MSF Pre-Ride Inspection (T-CLOCS) 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct tire pressure source a rider should use when inflating motorcycle tires?
- The maximum pressure number molded on the tire sidewall
- The manufacturer's recommended pressure in the owner's manual or on the motorcycle placard (Correct answer)
- A standard 32 PSI used for all motorcycles
- Whatever pressure the previous owner used
Correct answer: The manufacturer's recommended pressure in the owner's manual or on the motorcycle placard
Always use the pressure specified in the owner's manual or on the motorcycle — the tire sidewall shows maximum capacity, not the recommended riding pressure.
Question 2: During a T-CLOCS check, you notice fork seals are leaking oil down the fork tubes. This is a problem because:
- It makes the forks look dirty
- Oil contamination can reach the front brake rotor and dramatically reduce braking effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Fork oil is expensive and should not be wasted
- It voids the motorcycle warranty immediately
Correct answer: Oil contamination can reach the front brake rotor and dramatically reduce braking effectiveness
Leaking fork oil can coat the front brake rotor and pads, causing a dramatic loss of front brake effectiveness — a serious safety hazard.
Question 3: How do you verify the horn works during a T-CLOCS Lights and Electrics inspection?
- Rev the engine and listen for harmonic resonance
- Press the horn button and confirm an audible sound is produced (Correct answer)
- Check that the horn button light is illuminated
- Look for the horn relay under the seat
Correct answer: Press the horn button and confirm an audible sound is produced
Simply pressing the horn button should produce a loud, clear sound — the horn is a required safety device for alerting other road users.
Question 4: Which scenario during a pre-ride T-CLOCS check would require immediate attention before riding?
- A small scuff on the frame paint
- A loose or missing spoke on a wire wheel (Correct answer)
- Slightly dusty instrument gauges
- A minor cosmetic scratch on the windscreen
Correct answer: A loose or missing spoke on a wire wheel
A loose or missing spoke compromises wheel structural integrity and can lead to wheel collapse, requiring repair before the motorcycle is safe to ride.
Question 5: During the Stands check in T-CLOCS, you notice the side stand doesn't fold up fully on its own. The risk this creates is:
- It increases aerodynamic drag slightly
- The stand can contact the road during a left-hand lean and flip the motorcycle (Correct answer)
- Riders may forget to deploy it when parking
- It causes the rear tire to wear faster
Correct answer: The stand can contact the road during a left-hand lean and flip the motorcycle
A side stand that doesn't retract fully can strike the ground during a left turn, instantly pivoting the bike down and causing a crash.
Question 6: In T-CLOCS, what does checking for 'cuts and cracks' on the tire sidewall help identify?
- Normal tread wear patterns
- Structural damage that could lead to sudden tire failure or blowout (Correct answer)
- Tire age by counting growth rings
- Compatibility with the wheel rim size
Correct answer: Structural damage that could lead to sudden tire failure or blowout
Sidewall cuts or cracks weaken the tire's structural integrity and can cause sudden, catastrophic deflation (blowout) at speed.
Question 7: How frequently does the MSF recommend performing a T-CLOCS inspection?
- Once a month regardless of usage
- Before every ride (Correct answer)
- Only before long trips over 100 miles
- Every 1,000 miles or once a season
Correct answer: Before every ride
The MSF recommends performing a T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection before every single ride to catch developing problems before they become dangerous on the road.
MSF Pre-Ride Inspection (T-CLOCS) 5
What is the correct tire pressure source a rider should use when inflating motorcycle tires?