MSF Skills 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When riding over a pothole you cannot avoid, what is the best technique?
- Brake hard just before contact
- Rise slightly off the seat and grip the tank to allow suspension to work freely (Correct answer)
- Accelerate through it to minimize contact time
- Turn sharply to hit it at an angle
Correct answer: Rise slightly off the seat and grip the tank to allow suspension to work freely
Unweighting the seat lets the suspension absorb the impact without bottoming out and prevents you from being thrown off balance.
Question 2: What technique is used to initiate a controlled lean when entering a curve at speed?
- Body lean only, without handlebar input
- Counter-steering — pressing on the grip in the direction of the turn (Correct answer)
- Leaning the upper body opposite to the turn
- Applying the rear brake to swing the tail outward
Correct answer: Counter-steering — pressing on the grip in the direction of the turn
At speeds above about 12 mph, counter-steering — pressing forward on the inside grip — is the primary mechanism for initiating a lean.
Question 3: If you feel the rear wheel begin to slide during cornering, what is the correct initial response?
- Apply the rear brake firmly to regain traction
- Gradually roll on more throttle to bring the rear back in line (Correct answer)
- Close the throttle abruptly to reduce power
- Pull the clutch in immediately
Correct answer: Gradually roll on more throttle to bring the rear back in line
Smoothly adding a little throttle can help stabilize a rear-wheel slide by keeping the tire loaded; abrupt changes worsen the slide.
Question 4: What is 'trail braking' in motorcycle riding?
- Using only the rear brake while trailing another rider
- Continuing light front brake pressure partway through a curve entry (Correct answer)
- Dragging feet on the ground for additional stopping power
- Braking while in neutral to reduce engine wear
Correct answer: Continuing light front brake pressure partway through a curve entry
Trail braking means maintaining gentle front brake pressure as you begin to lean into a corner, allowing later braking and smoother corner entry.
Question 5: Which foot position provides the best control and protection while riding?
- Heels resting on the pegs with toes pointed outward
- Balls of the feet on the pegs with toes pointed forward (Correct answer)
- Toes hooked under the pegs for security
- Feet hanging freely off the pegs
Correct answer: Balls of the feet on the pegs with toes pointed forward
Placing the balls of your feet on the pegs gives you leverage for shifting and braking while keeping your ankles free to absorb vibration.
Question 6: When performing a tight low-speed turn, what role does head-turning play?
- It is unnecessary — handlebar input alone steers the bike
- Turning your head in the direction of travel helps initiate the lean and improves balance (Correct answer)
- Head-turning signals to other drivers your intended direction
- It moves weight to the outside of the turn for stability
Correct answer: Turning your head in the direction of travel helps initiate the lean and improves balance
Looking through the turn by rotating your head initiates body lean and coordinates your vision with your intended path, improving control.
Question 7: What is the recommended hand position on the throttle to prevent accidental roll-on during braking?
- Wrap all fingers over the top of the throttle
- Keep the wrist flat or angled slightly downward (Correct answer)
- Hold the throttle from below with an upward grip
- Grip only with the pinky and ring fingers
Correct answer: Keep the wrist flat or angled slightly downward
A flat or slightly downward wrist angle helps prevent the throttle from inadvertently rolling on when you reach forward to grip the brake lever.
MSF Skills 4
When riding over a pothole you cannot avoid, what is the best technique?