Final answer:
It is true that motorcycles may ride to the left portion of a lane for better visibility. This involves countersteering where pulling back on the right handlebar causes a left turn due to gyroscopic precession, which is crucial for safety and being seen by other drivers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The observation that motorcycles sometimes ride to the left portion of the lane to be better seen in traffic is actually true. When a motorcyclist pulls back lightly on the right handlebar, this countersteering causes the motorcycle to tip to the left and initiate a left turn. This is due to the principles of gyroscopic precession, where a force applied to a rotating body, such as a wheel, results in a movement being enacted 90 degrees later in the direction of rotation. Therefore, when the right handlebar is pulled back, the force is transmitted to the wheels, causing the motorcycle to lean and turn to the left.
This maneuver is vital for maintaining visibility in traffic, ensuring that the motorcycle and rider remain within the line of sight of other drivers, particularly in the mirrors of cars ahead. Additionally, a rider may choose to position themselves purposefully within a lane where they are most likely to be seen, often the left or the center, depending on the situation, to prevent collisions and ensure safer riding conditions.