Basic control, cornering, braking, and swerving
Domain overview
This domain tests machine control at low speed, cornering technique, braking, and swerving. Missouri items reward smooth inputs and separate braking from swerving; they punish panic grabs and target fixation.
Basic control
At walking speed, use the clutch’s friction zone, steady throttle, and rear brake to stabilize the motorcycle. Keep your head and eyes up, turn the handlebar, and let the bike lean slightly. Above walking speed, countersteering takes over: press the inside grip to lean and turn.
Cornering
Slow before the curve, look through the corner to the exit, press the inside grip, and roll on smoothly. Choose a lane position that gives the best view and margin. Avoid hard braking while leaned; if you enter too fast, look through, maintain or smoothly add throttle, and increase lean rather than grabbing the front brake.
Braking
Use both brakes. The front brake supplies most stopping power; squeeze it progressively rather than snatching. The rear brake helps stabilize, especially at low speed. For maximum straight-line braking, keep the bike upright and use a firm, progressive front squeeze. ABS reduces lockup risk but does not beat physics.
Swerving
Swerve to avoid a hazard without braking: push the grip on the side you want to go, keep throttle steady, then straighten and brake after clearing the object. Braking and swerving at the same time can overload the front tire.
Worked example
A car pulls out from a driveway. The rider’s first move is a quick swerve around the bumper, not a hard brake combined with a swerve. After passing the car, the rider straightens, checks mirrors, and brakes if needed.
Traps that cost marks
Grabbing the front brake mid-corner, staring at the hazard, braking while swerving, and using only the rear brake for normal stops all cost marks. Smooth is fast.