What does a motorcycle's 'lean angle' affect?

A motorcycle's 'lean angle' significantly affects its stability during a turn. When a motorcycle leans into a turn, the angle at which it is leaned determines how well it can maintain balance and traction with the road surface. A proper lean angle helps distribute weight evenly, allowing the tires to grip effectively, which is crucial for navigating curves safely.

If the lean angle is too steep or not enough, it could lead to losing traction, resulting in a skid or a fall. Riders must be aware of the optimal lean angle for different speeds and road conditions to ensure they can control the motorcycle effectively while turning. Therefore, managing the lean angle is essential for safe cornering and overall riding stability.

The other options relate to different aspects of motorcycle operation and performance. For example, while lean angle might indirectly influence fuel efficiency depending on how it affects speed during turns, it is not a direct factor. Similarly, suspension settings and top speed are determined by different parameters and are less influenced by the lean angle during turns.