MSF Controls and Operation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct sequence for starting a motorcycle with a manual choke?
- Start engine, then open choke
- Open choke, start engine, then gradually close choke as engine warms (Correct answer)
- Close choke, start engine, leave choke closed
- The choke position does not matter at startup
Correct answer: Open choke, start engine, then gradually close choke as engine warms
A cold engine needs a richer fuel mixture, so you open the choke to start and close it progressively as the engine reaches operating temperature.
Question 2: What does the tachometer measure on a motorcycle?
- Fuel level
- Road speed in mph
- Engine revolutions per minute (RPM) (Correct answer)
- Engine temperature
Correct answer: Engine revolutions per minute (RPM)
The tachometer displays engine RPM, helping the rider know when to shift for optimal performance or fuel economy.
Question 3: At what point in a turn should you gradually roll on the throttle?
- As soon as you enter the turn
- Before braking for the turn
- After you have established your lean angle through the turn (Correct answer)
- Only after you are fully upright
Correct answer: After you have established your lean angle through the turn
Rolling on the throttle once lean angle is set stabilizes the suspension and helps the tires maintain traction through the curve.
Question 4: What happens if you release the clutch too quickly when starting from a stop?
- The engine revs too high
- The motorcycle may lurch forward or stall (Correct answer)
- The rear brake engages automatically
- Nothing — quick releases are preferred
Correct answer: The motorcycle may lurch forward or stall
Releasing the clutch abruptly can cause the engine to stall or make the bike lurch forward dangerously.
Question 5: What is the function of the fuel petcock (fuel valve)?
- It controls the idle speed
- It controls the flow of fuel from the tank to the carburetor or fuel system (Correct answer)
- It operates the fuel gauge
- It vents the fuel tank
Correct answer: It controls the flow of fuel from the tank to the carburetor or fuel system
The petcock regulates fuel flow and typically has ON, OFF, and RESERVE positions.
Question 6: What is the recommended technique for braking in a curve?
- Apply brakes hard while still leaned over
- Straighten the motorcycle as much as possible before applying brakes (Correct answer)
- Use only the rear brake in a curve
- Never brake in a curve under any circumstances
Correct answer: Straighten the motorcycle as much as possible before applying brakes
Braking while severely leaned reduces available traction for braking, so straightening the bike allows more braking force to be applied safely.
Question 7: What does the term 'friction zone' refer to?
- The area on the tire with maximum grip
- The range of clutch lever travel where the clutch begins to engage and transmit power (Correct answer)
- The road surface that causes the most friction
- The brake pads' contact area
Correct answer: The range of clutch lever travel where the clutch begins to engage and transmit power
The friction zone is the clutch engagement range used for slow-speed control and smooth starts.
MSF Controls and Operation 3
What is the correct sequence for starting a motorcycle with a manual choke?