Preparing for Your Motorcycle Test

Before swinging a leg over any motorcycle for testing, preparation is key to both safety and success.

Start with the right gear - a DOT-approved helmet, riding jacket with armor, gloves, riding pants, and proper boots that cover your ankles. Weather-appropriate gear ensures you'll stay comfortable during the test ride.

For license tests, study your local motorcycle handbook thoroughly. Each jurisdiction has specific requirements and test elements. Many offer practice tests online that simulate the actual knowledge portion.

When test riding a potential purchase, research the specific model beforehand. Understanding the expected performance characteristics, common issues, and maintenance requirements gives you specific points to evaluate during your ride.

Mental preparation matters too. Get adequate rest before test day, avoid alcohol or medication that might impair your abilities, and arrive early to reduce stress. A clear, focused mind makes for better riding decisions.

Essential Motorcycle Controls and Handling Tests

Every motorcycle test emphasizes control mastery and handling proficiency. These elements form the foundation of safe riding.

The slow-speed control test evaluates your clutch, throttle, and brake coordination. Practice figure-eights in parking lots to develop this skill. Maintain a steady throttle while feathering the clutch and using the rear brake for stability at walking speeds.

Emergency stopping requires progressive brake application - beginning with light pressure and increasing quickly to maximum braking without locking wheels. Modern motorcycles with ABS make this easier, but technique remains important.

Cornering tests assess your ability to maintain proper lines through turns. The key technique is to look through the turn toward your exit point, not directly in front of the motorcycle. This visual focus naturally guides your body position and steering inputs.

Obstacle avoidance demonstrates your ability to make quick directional changes. The push-steering technique (counter-steering) is essential here - pushing forward on the right handlebar turns the motorcycle right, and vice versa. Practice this until it becomes instinctive.

Test Tip: Remember that smooth inputs almost always work better than abrupt ones. Gradual application of throttle, brakes, and steering inputs keeps the motorcycle stable and responsive.

Evaluating Motorcycle Performance During Test Rides

When test riding a motorcycle for purchase, systematic evaluation helps you make an informed decision.

Start with the engine characteristics. Does it start easily when cold? Listen for unusual noises or vibrations. Assess throttle response at various RPMs - it should be predictable and linear without hesitation or surging.

Transmission smoothness matters for daily riding comfort. Shift through all gears, both up and down, noting any resistance, false neutrals, or clunking sounds. The clutch should engage progressively without grabbing or slipping.

Braking performance can literally save your life. Test both front and rear brakes independently and together. They should provide strong, progressive stopping power without pulling to either side. ABS systems should activate only under hard braking on slippery surfaces.

Suspension quality affects both comfort and handling. Ride over various surfaces including bumps and broken pavement. The suspension should absorb impacts without bottoming out while maintaining tire contact with the road.

Ergonomics determine long-term riding comfort. Pay attention to your wrist angle, knee bend, and back position. Can you comfortably reach all controls? Does the seat support you properly? Remember that some discomfort might simply indicate you need time to adjust to a different riding position.

"A proper test ride should include at least 30 minutes on various road types to truly understand how a motorcycle performs."

Common Motorcycle Test Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced riders make mistakes during motorcycle tests. Awareness of these common errors improves your chances of success.

Target fixation ranks among the most dangerous mistakes. This occurs when you stare at an obstacle you want to avoid, inadvertently steering toward it. Always look where you want to go, not at what you're trying to avoid.

Improper speed for conditions causes many test failures. This includes both excessive speed and going too slowly. The appropriate speed provides enough momentum for stability while allowing adequate reaction time.

Poor lane positioning reduces your visibility and escape options. Practice the principle of positioning yourself to see and be seen while maintaining space cushions in all directions.

Forgetting shoulder checks before lane changes or turns is an instant fail on most license tests. Develop the habit of quickly checking your blind spots before any directional change.

Rough control inputs disturb the motorcycle's balance. Abrupt throttle, clutch, or brake applications can unsettle the chassis. Practice smooth, progressive control applications until they become second nature.

  • Stalling the engine during slow-speed maneuvers
  • Dragging feet instead of using proper balance
  • Failing to cancel turn signals
  • Improper hand positioning on controls
  • Neglecting pre-ride safety checks

Advanced Motorcycle Testing Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics, advanced testing techniques provide deeper insights into motorcycle performance and handling.

The quick-flick test reveals chassis responsiveness. On a safe, clear road, quickly transition from leaning in one direction to the other. A well-designed motorcycle responds immediately without feeling unstable.

Trail braking combines gentle braking while entering corners. This technique loads the front suspension, compressing it slightly to sharpen steering response. It requires finesse but offers valuable information about how a motorcycle handles under combined braking and cornering forces.

Two-up testing with a passenger shows how the motorcycle handles added weight. Pay attention to suspension compliance, power delivery, and braking distances, which all change significantly with a passenger.

Highway stability testing at legal speeds reveals aerodynamic characteristics. Does the motorcycle track straight without constant steering corrections? Is there excessive buffeting from the windscreen? These factors affect long-distance riding comfort.

Fuel efficiency testing requires a longer test ride, but provides important ownership cost information. Reset the trip meter at the start of your ride and note fuel consumption after 30+ miles of mixed riding.

Professional Insight: Many motorcycle magazines use standardized testing protocols including acceleration runs, braking distance measurements, and slalom courses. While these aren't practical for most consumer test rides, understanding the principles helps you evaluate motorcycles more effectively.