Basic Control and Riding Skills
Basic control questions test whether you understand the physics of a single-track vehicle: it stays up by moving, it turns by leaning, and its brakes work very differently from a car's. Expect friction-zone, countersteering and slow-speed maneuver items.
Starting and pulling away
Use the FINE-C routine: Fuel valve on, Ignition on, Neutral, Engine cutoff switch in the run position, Choke or fast idle as needed. Squeeze the clutch to the grip, shift into first, and let the lever out until the engine note changes - that is the friction zone. Drag a little rear brake during slow-speed work; it steadies the bike and lets you use throttle for balance.
Braking and cornering
On clean pavement the front brake supplies most of the stopping power. Apply it progressively - squeeze, don't grab - and use the rear together with it. Set your speed before the corner, then look through the turn and roll on a little throttle to stabilize the chassis. At anything above walking pace you steer by pressing the grip on the side you want to go; the bike leans and turns.
Worked example
A rider practicing U-turns in a 20-foot box stalls halfway around, grabs the front brake, and the bike falls. The brake is the problem: with the bike leaned over, the front tire has little traction left for stopping, and a grab will tuck the front wheel. The fix is rear brake plus clutch in the friction zone, steady throttle, and head turned to the exit.
Traps
Coasting with the clutch pulled in through a turn; looking at the front wheel instead of the exit; using the front brake mid-corner; and assuming a heavy bike turns like a car - it does not.