MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle Controls and Operation Questions and Answers

Question 1

When coming to a normal, non-emergency stop on a motorcycle, what is the recommended distribution of braking force between the front and rear brakes?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 70% front brake and 30% rear brake

Answer

50% front, 50% rear

Answer

100% front brake only

Answer

100% rear brake only

Question 2

A rider is preparing to start a motorcycle. According to the MSF's FINE-C pre-start routine, what does the 'E' represent?

Accepted Answer

Engine cut-off switch to the 'ON' position

Answer

Examine the tires and wheels

Answer

Engage the clutch fully

Answer

Emergency flashers check

Question 3

What is the primary function of the clutch lever on a manual transmission motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

To engage and disengage power from the engine to the rear wheel

Answer

To activate the rear brake

Answer

To change the fuel-to-air mixture

Answer

To sound the horn

Question 4

Which of the following describes the standard gear shifting pattern on most modern motorcycles?

Accepted Answer

First gear is one press down, neutral is a half-click up, and all other gears are full clicks up

Answer

Neutral is at the top, followed by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Answer

All gears are selected by pressing down on the shift lever

Answer

The pattern is random and varies by manufacturer

Question 5

While riding through a curve, you realize you are going too fast. What is the proper technique to slow down safely?

Accepted Answer

Straighten the motorcycle, apply both brakes smoothly, then re-establish lean

Answer

Apply the rear brake firmly to slide the rear tire

Answer

Pull in the clutch and coast through the turn

Answer

Apply the front brake hard and abruptly

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of the red engine cut-off switch located on the right handlebar?

Accepted Answer

To quickly shut off the engine in an emergency without removing a hand from the controls

Answer

To activate the high-beam headlight

Answer

To serve as the primary method for turning off the motorcycle after every ride

Answer

To engage the motorcycle's cruise control