RTT Vehicle Control & Handling Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'target fixation' mean in motorcycling, and what is its danger?
- Focusing on your destination to improve navigation
- Staring at a hazard, causing the rider to steer toward it (Correct answer)
- Looking far ahead to anticipate traffic
- Using mirrors excessively while riding
Correct answer: Staring at a hazard, causing the rider to steer toward it
Target fixation is the tendency to steer toward whatever you are focusing on, which can cause a rider to hit the very obstacle they are trying to avoid.
Question 2: When riding in a straight line on a slippery surface, which braking approach is safest?
- Apply both brakes firmly and quickly
- Use only the rear brake to avoid front-wheel lockup
- Apply both brakes gently and progressively (Correct answer)
- Release both brakes and coast to reduce speed
Correct answer: Apply both brakes gently and progressively
On slippery surfaces, gentle and progressive braking with both brakes minimizes the risk of wheel lockup and skidding.
Question 3: How does passenger weight affect the motorcycle's braking distance?
- It has no effect since the brakes handle the same load
- It shortens braking distance due to increased rear traction
- It increases braking distance due to added total weight (Correct answer)
- It only affects steering, not braking
Correct answer: It increases braking distance due to added total weight
A passenger increases the total mass of the motorcycle-rider system, requiring more braking force and distance to stop safely.
Question 4: What is the safest lane position when approaching an intersection where oncoming traffic may turn left?
- Far left of your lane to be more visible
- Center or right portion of your lane to maximize visibility and escape space (Correct answer)
- Straddle the center line for maximum road width
- Ride close to parked cars for protection
Correct answer: Center or right portion of your lane to maximize visibility and escape space
The center-to-right lane position maximizes your visibility to the turning driver and provides an escape route to the right if needed.
Question 5: What is a 'death wobble' or speed wobble, and what should you do if it occurs?
- A minor vibration fixed by increasing speed
- A rapid oscillation of the front wheel, corrected by gripping firmly, closing the throttle gradually, and avoiding braking (Correct answer)
- A rear-wheel skid corrected by applying front brake
- An engine surge corrected by downshifting immediately
Correct answer: A rapid oscillation of the front wheel, corrected by gripping firmly, closing the throttle gradually, and avoiding braking
A speed wobble is rapid side-to-side oscillation of the handlebars; gripping firmly, rolling off the throttle gently, and avoiding braking allows the oscillation to dampen.
Question 6: How should you adjust your cornering line when you enter a turn too fast?
- Straighten up and brake hard in the turn
- Look through the turn, lean more, and apply slight throttle to stabilize (Correct answer)
- Move to the outside of the lane to increase radius
- Downshift to engine-brake through the turn
Correct answer: Look through the turn, lean more, and apply slight throttle to stabilize
Looking through the turn, increasing lean angle, and maintaining slight throttle keeps the tires loaded and allows you to tighten your line.
Question 7: What is the effect of applying the rear brake while the motorcycle is leaned over in a turn?
- It tightens the turn radius safely
- It can cause the rear wheel to slide outward, potentially causing a low-side crash (Correct answer)
- It lifts the front wheel for better steering
- It has no effect on lean angle
Correct answer: It can cause the rear wheel to slide outward, potentially causing a low-side crash
Applying the rear brake while leaned can lock or slide the rear wheel outward, breaking traction and leading to a low-side fall.
RTT Vehicle Control & Handling Techniques 3
What does 'target fixation' mean in motorcycling, and what is its danger?