Shifting gears on your motorcycle in a curve:

Use this motorcycle practice test question to prepare for the real written exam at the DMV or during your motorcycle safety course. 

Shifting gears on your motorcycle in a curve:

1. Should be done smoothly.
2. Should never be done.
3. Should only be done when there are no other vehicles near you. 
4. Is no different than shifting on a straightaway. 

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: A. Should be done smoothly.

How’d you do? Learn more about this motorcycle topic below. 

Explanation: Shifting Gears in a Turn or Curve

In order to pass your motorcycle permit exams and to become a safe rider, it’s important to know why a particular answer on the motorcycle written test is correct. 

Ideally, any shifting you need to do should be completed before you enter the turn or curve. 

However, sometimes the situation may require you to shift gears while you are already riding through the curve. 

In this circumstance, you should be sure to shift gears and match your engine speed as smoothly as possible. 

A sudden change in power to your rear wheel can cause a skid. In a curve, that can be even more difficult to recover from and send you into a high-side crash or into a different lane. 

Remember, you should slow down before entering the curve and try to get yourself into the appropriate gear. 

As you ride through the curve, roll on the throttle and accelerate out of it. 

You can find more information about this topic in the motorcycle rider’s handbook.

Check out more motorcycle permit test questions and answers here.

Find in-depth articles for new riders in our section dedicated to learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Plus, check out an overview of the requirements to get a motorcycle endorsement in each state.