VIC motorcycle test cornering and counter steering practice questions

Question 1

You are riding at 60 km/h and need to turn right. What does counter steering mean you actually do with the handlebars?

• Press forward gently on the right handlebarCorrect answer
• Press forward gently on the left handlebar
• Pull both handlebars towards you
• Do nothing with the bars and only lean your body

Above walking pace a motorcycle turns by leaning, and pressing forward on the bar on the side you want to go makes the bike lean that way. Press right to go right, press left to go left.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: steering and cornering

Question 2

At what speeds does counter steering apply?

• At all speeds including walking pace
• Only above 80 km/h
• Above very low speeds, once the motorcycle is rolling properlyCorrect answer
• Only when the road is wet

At walking pace you steer the bars straight into the turn. Once you are moving at normal road speed the bike turns by leaning, and the bar press is what starts the lean.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: steering and cornering

Question 3

When should you finish setting your entry speed and gear for a corner?

• Before you start to lean into the cornerCorrect answer
• Halfway around the corner
• As you reach the tightest part of the corner
• Just before you exit the corner

Slow down and select your gear on the straight approach, then look through the corner, lean, and roll the throttle on gently. Braking or changing gear while leaned upsets the bike.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: cornering

Question 4

Where should you be looking as you ride through a bend?

• At the front wheel
• At the edge line right in front of the bike
• Through the bend towards where you want to beCorrect answer
• At the oncoming traffic

A motorcycle goes where you look. Turning your head and looking well through the corner keeps your line smooth and gives you time to react to anything on the road ahead.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: cornering

Question 5

You are partway through a bend and realise you are running wide towards the far edge. What is the best response?

• Grab the front brake hard
• Look through the corner and press the bar to lean the bike furtherCorrect answer
• Sit the bike upright and cross the centre line
• Close the throttle suddenly and freeze

Most bikes have far more lean available than the rider is using. Looking up and pressing the bar tightens the line. Grabbing the front brake mid corner stands the bike up and takes you straight off the road.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: cornering

Question 6

You are approaching a blind right hand bend on a country road. Where in your lane gives the safest view?

• Towards the left of your laneCorrect answer
• Right on the centre line
• In the middle of the road
• Position makes no difference on a bend

On a right hand bend, staying to the left of your own lane opens up the view around the corner and keeps you well away from anything cutting the corner towards you. Move back to a middle position if there is gravel or a rough edge.

Rule cited: Victorian Rider Handbook, topic: road position