Basic Control: Starting, Stopping, Turning, and Shifting
Basic Control: Starting, Stopping, Turning, and Shifting
This domain tests low-speed control and the physics of stopping and turning. The exam favors questions about the friction zone, which brake does most of the work, and where to look in a turn.
Starting and slow control
- Find the clutch friction zone: the point where the bike begins to move. Use throttle and clutch together, and drag the rear brake to steady slow-speed turns.
- Keep your head and eyes up; look where you want to go.
Stopping
- Use both brakes. The front brake provides most of the stopping power, but squeeze it progressively; do not grab.
- Keep the motorcycle upright and the front wheel straight for maximum braking.
Turning
- Slow before the turn, look through it, press the inside handgrip, and roll on the throttle smoothly. Above walking speed, press the grip on the side you want to go.
- Do not brake hard while leaned over. Straighten first, then brake.
Shifting
- Shift before a turn so you are in the right gear; downshift as you slow.
- Do not coast with the clutch pulled in; you lose engine braking and control.
Worked example
A rider enters a 90-degree turn too fast. The correct sequence is to brake before the turn while upright, look through the corner, press the inside grip, and roll on smoothly. Grabbing the front brake mid-lean stands the bike up and runs it wide.
Traps
- Grabbing the front brake instead of squeezing.
- Pulling the clutch through a turn.
- Looking at the pavement in front of the front tire.
- Shifting in the middle of a corner.