MSF Controls and Operation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why should you avoid covering the brake lever or pedal with your fingers/foot when not braking?
- It is not an issue — covering brakes improves reaction time
- It can cause unintended braking and increases fatigue (Correct answer)
- It reduces throttle control
- It is required by MSF to keep fingers on brake at all times
Correct answer: It can cause unintended braking and increases fatigue
Resting on the brake controls can cause unintended application and leads to fatigue; brakes should only be covered when you anticipate needing them.
Question 2: What does the neutral indicator light signify?
- The engine is at idle
- The transmission is in neutral (between first and second gear) (Correct answer)
- The bike is ready to shift to first gear
- The battery is fully charged
Correct answer: The transmission is in neutral (between first and second gear)
A green neutral light confirms the transmission is in neutral, meaning the engine is not connected to the drive wheel through a gear.
Question 3: What is the proper way to make a smooth upshift on a motorcycle?
- Roll on throttle, pull clutch, shift up, release clutch slowly, roll on throttle
- Release throttle, pull clutch, shift up, smoothly release clutch while rolling on throttle (Correct answer)
- Pull clutch, shift up immediately without throttle change
- Upshift without using the clutch at any speed
Correct answer: Release throttle, pull clutch, shift up, smoothly release clutch while rolling on throttle
The correct upshift sequence minimizes drivetrain shock by coordinating throttle, clutch, and gear lever smoothly.
Question 4: What effect does increasing speed have on a motorcycle's steering?
- It makes the bike easier to turn at any speed
- It requires more countersteering input to initiate a lean (Correct answer)
- It reduces the need for handlebar input
- It has no effect on steering effort
Correct answer: It requires more countersteering input to initiate a lean
At higher speeds, gyroscopic forces make the motorcycle more stable but require deliberate countersteering pressure to initiate a lean and turn.
Question 5: When should you use the choke on a fuel-injected motorcycle?
- Every time the engine is cold
- Fuel-injected motorcycles do not have a manual choke (Correct answer)
- Only when starting at high altitude
- Only during winter months
Correct answer: Fuel-injected motorcycles do not have a manual choke
Fuel injection automatically adjusts the air-fuel mixture, eliminating the need for a manual choke.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the front brake on a motorcycle?
- Controlling speed on downhills only
- Providing the majority of braking force — up to 70% or more (Correct answer)
- Preventing wheel lockup on wet roads
- Supplementing the rear brake at low speeds only
Correct answer: Providing the majority of braking force — up to 70% or more
Under hard braking, weight transfers forward and the front tire can handle the majority of braking force safely.
Question 7: What is the result of applying the rear brake too hard during a stop?
- The front wheel locks
- The rear wheel may lock and skid (Correct answer)
- The motorcycle stops faster
- The ABS system is bypassed
Correct answer: The rear wheel may lock and skid
Excessive rear brake pressure can lock the rear wheel, causing a skid that reduces control and can lead to a fall.
MSF Controls and Operation 4
Why should you avoid covering the brake lever or pedal with your fingers/foot when not braking?