and scanning all directions at uncontrolled intersections reduces reaction time and ensures you can stop if a vehicle fails to yield.
Question 3: What does 'countersteering' mean, and at what speeds does it apply?
- Steering into the skid to recover from a slide, at all speeds
- Pushing forward on the grip in the direction you want to turn; applies above approximately 12 mph (Correct answer)
- Turning the handlebars opposite to the lean direction at low speeds only
- Using only body weight to steer without touching the handlebars
Correct answer: Pushing forward on the grip in the direction you want to turn; applies above approximately 12 mph
Countersteering — pushing the right grip to go right — is the primary steering mechanism for motorcycles above about 12 mph.
Question 4: How should you position your feet while riding a motorcycle?
- Toes pointing outward for better balance
- Balls of your feet on the footpegs with toes pointing slightly forward (Correct answer)
- Heels on the footpegs with toes down for maximum foot coverage
- Full sole of the foot on the peg for maximum contact
Correct answer: Balls of your feet on the footpegs with toes pointing slightly forward
Placing the balls of your feet on the footpegs gives you better control of the foot controls while maintaining a secure, balanced foot position.
Question 5: What is 'button hooking' a turn at an intersection, and when is it used?
- A technique of braking late into a corner using the rear brake only
- Swinging wide before a turn to increase your entry angle and improve your view (Correct answer)
- Riding past the turn and making a U-turn to align correctly
- Tightening your line mid-corner when you've entered too fast
Correct answer: Swinging wide before a turn to increase your entry angle and improve your view
Button hooking means swinging to the far side of your lane before a turn to improve sightlines and give yourself a wider, safer turning arc.
Question 6: On a long descent, what technique helps prevent brake fade?
- Apply brakes continuously at low pressure throughout the descent
- Use engine braking in a lower gear and apply brakes intermittently (Correct answer)
- Rely only on the rear brake to avoid overheating the front rotor
- Weave the motorcycle back and forth to slow down naturally
Correct answer: Use engine braking in a lower gear and apply brakes intermittently
Engine braking in a lower gear reduces reliance on friction brakes, preventing overheating and brake fade; intermittent braking allows rotors to cool between applications.
Question 7: Why is it critical to keep your head and eyes up when performing slow-speed maneuvers?
- Looking down helps judge the distance to the ground for balance
- The eyes guide the body — looking up and ahead helps maintain balance and smooth steering (Correct answer)
- Head position affects the center of gravity more than throttle or lean
- Keeping eyes forward prevents neck strain during tight turns
Correct answer: The eyes guide the body — looking up and ahead helps maintain balance and smooth steering
At slow speeds, where gyroscopic forces are minimal, looking up and at your target destination helps your body naturally steer and balance the motorcycle.
RTT Motorcycle Handling and Control 4
What is the safest way to handle a wobble or tank-slapper at highway speeds?