MSF Braking and Stopping 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching an intersection where you may need to stop, what braking preparation should you make?
- Wait until you see a red light before covering the brakes
- Cover the brakes by positioning your fingers over the lever (Correct answer)
- Shift to first gear immediately while still at speed
- Flash your brake light to warn vehicles behind you
Correct answer: Cover the brakes by positioning your fingers over the lever
Covering the brakes by hovering your fingers over the lever reduces reaction time, allowing you to begin braking sooner when needed.
Question 2: What effect does road camber (banking) have on braking?
- It has no effect on braking performance
- A negative camber (sloping away) reduces braking effectiveness (Correct answer)
- A positive camber always increases braking traction
- Camber only affects cornering, not braking
Correct answer: A negative camber (sloping away) reduces braking effectiveness
A road surface that slopes away from you (negative camber) reduces the tire's contact with the road and can cause skidding during braking.
Question 3: During a normal planned stop, what is the proper sequence of actions?
- Downshift to first gear, then apply brakes, then pull in clutch
- Apply both brakes progressively, downshift through gears, pull in clutch before stopping (Correct answer)
- Pull in clutch, apply brakes, then downshift all at once
- Apply rear brake only, then front, then clutch and downshift
Correct answer: Apply both brakes progressively, downshift through gears, pull in clutch before stopping
Apply both brakes progressively while downshifting through gears sequentially, then pull in the clutch just before coming to a complete stop.
Question 4: How does hot weather affect motorcycle braking performance?
- Braking improves because tires are more pliable in heat
- It has no measurable effect on stopping distance
- Heat can reduce brake fluid effectiveness and cause brake fade (Correct answer)
- Hot weather hardens tires making braking more effective
Correct answer: Heat can reduce brake fluid effectiveness and cause brake fade
Extreme heat can cause brake fluid to boil and create vapor pockets, reducing hydraulic pressure and causing brake fade or failure.
Question 5: What is the best way to test your brakes after riding through a large puddle?
- Immediately apply both brakes hard to verify they work
- Gently apply both brakes while in a straight line at low speed (Correct answer)
- Wait until the brakes dry naturally without testing them
- Pump the brakes rapidly 10 times to restore normal function
Correct answer: Gently apply both brakes while in a straight line at low speed
Gently apply brakes in a straight line at low speed to check function and help dry the pads and rotors without causing a skid.
Question 6: What is 'brake fade' and when is it most likely to occur?
- The gradual wear of brake pads over thousands of miles
- Reduced braking power after repeated or prolonged braking, often on long descents (Correct answer)
- The time delay between squeezing the lever and the brake engaging
- Uneven brake pad wear that causes pulling to one side
Correct answer: Reduced braking power after repeated or prolonged braking, often on long descents
Brake fade is a reduction in braking effectiveness caused by heat buildup from repeated or prolonged braking, most common on long mountain descents.
Question 7: When stopping on an uphill grade, which adjustment should you make compared to level ground?
- Use less front brake because weight shifts backward on uphills
- Expect a shorter stopping distance because gravity assists braking (Correct answer)
- Begin braking later since gravity will help slow the motorcycle
- No adjustment needed — physics is the same on any grade
Correct answer: Expect a shorter stopping distance because gravity assists braking
On an uphill grade, gravity works against forward momentum, which reduces stopping distance compared to level ground.
MSF Braking and Stopping 4
When approaching an intersection where you may need to stop, what braking preparation should you make?