RTT control
RTT Cornering, Braking, and Gear Control Guide
A rider guide to speed choice, gear selection, braking balance, cornering control, wet-road caution, and avoiding sudden inputs.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026. Handbook baseline: 27-38, 61-67.
Slow before a bend and avoid sudden braking mid-corner.
Use the right gear and smooth throttle control for stability.
Wet or slippery roads require more space and gentler inputs.
Study cue
controls, gears, braking, and cornering
Remember
Slow before a bend and avoid sudden braking mid-corner.
Remember
Use the right gear and smooth throttle control for stability.
Remember
Wet or slippery roads require more space and gentler inputs.
Speed must be set before the bend
A motorcycle is less forgiving of sudden mid-corner changes. The safe answer usually reduces speed before entering the bend, selects the correct gear, and keeps the motorcycle stable through the turn.
Look through the bend where safe.
Slow before leaning into the corner.
Avoid harsh braking while cornering.
Braking is about balance
RTT questions often test panic reactions. Sudden or uneven braking can reduce stability, especially on wet or loose surfaces. Smooth braking and enough following distance give the rider more control.
Brake progressively where possible.
Increase following distance in poor conditions.
Avoid locking wheels through abrupt inputs.
Gear choice supports control
The right gear helps the motorcycle respond smoothly. A poor gear choice can make acceleration weak, jerky, or unstable. Practical theory rewards planning before junctions, bends, slopes, and slow manoeuvres.
Select a suitable gear before the hazard.
Avoid changing gear at the worst moment in a bend.
Use smooth clutch and throttle control.
Road surface changes the answer
Painted markings, metal covers, oil, gravel, and wet roads can reduce grip. The safe rider gives more space, reduces speed earlier, and avoids sudden steering or braking.
Watch the road surface ahead.
Avoid abrupt throttle, brake, or steering inputs.
Keep a larger safety margin when grip is reduced.
Scenario check
Apply the rule before you move on.
These short checks are intentionally close to how test traps feel: one detail changes the answer.
Question
You enter a bend too fast.
Answer
The safer habit is to reduce speed before the bend, not rely on harsh braking inside it.
Question
The road is wet and traffic ahead slows.
Answer
Increase following distance and brake smoothly earlier.
Question
A painted road marking is wet on a bend.
Answer
Treat it as a reduced-grip surface and avoid sudden inputs.
Next step
Turn this guide into active recall.
Read the related module for full explanation, then use flashcards to check whether the distinction is actually memorised.
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