Basic Control: Starting, Shifting, Braking, and Turning
Basic control: starting, shifting, braking, and turning
This domain tests low-speed control and the physical skills that keep a motorcycle stable. Expect questions on the friction zone, shifting, both-brake braking, and looking through turns.
Starting and shifting
- With the bike in neutral, hold the clutch, start the engine, and check that the kill switch is in the run position.
- Use the friction zone, the area where the clutch begins to engage, to move smoothly from a stop. Keep your feet down until you are moving steadily.
- Shift up as engine speed rises; shift down before a stop or a slow corner. Do not coast with the clutch pulled in; you lose engine braking and control.
Braking
Use both brakes together. The front brake provides most of the stopping power, but it must be applied progressively to avoid locking the front wheel. Use the rear brake for low-speed control and to steady the bike in slow turns. On wet or gravel surfaces, use less front brake and more distance.
Turning
Slow before the turn, look through it, press the grip on the inside of the turn, and roll on the throttle smoothly. At higher speeds, press the grip in the direction of the turn and let the bike lean. Keep your eyes up and your body relaxed.
Worked example
A rider enters a right-hand curve at 35 mph and realizes he is too fast. He should not grab the front brake. He should look through the curve, press the right grip to increase lean, and roll on the throttle gently. Braking hard while leaned can stand the bike up or slide the front tire.
Traps
- Using only the rear brake and underestimating stopping distance.
- Looking at the edge of the road instead of through the turn.
- Pulling the clutch through a corner.
- Grabbing the front brake on gravel.
Key facts
Smooth inputs keep a motorcycle stable. Both brakes stop it best. Look where you want to go.