Basic Vehicle Control and Riding Skills
Basic Vehicle Control and Riding Skills
This domain tests low-speed control, starting and stopping, shifting, turning and the countersteering that makes a motorcycle turn above walking speed.
Taking off and stopping
Find the friction zone: the range where the clutch begins to engage. With the throttle slightly open, ease the clutch into the friction zone, keep the right foot down until the bike is stable, then put it on the peg. To stop, use both brakes smoothly, downshift as you slow, and keep the front wheel straight. At a stop, hold the front brake to keep the bike from rolling.
Turning and countersteering
At low speed, turn the handlebar toward the turn and lean slightly. Above roughly 10 to 15 mph, press the grip on the inside of the turn: press right, lean right, turn right. This is countersteering. Look through the turn to its exit, not at the handlebar or the pavement.
Worked example
A rider is entering a 25-mph right curve and is running wide. Reasoning: the bike is not leaning enough; the rider should press the right grip more firmly and look to the exit. Grabbing the front brake mid-curve would stand the bike up and run it wider. The correct response is more lean and a steady throttle.
Traps
Riding the clutch too long, stalling in a slow turn, looking down at the front wheel, and braking hard while leaned over. The exam rewards smooth inputs and looking where you want to go.