California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Motorcycle Controls and Basic ManeuversMedium
When riding a motorcycle, what is the primary purpose of pressing the handlebar in the direction of a turn (countersteering)?
- ATo directly steer the front wheel in the desired direction of the turn.
- BTo activate the front brake for stability during the turn.
- CTo initiate a lean of the motorcycle into the turn.
- DTo adjust the engine's RPM for optimal power delivery.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To initiate a lean of the motorcycle into the turn.
Countersteering is the technique of pushing the handlebar forward on the side of the desired turn, which causes the front wheel to momentarily turn away from the turn, initiating the lean of the motorcycle into the turn. This lean is what actually steers the motorcycle.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Pressing the handlebar initially turns the wheel *away* from the turn, which then causes the lean.
- B. Applying the front brake during a turn can destabilize the motorcycle; countersteering is about initiating the turn.
- D. Engine RPM is controlled by the throttle, not by pressing the handlebars for steering.
Countersteering
The technique of applying pressure to the handlebar on the side of the desired turn (e.g., push left for a left turn) to initiate a lean of the motorcycle into the turn.
- Essential for turning at speeds above 10-15 mph.
- Causes the motorcycle to lean.
- It's a push, not a turn of the handlebars in the direction of the turn.
Memory trick: Push left to go left, push right to go right.