MSF Pre-Ride Inspection (T-CLOCS) 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the 'O' check in T-CLOCS, you notice the brake fluid reservoir is below the minimum line. This means:
- The fluid naturally evaporates and just needs topping off
- The brakes may be worn or there is a leak — investigate before riding (Correct answer)
- This is acceptable for short trips
- The reservoir sensor is likely malfunctioning
Correct answer: The brakes may be worn or there is a leak — investigate before riding
Low brake fluid indicates worn brake pads (which consume fluid volume) or a leak; either condition must be diagnosed and corrected before riding.
Question 2: When checking suspension during the Chassis (second C) portion of T-CLOCS, you should:
- Measure fork tube length with a ruler
- Compress forks and bounce rear suspension to check for smooth, controlled travel (Correct answer)
- Verify the suspension is completely rigid with no movement
- Only inspect suspension after every 500 miles
Correct answer: Compress forks and bounce rear suspension to check for smooth, controlled travel
Pushing down on forks and the rear of the seat checks that suspension compresses and rebounds smoothly without binding, bottoming out, or oil leaks.
Question 3: In T-CLOCS, checking that mirrors are properly adjusted falls under which category?
- Chassis
- Lights and Electrics (Correct answer)
- Controls
- Stands
Correct answer: Lights and Electrics
Mirrors are part of the Lights and Electrics category in T-CLOCS, ensuring the rider has adequate rear visibility before departing.
Question 4: What is the correct way to check for wheel bearing play during a T-CLOCS inspection?
- Spin the wheel and listen for noise only
- Grasp the wheel at top and bottom and try to wiggle it side to side (Correct answer)
- Check the wheel bearing manufacturer's date stamp
- Look for grease seeping from the bearing caps
Correct answer: Grasp the wheel at top and bottom and try to wiggle it side to side
Grasping the top and bottom of the stationary wheel and rocking it reveals lateral play in wheel bearings that could indicate bearing failure.
Question 5: Why is it important to check coolant level on liquid-cooled motorcycles as part of the 'O' step?
- Coolant affects fuel economy more than any other fluid
- Low coolant can cause engine overheating and serious damage (Correct answer)
- Coolant must be drained before every ride
- Coolant level determines oil viscosity requirements
Correct answer: Low coolant can cause engine overheating and serious damage
Insufficient coolant in a liquid-cooled engine can rapidly lead to overheating, causing engine seizure or severe internal damage.
Question 6: During a Controls check, you find the brake pedal has excessive freeplay before engaging. What should you do?
- Pump the pedal several times to build pressure
- Adjust or repair the brake before riding (Correct answer)
- Only use the front brake lever until the next scheduled service
- Accept it as a normal characteristic of that motorcycle model
Correct answer: Adjust or repair the brake before riding
Excessive brake pedal freeplay indicates the need for adjustment or signals a hydraulic/mechanical issue that must be corrected before the motorcycle is ridden.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a 'Chassis' item inspected in T-CLOCS?
- Turn signal bulb replacement
- Drive belt condition and tension (Correct answer)
- Engine oil dipstick reading
- Battery terminal corrosion
Correct answer: Drive belt condition and tension
Drive belt (or chain/shaft) condition and tension is a Chassis item, as it transfers engine power to the rear wheel and must be within spec.
MSF Pre-Ride Inspection (T-CLOCS) 4
During the 'O' check in T-CLOCS, you notice the brake fluid reservoir is below the minimum line.
This means: