MSF Basic Riding Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended method for shifting gears upward on a motorcycle?
- Roll off throttle, squeeze clutch, shift up, release clutch, roll on throttle (Correct answer)
- Squeeze clutch, roll off throttle, shift up, roll on throttle, release clutch
- Shift up while keeping throttle steady and clutch disengaged
- Release clutch quickly while shifting to create a clean shift
Correct answer: Roll off throttle, squeeze clutch, shift up, release clutch, roll on throttle
The proper sequence is roll off throttle, squeeze clutch, shift, then smoothly release clutch while rolling on throttle.
Question 2: When riding over a slippery surface such as wet paint or railroad tracks, you should:
- Brake firmly to reduce speed before reaching the hazard
- Cross as straight as possible at a 90-degree angle and maintain speed (Correct answer)
- Lean sharply to maintain tire grip
- Slow down significantly and cross at an angle
Correct answer: Cross as straight as possible at a 90-degree angle and maintain speed
Crossing slippery surfaces like railroad tracks at a 90-degree angle while maintaining steady speed minimizes the risk of sliding.
Question 3: What does 'target fixation' mean in motorcycle riding?
- Keeping your eyes fixed on your intended path through a curve
- Staring at a hazard, causing you to steer toward it (Correct answer)
- Focusing on the rear brake to stop quickly
- Looking far ahead on the highway
Correct answer: Staring at a hazard, causing you to steer toward it
Target fixation occurs when a rider stares at a hazard and unconsciously steers toward it instead of away from it.
Question 4: When riding in a group, what is the recommended formation?
- Single file in one lane
- Side by side in one lane
- Staggered formation within a single lane (Correct answer)
- Pairs separated by two full seconds
Correct answer: Staggered formation within a single lane
Staggered formation within one lane keeps riders visible, maintains safe spacing, and uses lane space efficiently.
Question 5: What is the safest response if your throttle sticks open while riding?
- Apply only the rear brake to avoid front wheel lockup
- Squeeze the clutch lever immediately and apply brakes (Correct answer)
- Turn the engine off with the kill switch without touching the clutch
- Swerve to the right to avoid traffic
Correct answer: Squeeze the clutch lever immediately and apply brakes
Squeezing the clutch disconnects engine power, then you can apply brakes and pull over safely.
Question 6: How does carrying a passenger affect motorcycle handling?
- It has no noticeable effect on handling
- It increases stopping distance and changes suspension response (Correct answer)
- It only affects fuel economy, not handling
- It makes the motorcycle easier to lean in turns
Correct answer: It increases stopping distance and changes suspension response
Added passenger weight increases stopping distances and changes the suspension response, requiring adjusted braking and throttle inputs.
Question 7: What should you do if you feel the rear wheel begin to skid during braking?
- Release the rear brake suddenly to regain traction
- Keep steady pressure on the rear brake until stopped (Correct answer)
- Apply more front brake to compensate
- Squeeze the clutch while maintaining rear brake pressure
Correct answer: Keep steady pressure on the rear brake until stopped
Maintaining steady rear brake pressure during a skid is safer than sudden release, which can cause a high-side crash.
MSF Basic Riding Skills 3
What is the recommended method for shifting gears upward on a motorcycle?