Motorcycle-specific handling and riding technique
Handling questions reward physics over instinct. They test whether you can control a light, powerful machine in a bend, under braking, and on a surface with reduced grip.
Vision and steering
- Look through the bend to the exit. The bike follows the eyes; staring at the kerb puts you on it.
- Above walking pace you steer with a Lenkimpuls (countersteer): push the right bar to go right.
- Enter wide, take a late apex, exit with a clear view. Grip the tank with the knees, keep the arms loose.
- At walking pace, use the rear brake and slip the clutch; pulling the clutch in fully removes the stability that keeps the bike upright.
Braking and the bend
- Most stopping power is at the front. Use both brakes, progressive on the lever, never a grab.
- Choose an appropriate entry speed early. Braking while leaned over uses grip and can affect steering behavior; coordinated control depends on the motorcycle, equipment, conditions and qualified training.
- Gravel, wet paint, rails and leaves can reduce grip. Plan the path and speed early and avoid abrupt inputs; there is no universal rear-brake-only recovery for every reduced-grip situation.
- Cold tyres need distance before full lean; ABS and Schräglagen-ABS only work within physical limits.
Worked example
You enter a bend and discover that its radius or grip differs from the expected situation. Do not assume that adding lean or using only the rear brake can always recover it. Braking and cornering share available tire grip, and control changes affect the path. Continue observing the intended safe path, avoid abrupt inputs and use motorcycle-specific training and equipment guidance. Actual emergency recovery requires supervised practical instruction; this written example does not prescribe a universal input sequence.
Traps that cost marks
- Target fixation on the kerb or the oncoming vehicle instead of the exit.
- Abrupt braking without regard to the available grip in a wet bend.
- Instant full lean on cold tyres, or on the first metres out of a filling station.
- Believing ABS guarantees grip during a hard braking maneuver on wet paint mid-corner.
- Riding with locked arms; the bike steers itself if you let it.