Mechanical Issues and Avoidance
Mechanical Issues and Avoidance
This domain tests what to do when the motorcycle fails and how to avoid hazards before they become emergencies. The exam rewards calm, single-action responses: keep the bike stable, reduce speed smoothly, and separate braking from swerving.
Common failures
- Flat or blowout - hold the bars firmly, ease off the throttle, avoid hard braking, and pull off the road.
- Stuck throttle - twist the grip closed, pull the clutch, hit the kill switch, and brake.
- Wobble - do not fight the bars; ease off the throttle, avoid hard braking, and keep weight centered.
- Brake failure - downshift, use the remaining brake, and find an escape path.
Hazard avoidance
Scan 12 seconds ahead, identify escape paths, and cover the brakes at intersections. On gravel or sand, reduce lean and brake gently. If an obstacle appears, decide: stop upright if there is room, or swerve if there is not. Do not try to do both at once.
Worked example
A front tire blows at 60 mph. Reasoning: the bike will pull and feel unstable. Grabbing the front brake can cause a crash. The correct response is to keep the bars straight, roll off the throttle, let engine braking slow you, and use the rear brake gently only after the bike is stable.
Traps
- Hard braking during a blowout or wobble.
- Looking at the hazard instead of the escape path.
- Braking and swerving simultaneously.
- Trying to ride a flat tire to the next exit.