RTT Vehicle Control & Handling Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When riding downhill on a steep grade, which technique best controls speed?
- Engine braking by downshifting combined with gentle brake application (Correct answer)
- Applying only the rear brake continuously
- Keeping the clutch pulled in to prevent stalling
- Shifting to a higher gear to reduce engine drag
Correct answer: Engine braking by downshifting combined with gentle brake application
Downshifting to use engine braking, combined with gentle use of both brakes, distributes braking load and prevents overheating brake components.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure for making a tight U-turn on a narrow road?
- Use high speed to maintain gyroscopic stability
- Use low speed, look over your shoulder toward the turn, and balance with slight rear brake and steady throttle (Correct answer)
- Keep both feet on the pegs throughout the maneuver
- Apply front brake to control lean angle
Correct answer: Use low speed, look over your shoulder toward the turn, and balance with slight rear brake and steady throttle
A slow-speed U-turn requires looking in the direction of travel, using the rear brake to control speed, and maintaining steady throttle to prevent stalling.
Question 3: How does cold tire temperature affect motorcycle handling?
- Cold tires provide more grip due to a harder compound
- Cold tires have reduced grip and require gentle riding until warmed up (Correct answer)
- Temperature has no effect on modern radial tires
- Cold tires improve straight-line braking distance
Correct answer: Cold tires have reduced grip and require gentle riding until warmed up
Cold tires are stiffer and have less contact-patch flexibility, reducing grip until they reach optimal operating temperature.
Question 4: What is 'trail braking' in motorcycle riding?
- Braking only with the rear brake while cornering
- Continuing to apply the front brake lightly as you lean into a corner, then gradually releasing (Correct answer)
- Dragging both feet to slow down in an emergency
- Braking hard after exiting a corner
Correct answer: Continuing to apply the front brake lightly as you lean into a corner, then gradually releasing
Trail braking involves lightly maintaining front brake pressure into the corner entrance, which increases front-tire load and allows tighter turn-in before releasing as lean angle increases.
Question 5: What causes a 'high-side' crash, and how can it be avoided?
- Excessive front braking causing the front wheel to tuck
- The rear wheel regaining traction suddenly after a slide, flipping the rider over the high side of the bike (Correct answer)
- Leaning too far to the left causing the bike to tip over
- Accelerating too quickly on a straight road
Correct answer: The rear wheel regaining traction suddenly after a slide, flipping the rider over the high side of the bike
A high-side occurs when a sliding rear wheel suddenly grips, catapulting the rider; avoid it by not releasing a sliding rear brake abruptly or by preventing rear-wheel lockup.
Question 6: When riding two-up with a passenger, how should suspension settings be adjusted?
- Reduce rear suspension preload to lower the seat for the passenger
- Increase rear suspension preload to account for the added weight (Correct answer)
- Adjust only the front suspension to compensate
- No adjustment is necessary for occasional passenger riding
Correct answer: Increase rear suspension preload to account for the added weight
Adding a passenger increases rear weight, requiring higher preload to maintain proper ride height, handling geometry, and prevent bottoming out.
Question 7: How should you handle the throttle when transitioning from a banked turn onto a flat straightaway?
- Snap the throttle open immediately once upright
- Roll on the throttle smoothly as the bike straightens, progressively increasing power (Correct answer)
- Keep the throttle constant through the transition
- Close the throttle fully until the bike is fully upright
Correct answer: Roll on the throttle smoothly as the bike straightens, progressively increasing power
Smoothly rolling on the throttle as you straighten maximizes rear traction and prevents sudden power delivery from breaking the rear wheel loose.
RTT Vehicle Control & Handling Techniques 4
When riding downhill on a steep grade, which technique best controls speed?