New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

What should you do to maintain control while riding through a turn?

1. Accelerate sharply

2. Ease off the throttle and keep a straight course

3. Give way to larger vehicles

4. Turn your head away from the turn

The correct answer is: Ease off the throttle and keep a straight course

Maintaining control while riding through a turn is crucial for safety and stability. Easing off the throttle helps to reduce the speed of the motorcycle, allowing you to make the turn more smoothly. Keeping a straight course during the turn, as suggested in the correct answer, promotes better balance and control of the bike. As you gradually release the throttle, the weight of the motorcycle shifts appropriately, enabling better grip on the tires with the road surface, which is particularly important in a turn. This technique not only aids in managing the dynamics of the bike but also helps prevent skidding or losing traction. Other options listed reflect actions that might compromise control. Accelerating sharply could lead to instability and make it more difficult to navigate the turn safely. Giving way to larger vehicles is important in traffic situations, but it does not pertain to maintaining control during the turn, which focuses on personal stability and balance on the motorcycle. Turning your head away from the turn can also lead to a loss of proper alignment and focus, further affecting control. Proper body positioning and looking through the turn are essential for good maneuvering, making the correct choice highly relevant to safe riding practices.