California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Hazard Avoidance and Emergency ManeuversHard
You are riding your motorcycle at a moderate speed when you suddenly feel a strong, uncontrolled oscillation (side-to-side motion) in the handlebars, commonly known as a 'tank slapper' or 'speed wobble'. What is the correct response?
- AGrip the handlebars tightly and apply the front brake firmly.
- BMaintain a loose grip, roll off the throttle slightly, and shift your weight back.
- CMaintain a loose grip on the handlebars, roll off the throttle, and shift your weight forward.
- DAccelerate through the wobble to stabilize the front wheel.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Maintain a loose grip, roll off the throttle slightly, and shift your weight back.
A 'tank slapper' is a dangerous, violent oscillation of the front wheel. The correct response is to relax your grip (tight grip can worsen it), roll off the throttle slightly (don't chop it), and shift your weight back. Shifting weight back helps to lighten the front wheel, allowing it to self-correct. Accelerating or braking firmly will likely worsen the situation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Tightly gripping the handlebars can exacerbate the wobble, and firm front braking can destabilize the front end further.
- C. Shifting weight forward can put more pressure on an already unstable front wheel, hindering its ability to self-correct.
- D. Accelerating can worsen the wobble, especially if it's speed-induced, and makes it harder to regain control.
Speed Wobble (Tank Slapper) Recovery
To recover from a speed wobble, maintain a loose grip on the handlebars, slightly roll off the throttle, and shift your weight toward the rear of the motorcycle.
- Tight grip worsens the wobble.
- Sudden throttle changes are bad.
- Shifting weight back helps stabilize the front.
Memory trick: Wobble Woes? Loosen, Roll, and Lean Low (back).