Turning & Cornering

Study questions with answers

12 sample Turning & Cornering questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What four steps does the manual give for a controlled turn?

   Correct answer: Slow, look, press, and roll

   The recommended sequence is to slow, look through the turn, press on the grip to lean, and roll on the throttle.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

2. 2. What does rolling on the throttle through a turn help do?

   Correct answer: Help stabilize the motorcycle

   Rolling on the throttle to hold or slightly raise speed helps keep the motorcycle stable through the turn.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

3. 3. What often happens when a rider enters a curve too fast?

   Correct answer: They drift into another lane or off the road, or brake so hard they skid

   Riders who take a curve too fast may drift into another lane or off the road, or overreact and brake so hard they skid.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

4. 4. To make the motorcycle lean into a turn, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Press the hand grip toward the direction you intend to go

   Press on the hand grip toward the direction you want to go, which leans the bike that way.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

5. 5. In an ordinary turn, how should the rider and the motorcycle lean?

   Correct answer: Together, at the same angle

   In normal turns the rider and machine should lean together at the same angle.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

6. 6. What is a primary cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes in curves?

   Correct answer: Running wide in the curve and hitting the road or a fixed object

   A leading cause is drifting wide through the curve and striking the pavement or some fixed object.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Cornering

7. 7. How does lean angle change as your speed in a turn rises?

   Correct answer: A higher speed calls for a greater lean angle

   The faster you go through a turn, the greater the lean angle the motorcycle needs.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

8. 8. With no traffic present, what cornering line increases your line of sight?

   Correct answer: Begin wide at the outside, move to the inside, then out again to exit

   Starting at the outside of the curve widens your view; you then move toward the inside and back to the outside to exit.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Cornering

9. 9. During the slow step, how do you reduce speed before a turn?

   Correct answer: Close the throttle and, if needed, apply both brakes

   You cut speed by rolling off the throttle and, if you need more, applying both brakes before the turn.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

10. 10. How should a rider handle a slow, tight turn?

    Correct answer: Counterbalance by leaning only the bike while your body stays upright

    In slow, tight turns you counterbalance: let the bike lean while you hold your own body upright.

    Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning

11. 11. What is one alternative line for taking a curve?

    Correct answer: Take the middle of your lane ahead of the curve and hold it

    Another option is to take the middle of your lane just ahead of the curve and keep it through the bend, which helps you see oncoming traffic sooner.

    Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Cornering

12. 12. During the look step of a turn, where should your eyes go?

    Correct answer: Through the turn toward where you want to go, turning only your head

    Look through the turn toward where you want to end up, turning only your head while keeping your eyes level.

    Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Turning