Practice question

What should you do if your motorcycle begins to wobble at high speeds?

  1. Accelerate to stabilize the bike
  2. Apply the brakes immediately
  3. Gradually reduce your speed and steer straight ahead
  4. Pull over to the side of the road

Answer: C — Gradually reduce your speed and steer straight ahead

When a motorcycle begins to wobble at high speeds, the best course of action is to gradually reduce your speed while maintaining a straight line. This approach helps to stabilize the motorcycle without introducing additional complications. By steering straight ahead, you minimize the risk of further destabilizing the bike, which could happen if you suddenly turn or apply the brakes hard. Steady and gradual deceleration allows you to regain control and enables you to bring the motorcycle to a safer speed where the wobbling can be managed. In contrast, speeding up or applying the brakes quickly may exacerbate the wobble, making the situation more dangerous. Accelerating could lead to a loss of control, while hard braking could cause the motorcycle to tip or skid, further increasing the chances of an accident. Pulling over may be necessary if the wobble does not stabilize after reducing speed, but handling the situation carefully while still in motion is the immediate focus.

Practice more: Illinois Motorcycle Permit Practice Test →