RTT Vehicle Control & Handling Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When riding through a decreasing-radius curve, what is the safest adjustment to make?
- Increase speed to maintain momentum
- Lean further and reduce speed progressively (Correct answer)
- Straighten the bike and brake hard
- Move to the outside edge of the lane
Correct answer: Lean further and reduce speed progressively
A decreasing-radius curve tightens unexpectedly, so you must lean more and reduce speed smoothly to stay on the intended path.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the 'push steering' (countersteering) technique at speeds above 15 mph?
- To straighten the motorcycle quickly
- To initiate a turn by pushing the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward (Correct answer)
- To increase traction on the rear wheel
- To reduce speed while cornering
Correct answer: To initiate a turn by pushing the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward
At speeds above 15 mph, pushing the right handlebar causes the bike to lean right, initiating a right turn through countersteering.
Question 3: When should a motorcyclist use only the front brake?
- When stopping in a straight line at highway speeds
- When making a slow-speed U-turn
- When the rear wheel begins to skid
- Never; always use both brakes together (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Never; always use both brakes together
Using both brakes together maximizes stopping power; relying only on the front can pitch the rider over the handlebars, and only the rear provides inadequate stopping force.
Question 4: What effect does loading cargo high on a motorcycle have on handling?
- It lowers the center of gravity, improving stability
- It raises the center of gravity, making the bike less stable (Correct answer)
- It has no effect on handling
- It improves cornering by increasing traction
Correct answer: It raises the center of gravity, making the bike less stable
High-mounted cargo raises the center of gravity, which increases the tendency to tip and reduces overall stability, especially in turns.
Question 5: During a quick swerve maneuver, when should you straighten the handlebars?
- Before the obstacle is cleared
- As soon as you have passed the obstacle (Correct answer)
- Only after coming to a complete stop
- While applying the brakes simultaneously
Correct answer: As soon as you have passed the obstacle
Straightening the handlebars after clearing the obstacle prevents the bike from continuing to lean and potentially losing control.
Question 6: Which throttle technique helps maintain stability when exiting a corner?
- Closing the throttle abruptly
- Gradually rolling on the throttle as you straighten up (Correct answer)
- Keeping the throttle fully closed until completely upright
- Applying a brief burst of throttle mid-corner
Correct answer: Gradually rolling on the throttle as you straighten up
Gradually rolling on the throttle as you exit a corner transfers weight to the rear wheel, stabilizing the bike and aiding traction.
Question 7: What is the recommended technique for riding over a pothole or road hazard when avoidance is impossible?
- Brake firmly just before impact
- Rise slightly off the seat, grip the tank with knees, and roll over at a steady speed (Correct answer)
- Lean hard to one side to minimize impact
- Accelerate sharply to jump over the hazard
Correct answer: Rise slightly off the seat, grip the tank with knees, and roll over at a steady speed
Rising off the seat lets your legs absorb the shock, and maintaining steady speed prevents the wheel from dropping sharply into the hazard.
RTT Vehicle Control & Handling Techniques 2
When riding through a decreasing-radius curve, what is the safest adjustment to make?