WA motorcycle test cornering and counter steering practice questions

Question 1

At 80 km/h you see debris ahead and need to move right quickly. What is the fastest way to make the motorcycle go right?

• Press forward firmly on the right handlebarCorrect answer
• Press forward firmly on the left handlebar
• Shift your body weight right without touching the bars
• Brake hard and hope to steer around

This is counter steering and it is how a motorcycle changes direction at speed. Press the bar on the side you want to go, then press the other bar to straighten up again.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: steering and swerving

Question 2

Where should the slowing down and gear changing for a corner happen?

• On the straight approach, before you lean the bikeCorrect answer
• At the apex of the corner
• At the exit of the corner
• It does not matter

Braking and gear changes upset the suspension, and a leaned tyre has little grip to spare. Get everything done on the approach and you can hold a steady or gently opening throttle through the corner.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: cornering

Question 3

You are approaching a rural bend where gravel has collected on the inside of the corner. What line should you choose?

• Cut across the inside to shorten the corner
• Hold a line away from the loose material, staying in your own lane, and reduce speed before the bendCorrect answer
• Ride down the centre line
• Ride on the gravel deliberately to slow down

Gravel washes and gets swept to the inside of bends. Choose your line early so you never have to react on the loose stuff, and get your braking done before you lean.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: cornering and road surface

Question 4

Why does looking at a hazard rather than at your escape path make things worse?

• It does not, looking at the hazard is correct
• A rider tends to steer towards whatever they are looking atCorrect answer
• It slows the motorcycle down
• It makes the brakes less effective

Target fixation puts riders into the very thing they were trying to avoid. Register the hazard, then move your eyes to the clear gap you want to take and the bike follows your eyes.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: hazard perception

Question 5

What happens if you shut the throttle abruptly halfway through a corner?

• Nothing, the bike carries on the same line
• Weight shifts forward suddenly, which can push the front wide or make it lose gripCorrect answer
• The bike leans less and straightens up safely
• The rear tyre grips better

A leaned motorcycle is balanced by a steady throttle. Snapping it shut loads the front tyre at the worst moment, so if you have entered too fast, look through and lean rather than backing off hard.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: cornering

Question 6

A corner tightens more than you expected and you are heading towards the edge of the road. What is the right response?

• Grab the front brake and stand the bike up
• Look well through the corner and press the bar to lean the motorcycle furtherCorrect answer
• Put a boot down on the road
• Close the throttle and freeze on the bars

Most riders who run wide still had lean angle in reserve. Looking through and pressing the bar tightens your line, while standing the bike up and braking sends you straight off the road.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: cornering