MSF Passenger and Cargo 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When loading cargo onto a motorcycle, where should the heaviest items be placed?
- As high as possible to improve visibility from behind
- At the rear of the motorcycle to improve front-wheel steering
- Low and centered, close to the motorcycle's center of gravity (Correct answer)
- On the left side only to offset the weight of the exhaust
Correct answer: Low and centered, close to the motorcycle's center of gravity
Placing heavy items low and near the center of gravity keeps the motorcycle balanced and its handling predictable.
Question 2: How should cargo be secured to a motorcycle?
- With elastic bungee cords stretched loosely across the top
- In bags or containers that are firmly strapped, tied, or locked in place (Correct answer)
- Loosely so the cargo can shift and absorb road vibrations
- Only in hard-sided cases attached by a single center strap
Correct answer: In bags or containers that are firmly strapped, tied, or locked in place
Cargo must be firmly secured so it cannot shift, fall, or contact the tire or interfere with any controls during the ride.
Question 3: How does adding significant cargo affect tire pressure requirements?
- Tire pressure should be decreased to spread the load over more contact area
- Tire pressure may need to be increased according to the owner's manual (Correct answer)
- Tire pressure remains the same regardless of cargo weight
- Only the front tire pressure needs adjustment when carrying cargo
Correct answer: Tire pressure may need to be increased according to the owner's manual
Added weight compresses the tires further, and the owner's manual typically specifies higher recommended pressures for loaded riding conditions.
Question 4: During which maneuvers is a cargo weight shift most dangerous?
- Only on long straight highway sections at cruising speed
- During cornering and braking maneuvers (Correct answer)
- When accelerating smoothly from a complete stop
- Only when traveling faster than 55 mph
Correct answer: During cornering and braking maneuvers
Cargo that shifts weight during braking or while leaned in a corner can significantly upset the motorcycle's balance when stability is already stressed.
Question 5: What is the best practice regarding the height of cargo strapped on top of a motorcycle?
- Height does not matter as long as both sides are equal
- Keep cargo as low as possible and avoid stacking it high above the seat (Correct answer)
- Cargo may be stacked as high as the rider's helmet for aerodynamic benefit
- High cargo is acceptable if it is additionally tied to the handlebars
Correct answer: Keep cargo as low as possible and avoid stacking it high above the seat
Keeping cargo low prevents raising the center of gravity, which would make the motorcycle harder to handle and more prone to tipping.
Question 6: How does unequal loading in left and right saddlebags affect motorcycle handling?
- It has no effect as long as both bags are physically attached
- It can cause the motorcycle to pull toward the heavier side (Correct answer)
- It improves handling by providing a dynamic counterweight
- It only affects handling on unpaved or gravel roads
Correct answer: It can cause the motorcycle to pull toward the heavier side
Unequal saddlebag weights create an imbalance that causes the motorcycle to drift or handle unpredictably, especially in corners.
Question 7: What must you verify on a cargo-loaded motorcycle before beginning a trip?
- Only the engine oil level before departure
- Tire pressure for the load, cargo security, and that cargo does not contact the tire or restrict controls (Correct answer)
- Simply confirm the cargo is not visible from the rider's forward view
- Verify the cargo is lighter than the maximum passenger weight rating
Correct answer: Tire pressure for the load, cargo security, and that cargo does not contact the tire or restrict controls
A pre-ride check with cargo must include load-adjusted tire pressure, secured cargo, and confirmation that nothing interferes with the tires, wheel, or controls.
MSF Passenger and Cargo 2
When loading cargo onto a motorcycle, where should the heaviest items be placed?