New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Pre-Ride Vehicle Checks 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When checking your front fork seals before a ride, what sign indicates they need immediate attention?
- Slight surface dust on the forks
- Oil residue or wet streaks below the seals (Correct answer)
- Minor surface scratches on the fork tubes
- Slight discoloration of the fork tubes
Correct answer: Oil residue or wet streaks below the seals
Oil residue or wet streaks below the fork seals indicate the seals are leaking and need immediate repair before riding.
Question 2: How should you test your front brake lever during a pre-ride check?
- Pull it fully to the handlebar to confirm it works
- Squeeze it firmly — it should feel firm and not reach the handlebar (Correct answer)
- Check that it returns slowly after being released
- Tap it repeatedly to check for spongy feel
Correct answer: Squeeze it firmly — it should feel firm and not reach the handlebar
A correctly adjusted front brake lever should feel firm under hard pressure and never touch the handlebar, indicating proper hydraulic pressure or cable tension.
Question 3: What is the safest way to check if your chain tension is correct?
- Spin the rear wheel and listen for rattling
- Measure the amount of slack at the midpoint of the chain's lower run (Correct answer)
- Check that the chain does not move side to side at all
- Ensure the chain is completely taut with no slack
Correct answer: Measure the amount of slack at the midpoint of the chain's lower run
Chain slack should be measured at the midpoint of the lower run, and the correct amount is specified in your owner's manual — typically 25–35mm for most bikes.
Question 4: Before riding, you notice your rear tyre has a small nail embedded in it but it is still holding pressure. What should you do?
- Ride carefully and check pressure again after 10 km
- Remove the nail roadside and continue if pressure holds
- Do not ride — have the tyre professionally inspected or replaced (Correct answer)
- Add extra air pressure and monitor it during the ride
Correct answer: Do not ride — have the tyre professionally inspected or replaced
A nail in a tyre is unsafe regardless of current pressure; the tyre could rapidly deflate while riding, and it must be professionally assessed before you ride.
Question 5: When inspecting your throttle during a pre-ride check, which of the following is a concern?
- The throttle snaps back quickly when released
- The throttle feels slightly stiff but returns fully when released
- The throttle sticks or returns slowly after being twisted open (Correct answer)
- The throttle has a small amount of freeplay before engaging
Correct answer: The throttle sticks or returns slowly after being twisted open
A throttle that sticks or returns slowly can cause unintended acceleration and loss of control, making it a critical safety issue.
Question 6: What should you check regarding your mirrors before every ride?
- That mirrors are clean, properly adjusted, and securely mounted (Correct answer)
- That mirrors are folded in to reduce wind resistance
- That mirrors are removed if riding at low speeds
- That mirrors only show the rear wheel clearly
Correct answer: That mirrors are clean, properly adjusted, and securely mounted
Mirrors must be clean, correctly angled to give a clear view behind you, and firmly tightened so they don't vibrate or move during riding.
Question 7: If your brake fluid reservoir is below the minimum level mark, what does this most likely indicate?
- The brakes are working at peak efficiency
- Normal fluid evaporation that can be ignored
- Worn brake pads or a potential fluid leak — inspect before riding (Correct answer)
- The reservoir cap needs tightening only
Correct answer: Worn brake pads or a potential fluid leak — inspect before riding
Low brake fluid typically signals worn brake pads (which displace more fluid) or a leak in the hydraulic system — both require attention before riding.
New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Pre-Ride Vehicle Checks 2
When checking your front fork seals before a ride, what sign indicates they need immediate attention?