MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle Controls and Operation Questions and Answers

Question 1

When coming to a normal, non-emergency stop on a motorcycle, what is the recommended distribution of braking force between the front and rear brakes?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 70% front brake and 30% rear brake

Answer

For most normal stops, the front brake provides the majority of the stopping power, typically around 70-75%. The rear brake contributes the remaining 25-30% and helps to stabilize the motorcycle during deceleration.

Question 2

A rider is preparing to start a motorcycle. According to the MSF's FINE-C pre-start routine, what does the 'E' represent?

Accepted Answer

Engine cut-off switch to the 'ON' position

Answer

The 'E' in the FINE-C pre-start routine stands for setting the Engine cut-off switch to the 'ON' or 'RUN' position. The full acronym is: F (Fuel), I (Ignition), N (Neutral), E (Engine cut-off switch), C (Choke/Clutch).

Question 3

What is the primary function of the clutch lever on a manual transmission motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

To engage and disengage power from the engine to the rear wheel

Answer

Squeezing the clutch lever, typically located on the left handlebar, disengages power from the engine to the transmission, allowing the rider to shift gears or stop without stalling the engine. Releasing the lever re-engages the power.

Question 4

Which of the following describes the standard gear shifting pattern on most modern motorcycles?

Accepted Answer

First gear is one press down, neutral is a half-click up, and all other gears are full clicks up

Answer

The vast majority of motorcycles use a sequential 'one-down, rest-up' gear pattern. From neutral, the rider presses down once for first gear. To get back to neutral, it is a half-click up. For second gear and higher, the rider lifts the lever up for each subsequent gear (2, 3, 4, 5, etc.).

Question 5

While riding through a curve, you realize you are going too fast. What is the proper technique to slow down safely?

Accepted Answer

Straighten the motorcycle, apply both brakes smoothly, then re-establish lean

Answer

Braking while leaned over can be hazardous. The safest technique is to straighten the bike to maximize the tire's traction for braking, apply both brakes smoothly and progressively, slow to a safe speed, and then lean the motorcycle again to continue through the turn.

MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Practice Test

MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Practice Test

MSF - Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle Controls and Operation Questions and Answers