You approach a bend faster than you want to ride through it. At what point should you make the planned speed reduction?
Correct answer: Before entering the bend, easing the throttle and using the brakes if needed.
Set an appropriate speed before turning. Entering too fast makes completing the bend harder; the manual's turning guidance begins with slowing before entry.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Five, Basic Motorcycle Operation > Turning, opening paragraph and SLOW; printed 34, PDF physical 40. ↗
While riding through a bend, where and how should you direct your view?
Correct answer: Turn your head toward the intended path through the bend while keeping your eyes level.
Look where you intend to travel through the turn, using your head rather than rotating your shoulders. Keeping the eyes level helps you follow the intended path.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Five, Basic Motorcycle Operation > Turning > LOOK; printed 34, PDF physical 40. ↗
At normal riding speed, you have reduced speed appropriately and are ready to lean the motorcycle into a left-hand bend. Which handgrip action initiates that lean?
Correct answer: Press forward on the left handgrip.
Pressing the handgrip on the intended turn side makes the motorcycle lean that way at normal riding speed. For a left bend, press the left grip.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Five, Basic Motorcycle Operation > Turning > PRESS; printed 34, PDF physical 40. ↗
You entered a clear turn at a suitable speed and can continue along the intended path. Which throttle approach best supports stability?
Correct answer: Use a smooth throttle to maintain speed or increase it gradually as appropriate.
The manual recommends a smooth roll-on that maintains speed or allows gradual acceleration through the turn. Sudden changes are not the stability technique it describes.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Five, Basic Motorcycle Operation > Turning > ROLL; printed 35, PDF physical 41. ↗
During a slow, tight turn in a practice area, how does the recommended body position differ from an ordinary riding-speed turn?
Correct answer: Keep your body upright while leaning the motorcycle in the slow tight turn; normally, rider and motorcycle lean together.
Ordinary turns use a coordinated lean of rider and motorcycle. For a slow tight turn, the manual describes counterbalancing by keeping the body upright while the motorcycle leans.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Five, Basic Motorcycle Operation > Turning Techniques; printed 35, PDF physical 41. ↗
