5 motorcycle manoeuvres every motorbike rider should know
RIDING a motorcycle safety takes skill, caution and consideration of other road users.
When taking your motorcycle test, examiners will look at how well you can perform five crucial riding manoeuvres during Module one. Here’s what we know.
Manual handling
Riders wanting a license must know how to move their bike safely while wheeling and standing the vehicle.
It is crucial for motorcyclists to be able to the park safely.
This can be performed by pushing your bike in a straight line into a parking spot, but all riders must also be able to manoeuvre their bike manually in a U-turn.
The bike should then be kept upright on a centre or side stand.
Slalom manoeuvre
The slalom, also known as the figure of eight, is a key exercise drivers should know as part of their test and key knowledge.
This would require someone to ride in and out of cones in a safe and slow manner.
The manoeuvre allows riders to demonstrate their ability to control their motorbike at a slow speed.
A tip for motorcyclists is to focus as far ahead as possible, rather than only looking at the cone right in front.
Slow ride
This skill is a step up from the slalom manoeuvre as riders must be able to show they can ride at slow speeds.
Slow moving traffic is a prime example of where this skill comes in handy.
This will require people to show good clutch control, use of the throttle, and rear braking.
U-turn
Motorcyclists must be able to perform a safe and confident U-turn.
Riders will be asked to perform this move at a practical test to pass and earn themselves a license.
Firstly, learner riders will be asked to park their vehicle next to a kerb.
The learner will then have to perform a U-turn from here to park on the opposite side of a road.
An important skill riders need to practice in order to nail this move, is counter steering.
Circuit bend
Bikers must know how to safely ride their bike around a 20mph to 30mph bend on a road.
This required manoeuvre is included in an UK motorcycle test.
At the end of the bend, the learner should be able to bring their motorcycle to a slow stop.
This must be performed as a controlled stop in an area marked out by blue cones.
If all these manoeuvres are completes successfully, you will pass Module one of the Motorcycle Practical test and be able to take Module two.