SA motorcycle test cornering and counter steering practice questions

Question 1

A branch appears in your path at 70 km/h and you need to move left quickly. What input makes the bike go left fastest?

• A firm forward press on the left handlebarCorrect answer
• A firm forward press on the right handlebar
• Leaning your shoulders left without touching the bars
• Pulling both bars towards you

Counter steering is the fastest way to change direction on a motorcycle. Press the bar on the side you want to go, then press the other bar to bring it back upright.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: steering and swerving

Question 2

As you approach a bend, the point where the left and right edges of the road appear to meet starts moving towards you. What does that mean?

• The bend is opening out and you can accelerate
• The bend is tightening, so you should reduce speedCorrect answer
• You have already passed the tightest part
• It means nothing about the corner

That meeting point is the furthest you can see. When it comes towards you the corner is tightening, and when it moves away the corner is opening. Set your entry speed by what it is doing.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: cornering

Question 3

What should the throttle be doing from the middle of a corner to the exit?

• Closed completely
• Opening gently and smoothlyCorrect answer
• Snapping open and shut to settle the bike
• Held at full throttle

A gently opening throttle keeps the suspension settled and the weight balanced between the wheels. Shutting it off mid corner transfers weight forward suddenly and can push the front wheel wide or make it slide.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: cornering

Question 4

Where should braking for a corner be finished?

• Before you begin to lean the motorcycleCorrect answer
• At the tightest point of the corner
• As you exit the corner
• Braking should continue all the way around

Braking while leaned uses grip that the tyres need for turning. Get the speed right on the straight approach so that from the moment you lean you are steady or gently accelerating.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: cornering

Question 5

There is a pothole ahead in the corner and you find yourself staring at it. What is the danger and the fix?

• There is no danger, staring at a hazard is fine
• You tend to steer towards whatever you stare at, so look at the clear path you want insteadCorrect answer
• You should close your eyes as you pass it
• You should look down at the front wheel

This is target fixation, and it puts riders into the one thing they were trying to miss. Note the hazard, then move your eyes to the gap beside it and the bike follows.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: cornering and hazard perception

Question 6

You are riding down a steep winding road in the Adelaide Hills. How should you handle the corners?

• Coast in neutral to save fuel
• Reduce speed well before each corner and use a lower gear so engine braking helps control your speedCorrect answer
• Brake only in the middle of each corner
• Ride in the highest gear the engine will pull

Gravity is adding speed all the way down, so you have to slow earlier than you would on the flat. A lower gear takes some of the work off the brakes and keeps the bike settled.

Rule cited: The Rider's Handbook (South Australia), topic: cornering