California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Hazard Avoidance and Emergency ManeuversHard
You are riding your motorcycle at highway speeds when your front wheel suddenly begins to wobble violently. What is your immediate and safest action?
- AGrip the handlebars tightly, accelerate slightly, and shift your weight forward.
- BPull in the clutch and let the motorcycle coast to a stop.
- CBrake hard with the front brake to stop the wobble.
- DEase off the throttle, maintain a firm but relaxed grip, and keep your weight back.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Ease off the throttle, maintain a firm but relaxed grip, and keep your weight back.
A violent front wheel wobble is known as a 'tank slapper' and is extremely dangerous. The safest action is to ease off the throttle to reduce speed and load on the front wheel, maintain a firm but relaxed grip to allow the handlebars to move without fighting them, and shift your weight back to put more load on the rear wheel, which can help stabilize the front.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Accelerating and shifting weight forward will make the wobble worse and increase instability.
- B. Pulling in the clutch removes engine braking and can make the wobble worse as the front wheel becomes 'lighter' under no load.
- C. Braking hard with the front brake will exacerbate the wobble and almost certainly lead to a crash.
Front Wheel Wobble (Tank Slapper)
A severe, rapid oscillation of the front wheel and handlebars, often occurring at speed, requiring specific corrective actions.
- Do NOT brake hard or accelerate.
- Ease off throttle, keep weight back.
- Firm but relaxed grip on handlebars.
Memory trick: Wobble starts? Throttle off, weight back, grip relaxed, control you'll get back.