Motorcycle Controls

The throttle, clutch, brakes and gear shift, and how to use them together. Most motorcycle manuals ask about using both brakes and about countersteering.

79 practice questions with answers. These rules are the same in every state.

Motorcycle Controls quiz

Answer at your own pace. After each question you see the correct answer and why, and at the end a review of what you missed.

Quick quiz: 10 random questions on motorcycle controls; pass with 8 correct.

Motorcycle Controls questions with answers

On a typical motorcycle, which of these controls does the rider operate with the right hand?
1. The clutch lever
2. The gearshift lever
3. The front brake lever
4. The rear brake pedal
Show answer

Answer C: The front brake lever

The front brake lever sits on the right handlebar and is squeezed with the right hand, while the clutch lever is on the left handlebar.
Where is the clutch lever located on a standard motorcycle?
1. On the right handlebar
2. Under the left footrest
3. Under the right footrest
4. On the left handlebar
Show answer

Answer D: On the left handlebar

Squeezing the lever on the left handlebar disengages the clutch and interrupts power between the engine and the rear wheel.
Which part of the body operates the gearshift lever?
1. The right foot
2. The left foot
3. The left hand
4. The right hand
Show answer

Answer B: The left foot

The gearshift lever sits ahead of the left footrest and is moved up or down with the left foot.
How is the rear brake applied on a standard motorcycle?
1. By squeezing a lever with the left hand
2. By pressing down a pedal with the left foot
3. By squeezing a lever with the right hand
4. By pressing down a pedal with the right foot
Show answer

Answer D: By pressing down a pedal with the right foot

The rear brake pedal is in front of the right footrest and should be pressed down smoothly rather than stamped on.
How does a rider open the throttle to increase speed?
1. By rolling the right handgrip away from the rider
2. By squeezing the lever on the left handgrip
3. By rolling the right handgrip toward the rider
4. By pressing down with the right foot
Show answer

Answer C: By rolling the right handgrip toward the rider

Rolling the right handgrip toward you opens the throttle, and rolling it away closes it so the engine slows.
Used correctly, roughly how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power comes from the front brake?
1. About one quarter of it
2. About three quarters of it
3. About half of it
4. Almost none of it
Show answer

Answer B: About three quarters of it

Braking shifts weight onto the front wheel, so a smoothly squeezed front brake supplies roughly 70 percent or more of the stopping power.

Source: oregon.gov
When should a rider use both brakes together?
1. Only during emergency stops
2. Only when the road surface is wet
3. Only when riding downhill
4. Every time the motorcycle slows or stops
Show answer

Answer D: Every time the motorcycle slows or stops

Using both brakes for every stop shortens stopping distance and builds the habit the rider will fall back on when a sudden stop is needed.
What is the purpose of the engine cut-off switch?
1. To lock the steering when the motorcycle is parked
2. To stop the engine without letting go of the handgrips
3. To switch the headlight between high and low beam
4. To open the fuel reserve supply
Show answer

Answer B: To stop the engine without letting go of the handgrips

The cut-off switch, usually a red switch near the right handgrip, shuts the engine down while the rider keeps both hands in control of the motorcycle.

Source: oregon.gov
What does the RESERVE position on a fuel supply valve do?
1. It shuts off the fuel supply completely so the carburetor cannot flood
2. It enriches the fuel mixture so a cold engine will start more easily
3. It draws on the small amount of fuel left at the bottom of the tank
4. It bypasses the fuel filter so a blocked filter cannot stall the engine
Show answer

Answer C: It draws on the small amount of fuel left at the bottom of the tank

A fuel supply valve normally offers OFF, ON, RESERVE and PRIME, and RESERVE taps the last of the fuel so the rider can reach a station.

Source: oregon.gov
Why is a rider advised to keep the wrist flat and low on the throttle grip?
1. It makes it harder to roll on too much throttle by accident
2. It increases the grip strength available for the clutch
3. It keeps the front wheel from locking under braking
4. It removes vibration from the handlebar
Show answer

Answer A: It makes it harder to roll on too much throttle by accident

A flat wrist limits how far the grip can rotate in one motion, so a bump or a startled reaction is less likely to open the throttle suddenly.
How far forward should a rider sit on the seat?
1. Far enough back that the arms are locked straight and hold the body up
2. As far back as the seat allows, because comfort matters most
3. Directly above the rear axle, over the wheel that drives the machine
4. Far enough forward that the arms are slightly bent on the grips
Show answer

Answer D: Far enough forward that the arms are slightly bent on the grips

Slightly bent arms let the rider steer with the handlebars instead of using the arms to prop up the upper body.
Where should a rider keep the knees while riding?
1. Spread wide, away from the tank
2. Against the fuel tank
3. Resting on the seat
4. Pressed against the handlebars
Show answer

Answer B: Against the fuel tank

Knees held against the tank anchor the rider to the motorcycle and improve balance, which matters most in turns.
What is the correct position for the feet while riding?
1. With the toes pointed down toward the road
2. Hanging off the footrests to help balance
3. Firmly on the footrests with the toes level
4. Resting on the rear brake pedal at all times
Show answer

Answer C: Firmly on the footrests with the toes level

Toes kept level stay clear of the pavement when the motorcycle leans and leave the foot ready to reach the brake pedal or shift lever.
During a pre-ride check, what should the throttle do when it is released?
1. Snap back to the closed position on its own
2. Stay wherever the rider leaves it
3. Return slowly over several seconds
4. Feel loose, with a large amount of free play
Show answer

Answer A: Snap back to the closed position on its own

A throttle that does not close by itself can leave the engine running fast when the rider expects it to slow, so a sticking cable must be repaired before riding.
How should the brake light be checked before a ride?
1. Confirm that it comes on only with the foot pedal
2. Confirm that it stays on whenever the engine is running
3. Confirm that it flashes when a turn signal is used
4. Confirm that the hand lever and the foot pedal each switch it on
Show answer

Answer D: Confirm that the hand lever and the foot pedal each switch it on

Many motorcycles use a separate switch for each brake control, so both the lever and the pedal have to be tested one at a time.
Study tip. Rule out the options you know are wrong first. Two plausible answers are easier to choose between than four.
What should a rider do before riding an unfamiliar or borrowed motorcycle?
1. Ride it at highway speed straight away, since that shows how it responds
2. Locate and try the controls, then ride cautiously until used to the machine
3. Assume the controls sit in exactly the same places as on the rider's own machine
4. Rely on the owner's description of the machine instead of checking it
Show answer

Answer B: Locate and try the controls, then ride cautiously until used to the machine

Turn signals, horn, headlight switch, fuel valve and engine cut-off switch sit in different places on different models, and hunting for them in traffic is dangerous.
What effect does low tire pressure have on a motorcycle?
1. It improves traction on wet pavement
2. It shortens the stopping distance
3. It makes steering, braking and general handling worse
4. It has no measurable effect below highway speed
Show answer

Answer C: It makes steering, braking and general handling worse

An underinflated tire changes shape under load, which makes the motorcycle steer heavily and respond unpredictably.

Source: oregon.gov
When downshifting as the motorcycle slows, what keeps the rear tire from skidding?
1. Easing the clutch lever out smoothly instead of releasing it abruptly
2. Releasing the clutch lever as quickly as possible so the gear locks in fast
3. Squeezing the front brake hard at the same moment to load the front tire
4. Holding the throttle wide open through the shift to keep the revs high
Show answer

Answer A: Easing the clutch lever out smoothly instead of releasing it abruptly

Letting the clutch out gradually lets engine speed and road speed match, so the rear wheel is not forced to slow suddenly.
What does the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection routine cover?
1. Throttle, clutch, lights, odometer, cables and seat height adjustment
2. Tires and wheels, controls, lights, fluids, chassis and stands
3. Traffic, clearance, lane position, obstacles, curves and speed choice
4. Turn signals, coolant, plate, oil, chain slack and storage compartments
Show answer

Answer B: Tires and wheels, controls, lights, fluids, chassis and stands

T-CLOCS is a memory aid for a walk around check of tires and wheels, controls, lights and electrics, oil and other fluids, chassis, and side and center stands.
On a motorcycle with a standard shift pattern, where is neutral found?
1. Below first gear, at the very bottom of the shift pattern
2. Above the highest gear, at the very top of the shift pattern
3. Between first gear and second gear
4. Wherever the lever rests once the clutch lever has been squeezed in
Show answer

Answer C: Between first gear and second gear

The usual pattern is one down and the rest up, with neutral sitting half a click between first and second gear.
What is the friction zone of the clutch?
1. The range of lever travel where power starts to reach the rear wheel
2. The point at which the front brake lever first begins to slow the wheel
3. The range of throttle rotation that produces the strongest engine braking
4. The part of the rear brake pedal travel just before the wheel locks up
Show answer

Answer A: The range of lever travel where power starts to reach the rear wheel

Easing the clutch lever into the friction zone lets the engine drive the rear wheel gradually, which is what makes a smooth start from a stop possible.
What should a rider confirm about the transmission before starting the engine?
1. That it is in first gear with the clutch lever fully released
2. That it is in neutral, or that the clutch lever is squeezed all the way in
3. That it is in the highest gear, so the engine turns over more easily
4. That it is in second gear, which is said to protect the starter motor
Show answer

Answer B: That it is in neutral, or that the clutch lever is squeezed all the way in

Starting in gear with the clutch engaged can make the motorcycle lurch forward, so the machine must be in neutral or the clutch held in.
What is the correct sequence for shifting into a higher gear?
1. Squeeze the clutch, open the throttle wider, lift the lever, drop the clutch
2. Lift the shift lever first, then squeeze the clutch and close the throttle
3. Roll off the throttle, squeeze the clutch, lift the lever, ease the clutch out
4. Press the rear brake, squeeze the clutch, lift the lever, then open the throttle
Show answer

Answer C: Roll off the throttle, squeeze the clutch, lift the lever, ease the clutch out

Closing the throttle as the clutch comes in, then easing the clutch out as the throttle is reopened, keeps the change smooth and the chassis settled.
When should gear changes for a turn be completed?
1. Before entering the turn, so the machine stays settled through it
2. In the middle of the turn, where the motorcycle is leaning over the most
3. At the exit of the turn, once the machine has been brought upright again
4. Anywhere in the turn, since a gear change has no effect on traction at all
Show answer

Answer A: Before entering the turn, so the machine stays settled through it

A clumsy shift while leaned over can jerk the rear wheel and break traction, so the right gear should be selected before the lean begins.
Why do experienced riders cover the clutch lever and the brake lever in heavy traffic?
1. It stops the levers from vibrating loose over rough pavement surfaces
2. It shortens the time needed to react if they suddenly have to stop
3. It lets the rider steer the motorcycle with the fingertips alone
4. It reduces brake pad wear by keeping a light pressure on the disc
Show answer

Answer B: It shortens the time needed to react if they suddenly have to stop

With fingers already resting on the levers the rider skips the time it takes to reach for them, which shortens overall stopping distance.
What is the main danger of grabbing the front brake lever abruptly?
1. The front tire will lose its air pressure through sudden heat build up
2. The chain can jump off the rear sprocket and lock up the rear wheel
3. The engine will stall, which cuts the power going to the brake system
4. The front wheel can lock, and a locked wheel cannot steer or balance
Show answer

Answer D: The front wheel can lock, and a locked wheel cannot steer or balance

The front brake must be squeezed progressively so that weight transfers onto the front tire before full braking force is asked of it.
What should a pre-ride check of the drive chain or belt look for?
1. That it has no slack at all and is pulled as tight as it can be adjusted
2. That it is packed with heavy grease along its whole length and both sides
3. Correct slack, adequate lubrication and no worn or damaged links
4. That it is completely dry, because any lubricant makes the rear wheel slip
Show answer

Answer C: Correct slack, adequate lubrication and no worn or damaged links

A chain that is too tight, too loose, dry or damaged can break or jump the sprocket and lock the rear wheel while the motorcycle is moving.
With the engine off, a rider turns the handlebars fully to the left and to the right. What is being checked?
1. That the steering moves freely and no cable is pinched or binding
2. That the front tire is holding the right air pressure for the load carried
3. That the fork oil sits at the level marked on the side of the fork tube
4. That the headlight beam is aimed correctly for riding after dark at speed
Show answer

Answer A: That the steering moves freely and no cable is pinched or binding

Cables and wiring that catch at full lock can hold the throttle open or stiffen the steering exactly when the rider needs a tight turn.
How should the mirrors be set before setting off?
1. So that most of the glass is filled by the rider's own shoulder and arm
2. So that each mirror shows the lane behind and part of the lane beside
3. So that both mirrors point at the same spot far behind the center of the lane
4. So that they fold in flat, which cuts wind drag at highway speeds
Show answer

Answer B: So that each mirror shows the lane behind and part of the lane beside

Mirrors aimed too far inward show mostly the rider, wasting the view that is meant to cover the traffic behind and to the side.
Besides air pressure, what should a rider look for when inspecting the tires?
1. Whether the sidewalls feel warm to the touch after the machine has sat parked
2. Tread depth, cuts, embedded objects and uneven wear
3. Whether the tread pattern on the front matches the pattern on the rear tire
4. Whether the valve caps are the same color as the wheel rims themselves
Show answer

Answer B: Tread depth, cuts, embedded objects and uneven wear

Worn or damaged tires lose grip and can fail suddenly, and uneven wear also warns of a pressure or alignment problem.
Where must the engine cut-off switch be set before the starter button will crank the engine?
1. In the run position
2. Held down while the starter button is pressed at the same moment
3. In the off position until the engine has actually fired and caught
4. Anywhere at all, because it is wired only to the tail light circuit
Show answer

Answer A: In the run position

The cut-off switch sits in the ignition circuit, so the engine will not start or run while it is set to off.

Source: oregon.gov
Why do experienced riders squeeze the clutch lever while starting the engine, even with the neutral light showing?
1. In case a gear is engaged, so the motorcycle cannot lurch forward
2. Because the engine cannot build oil pressure unless the lever is held in
3. Because the starter motor draws its current through the clutch lever circuit
4. Because holding the lever in raises idle speed and warms the engine faster
Show answer

Answer A: In case a gear is engaged, so the motorcycle cannot lurch forward

A neutral light can be wrong, and a disengaged clutch means the machine stays still even if the transmission is actually in gear.
What does the choke, or enrichener, do on a motorcycle that has one?
1. It limits throttle opening until the engine reaches its operating temperature
2. It gives the engine a richer fuel mixture so a cold engine will start
3. It draws on the last of the fuel left in the bottom of the fuel tank
4. It cuts the ignition spark at low speed so a cold engine cannot be revved
Show answer

Answer B: It gives the engine a richer fuel mixture so a cold engine will start

A cold engine needs more fuel in proportion to air, and the choke supplies that richer mixture until the engine warms up.
The engine has warmed up and idles smoothly. What should be done with the choke?
1. Leave it on for the rest of the ride, because it protects against lean running
2. Open it further, so that the engine will pull more strongly at higher speed
3. Turn it off
4. Switch it on and off every few minutes to keep the mixture even
Show answer

Answer C: Turn it off

A warm engine running on a rich mixture wastes fuel, runs poorly and can foul the spark plugs, so the choke is closed once it is no longer needed.
Why does a motorcycle with a manual fuel supply valve have an OFF position?
1. It stops fuel reaching the engine while the machine is parked
2. It empties the float bowl so the carburetor cannot freeze in cold weather
3. It reroutes the supply through the reserve pickup at the base of the tank
4. It seals the tank so that the fuel inside cannot absorb moisture from the air
Show answer

Answer A: It stops fuel reaching the engine while the machine is parked

Shutting the valve keeps fuel from seeping past the carburetor into the engine or onto the ground while the motorcycle stands unused.

Source: oregon.gov
What is the PRIME position on a fuel supply valve used for?
1. To lock the fuel system closed so the motorcycle cannot be started by a thief
2. To feed the engine only when the reserve section of the tank has run dry
3. To lean out the mixture for better fuel economy on a long highway ride
4. To let fuel flow into the carburetor after the machine has stood unused
Show answer

Answer D: To let fuel flow into the carburetor after the machine has stood unused

PRIME bypasses the normal vacuum control and lets fuel refill an empty carburetor, which helps a machine start after sitting for a long time.

Source: oregon.gov
Why should a rider glance down at the sidestand before pulling away?
1. A stand left down can catch the road and lever the rear wheel off the ground
2. A stand left down keeps the engine from building enough oil pressure to run
3. A stand left down makes the front brake lever feel spongy at the first stop
4. A stand left down changes the tire pressure readings taken at the next stop
Show answer

Answer A: A stand left down can catch the road and lever the rear wheel off the ground

A sidestand that is still down will dig into the pavement in a left turn and can lift the rear tire clear of the road.

Source: oregon.gov
A clutch cable adjusted with no free play at all causes what problem?
1. The gearshift lever will refuse to move out of the neutral position at all
2. The clutch may slip and never fully engage
3. The engine will stall every time the motorcycle is brought to a full stop
4. The rear brake pedal loses its travel and begins to drag against the disc
Show answer

Answer B: The clutch may slip and never fully engage

Without a small amount of slack the release mechanism keeps a light load on the plates, so they slip instead of transmitting full power.
What does it mean to ride the clutch?
1. Resting a hand on the lever without pulling it, which bends the mounting bracket
2. Releasing the lever quickly on every upshift, which shortens the drive chain life
3. Holding the lever part way in while riding, which wears the clutch plates
4. Using the lever to hold the machine on a hill, which overheats the brake pedal
Show answer

Answer C: Holding the lever part way in while riding, which wears the clutch plates

Cruising with the clutch partly disengaged makes the plates slip against each other, which wears them out and removes engine braking.
You are moving at walking pace through a crowded parking area. Which combination gives the steadiest control?
1. The clutch fully released, no throttle and repeated light taps on the front lever
2. Steady throttle, the clutch held in the friction zone and light rear brake
3. Full throttle in second gear with the clutch pulled all the way to the handgrip
4. Steady throttle with both feet down off the footrests and no brake applied
Show answer

Answer B: Steady throttle, the clutch held in the friction zone and light rear brake

Slipping the clutch in the friction zone against a steady throttle and a light drag of rear brake keeps power smooth and the machine stable below walking speed.

Source: oregon.gov
Why is the front brake avoided during a very slow, tightly leaned turn?
1. It has almost no stopping power at all once the machine is below ten miles an hour
2. It will overheat the disc because the wheel is turning so slowly at that moment
3. It causes the rear tire to lift clear of the pavement and lose all of its traction
4. It can upset the balance of a leaned machine and drop it at low speed
Show answer

Answer D: It can upset the balance of a leaned machine and drop it at low speed

At low speed and full lock there is little momentum holding the motorcycle up, and the sudden weight shift from the front brake easily topples it.
What does a light drag of the rear brake do during a slow, tight turn?
1. It transfers weight onto the front tire so the steering becomes lighter and quicker
2. It disengages the clutch automatically so the engine cannot stall in the turn
3. It steadies the motorcycle and smooths out the power reaching the rear wheel
4. It shortens the turning radius by pulling the rear of the machine around faster
Show answer

Answer C: It steadies the motorcycle and smooths out the power reaching the rear wheel

Working the rear brake against a slipping clutch takes the jerkiness out of the drivetrain and holds the machine steady through the turn.
How does weight transfer during braking change what each brake can do?
1. Weight moves forward, so the front tire grips harder and the rear grips less
2. Weight moves rearward, so the rear tire can be braked much harder than the front
3. Weight stays evenly split, so both brakes always deliver identical stopping power
4. Weight moves out to the tire sidewalls, so both brakes lose their grip together
Show answer

Answer A: Weight moves forward, so the front tire grips harder and the rear grips less

Deceleration pitches the machine forward onto the front wheel, which is why the front brake supplies most of the stopping power and the rear locks easily.

Source: oregon.gov
A rider uses only the rear brake for a quick stop. What is the result?
1. A shorter stop, because the rear tire carries most of the machine weight
2. A much longer stop, and a rear wheel that locks easily
3. The same stopping distance, since braking force is shared through the frame
4. A stop that is shorter on dry pavement but longer on any wet road surface
Show answer

Answer B: A much longer stop, and a rear wheel that locks easily

With weight thrown forward the rear tire has little grip left, so it gives up only a small share of the available braking and skids under heavy pressure.

Source: oregon.gov
What is the correct way to apply the front brake when you need maximum braking?
1. Pull it to the handgrip in one movement so the pads bite at their hardest
2. Pump it on and off rapidly to imitate the action of an antilock brake system
3. Squeeze it progressively harder as weight settles onto the front tire
4. Apply it only after the rear wheel has already begun to slide on the pavement
Show answer

Answer C: Squeeze it progressively harder as weight settles onto the front tire

Progressive pressure lets load build on the front tire before the braking force does, so the tire has the grip needed to handle it.

Source: oregon.gov
Study tip. When two answers both seem legal, pick the one that is safer for everyone on the road. That is how most tests are written.
Why should a rider downshift one gear at a time instead of skipping several at once?
1. Skipping gears will grind the transmission dogs and eventually break them apart
2. Skipping gears leaves the engine unable to restart if it stalls at the roadside
3. Skipping gears prevents the speedometer cable from reading the true road speed
4. Skipping gears can lock the rear wheel through sudden engine braking
Show answer

Answer D: Skipping gears can lock the rear wheel through sudden engine braking

Dropping several gears at once forces engine speed far above what road speed supports, and the rear tire can be dragged into a skid when the clutch comes out.

Source: oregon.gov
You are about to pass a slower vehicle on a two lane road. What should you do with the gears?
1. Shift up one gear first, because a taller gear pulls harder at higher speed
2. Downshift before you begin, so the engine can accelerate strongly
3. Slip into neutral until you are alongside, then select a gear to pull past
4. Leave the transmission alone, since gear choice has no effect on acceleration
Show answer

Answer B: Downshift before you begin, so the engine can accelerate strongly

A lower gear puts the engine in the part of its range where it accelerates best, which shortens the time spent in the oncoming lane.
Why should a rider avoid coasting to a stop with the transmission in neutral?
1. The transmission cannot be shifted back into gear until the machine has stopped
2. The engine will stall as soon as the clutch is released back into engagement
3. Engine braking is lost and so is the ability to accelerate out of trouble
4. The brake light switches will not operate while the transmission sits in neutral
Show answer

Answer C: Engine braking is lost and so is the ability to accelerate out of trouble

Staying in gear keeps engine braking working and leaves the rider able to power away from a hazard instead of hunting for a gear first.

Source: oregon.gov
A rider adjusts the mirrors and finds each one mostly filled with a view of an elbow. What should be done?
1. Nothing, because a view of the rider gives a fixed reference for judging distance
2. Lower both mirrors so they show the pavement immediately behind the rear wheel
3. Remove the mirrors, since a shoulder check covers everything a mirror could show
4. Readjust them outward so that more of the lane behind becomes visible
Show answer

Answer D: Readjust them outward so that more of the lane behind becomes visible

Mirrors are useful only for the road behind, and half a mirror filled with the rider is half of an already limited view thrown away.
What should a rider understand about the horn on a motorcycle?
1. It is often weak and may not be heard, so it never replaces an escape route
2. It carries farther than a car horn because nothing encloses the sound
3. It is loud enough to be relied on as the main warning to other drivers
4. It works only while the engine is running above idle speed on most machines
Show answer

Answer A: It is often weak and may not be heard, so it never replaces an escape route

A small horn competes with a closed car, a radio and traffic noise, so a rider plans a way out instead of trusting the horn to be heard.
Why do riders keep the headlight burning in broad daylight?
1. It warms the electrical system so the battery charges faster while riding
2. It makes the motorcycle easier for other drivers to pick out
3. It is required in order to keep the brake light switch supplied with current
4. It reduces glare from oncoming traffic by matching the light on the road
Show answer

Answer B: It makes the motorcycle easier for other drivers to pick out

A motorcycle is a narrow target that other drivers overlook easily, and a lit headlight is one of the few things that makes it stand out at a distance.
You are following a car at night with the high beam on. What should you do?
1. Leave it on, because the extra light is what makes a motorcycle noticed
2. Flash between high and low repeatedly so the driver knows you are behind
3. Switch to the low beam so the driver ahead is not blinded
4. Switch the headlight off entirely and ride by the light of the car ahead
Show answer

Answer C: Switch to the low beam so the driver ahead is not blinded

A high beam fills the mirrors of the vehicle ahead and blinds its driver, which is dangerous for the very driver most able to affect the rider.
The oil pressure warning light comes on while you are riding. What should you do?
1. Ride on gently, since the light usually clears once the oil warms up
2. Increase engine speed so the pump can push more oil around the engine
3. Ignore it unless the engine also begins to make an unusual noise
4. Stop as soon as it is safe and shut the engine off
Show answer

Answer D: Stop as soon as it is safe and shut the engine off

That light warns that the engine may not be receiving oil, and every extra minute of running risks destroying it.
The temperature gauge climbs toward the red while you sit in slow moving traffic. What should you do?
1. Get out of the traffic as soon as it is safe and let the engine cool
2. Rev the engine hard in neutral so the water pump moves coolant faster
3. Keep riding and open the fuel valve to the reserve position for a richer mix
4. Turn the engine off and coast forward with the traffic to save the engine
Show answer

Answer A: Get out of the traffic as soon as it is safe and let the engine cool

A stationary motorcycle gets almost no airflow through the engine or radiator, so the cure is to stop creeping along in traffic and let it cool.
The neutral light is on, but you are not sure the transmission is really out of gear. How can you confirm it?
1. Open the throttle briefly and listen for the engine to rise freely in speed
2. Release the clutch and rock the motorcycle to see whether it rolls freely
3. Press the gearshift lever down twice and watch whether the light flickers
4. Squeeze the front brake and count how far the lever travels to the handgrip
Show answer

Answer B: Release the clutch and rock the motorcycle to see whether it rolls freely

A machine that rolls without resistance while the clutch is released is genuinely in neutral, which a burnt out or faulty neutral switch cannot tell you.
In the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, what does the first item cover?
1. Throttle and control cables
2. Turn signals and tail lights
3. Tires and wheels
4. Transmission fluid and clutch
Show answer

Answer C: Tires and wheels

T stands for tires and wheels, where the rider checks pressure, tread, damage, rims, spokes and bearings before anything else.

Source: oregon.gov
Which items belong to the Controls step of the T-CLOCS inspection?
1. The spark plugs, the air filter and the exhaust system of the motorcycle
2. Registration papers, insurance card and the license carried by the rider
3. Passenger footrests, grab rails and the fastening straps used for luggage
4. Handlebars, levers, cables, hoses and the throttle
Show answer

Answer D: Handlebars, levers, cables, hoses and the throttle

The Controls step covers everything the rider operates by hand or foot, plus the cables and hoses that carry those inputs to the machine.

Source: oregon.gov
What does the Lights and Electrics step of T-CLOCS include?
1. The battery, the headlight, the brake light and the wiring
2. Only the headlight, since it is the light other drivers see first
3. The instrument panel alone, because the other lights are checked while riding
4. The ignition key and steering lock, which are the main electrical parts
Show answer

Answer A: The battery, the headlight, the brake light and the wiring

This step covers the battery and its terminals, the headlight, tail and brake lights, the turn signals, the switches, the mirrors and the wiring.

Source: oregon.gov
In T-CLOCS, what does the letter O stand for?
1. Odometer and instrument panel readings
2. Oil and other fluid levels
3. Operating temperature of the engine
4. Owner manual and vehicle documents
Show answer

Answer B: Oil and other fluid levels

The O step covers engine oil, along with coolant, hydraulic brake fluid and any final drive fluid, plus a look underneath for leaks.

Source: oregon.gov
Which of these is checked in the Chassis step of T-CLOCS?
1. The clarity of the face shield and the condition of the riding gloves
2. The route to be ridden and the amount of fuel that route will require
3. The frame, the suspension, the chain or belt and the fasteners
4. The tread depth of both tires and the pressure in each of them
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Answer C: The frame, the suspension, the chain or belt and the fasteners

The chassis step covers the frame and its welds, the front and rear suspension, the final drive and the nuts and bolts holding everything together.

Source: oregon.gov
What does the last step of T-CLOCS, Stands, ask a rider to check?
1. That the motorcycle has been parked on level ground for the whole night
2. That the machine can stand upright without the stand being used at all
3. That the stands are locked down permanently so they cannot fold in transit
4. That the stands are not bent and that their springs hold them up
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Answer D: That the stands are not bent and that their springs hold them up

A bent stand or a weak spring can let the stand fall while riding, so both the sidestand and the centerstand are checked for damage and spring tension.

Source: oregon.gov
Without a depth gauge, how can a rider tell that a tire has worn out?
1. The tread has worn down level with the wear bars set into the grooves
2. The tire has changed color from black to a noticeably lighter shade of gray
3. The tire has become wider across the tread than it was when it was new
4. The tire loses more than half of its air pressure over the course of a week
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Answer A: The tread has worn down level with the wear bars set into the grooves

Wear bars are molded across the bottom of the tread grooves, and once the tread surface reaches them the tire has no usable depth left.

Source: oregon.gov
When should tire pressure be measured?
1. Right after a highway run, when the tires have reached working temperature
2. Before riding, while the tires are still cold
3. Halfway through a long ride, so the reading reflects real riding conditions
4. Only after the tire has been removed from the rim and refitted afterward
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Answer B: Before riding, while the tires are still cold

Riding heats the air inside a tire and raises the reading, so pressure is set cold to match the figure the manufacturer specifies.

Source: oregon.gov
A rider notices scalloped, uneven wear across the front tire. What does that suggest?
1. Nothing at all, because front tires always wear in an uneven pattern
2. The tire has simply been inflated a few pounds above the recommended figure
3. A suspension or wheel bearing fault that should be inspected
4. The rider has been using the rear brake much more than the front brake
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Answer C: A suspension or wheel bearing fault that should be inspected

Cupped or scalloped wear normally points to worn fork components or loose wheel bearings letting the tire bounce as it rolls.
During the tire check you find a nail driven into the rear tire. What should you do?
1. Pull the nail out and ride carefully to the nearest tire shop for a look
2. Leave the nail in place, since it is plugging the hole it made in the tire
3. Add extra pressure to compensate for whatever air the nail is letting out
4. Have the tire repaired or replaced before the motorcycle is ridden
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Answer D: Have the tire repaired or replaced before the motorcycle is ridden

A punctured motorcycle tire can lose air suddenly, and a motorcycle has no second tire on that end to hold the machine up.

Source: oregon.gov
Why is a drive chain adjusted with too little slack a problem?
1. It strains the chain, the sprockets and the output shaft bearings
2. It allows the chain to jump off the sprockets during hard acceleration
3. It makes the rear brake pedal travel farther before the brake takes hold
4. It prevents the transmission from being shifted into the highest gear
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Answer A: It strains the chain, the sprockets and the output shaft bearings

Suspension movement changes the distance between the sprockets, so a chain pulled tight at rest is stretched hard over bumps and wears everything it touches.

Source: oregon.gov
Where does a rider find the correct chain slack figure for a particular motorcycle?
1. On a label attached to the underside of the rider seat on every model
2. In the owner manual for that motorcycle
3. Stamped into the swingarm next to the rear axle adjuster on every model
4. In the federal motor vehicle safety standards, which set one figure for all
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Answer B: In the owner manual for that motorcycle

Correct slack varies from model to model, so the manufacturer specification in the owner manual is the only reliable figure.
What should a pre-ride check of a belt final drive look for?
1. Oil on the belt surface, which shows that the belt has been lubricated well
2. A belt so tight that no movement can be felt anywhere along its length
3. Correct tension, plus cracks, frayed edges and missing teeth
4. Rust on the belt, which is the first sign that it is about to break
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Answer C: Correct tension, plus cracks, frayed edges and missing teeth

A belt is inspected for tension and for damage such as cracks, missing teeth and worn edges, and unlike a chain it is never lubricated.

Source: oregon.gov
What does a shaft final drive need checked before a ride?
1. The slack in the shaft, measured the same way as the slack in a chain
2. The tension of the drive belt running from the engine to the shaft housing
3. The lubrication applied to the outside of the shaft along its whole length
4. The fluid level in the final drive housing, and any sign of leaks
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Answer D: The fluid level in the final drive housing, and any sign of leaks

A shaft drive runs in its own oil bath, so the pre-ride check is the fluid level and any leak around the housing seals rather than tension or slack.

Source: oregon.gov
What is a rider looking for when inspecting the control cables?
1. Kinks, fraying and stiff or notchy movement
2. Cables long enough to reach the handlebars at full lock in either direction
3. Cables that have been taped together into a single bundle behind the headlight
4. Cables coated in road grime, which shows that they have been used regularly
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Answer A: Kinks, fraying and stiff or notchy movement

A frayed strand or a kinked outer will eventually jam or snap, which can leave a rider without a clutch, a throttle or a front brake.
A minor drop has left the clutch lever bent, although it still works. What should be done?
1. Nothing, provided the lever still reaches far enough to disengage the clutch
2. Have the lever replaced before the motorcycle is ridden again
3. Bend it back by hand at the roadside and carry on with the ride as planned
4. File the bent section smooth so that it cannot cut the rider glove
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Answer B: Have the lever replaced before the motorcycle is ridden again

A bent lever has already been weakened and can break off in use, leaving the rider without that control at the worst possible moment.
Oil is visible running down the front fork tubes. What does that mean?
1. The forks have been overfilled and the excess is simply working its way out
2. Somebody has lubricated the fork tubes, which is normal routine maintenance
3. A fork seal has failed and the suspension needs repair
4. Condensation has formed on the tubes and picked up dirt from the road
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Answer C: A fork seal has failed and the suspension needs repair

Fork oil escaping past a seal means the front suspension is losing its damping, and the oil can also reach the front brake and ruin its grip.
How can a rider check the action of the front suspension while the motorcycle is stationary?
1. Lift the front wheel off the ground and spin it while listening for a rubbing noise
2. Sit on the machine and read the amount of fork travel shown on the instruments
3. Rock the handlebars from side to side and watch the front wheel follow them
4. Hold the front brake on and push down on the bars to feel the forks move and return
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Answer D: Hold the front brake on and push down on the bars to feel the forks move and return

Compressing the forks against the front brake shows whether they move smoothly and return without binding, sticking or making noise.

Source: oregon.gov
How is a wheel bearing checked during an inspection?
1. Raise the wheel clear of the ground and rock it side to side to feel for play
2. Squeeze the brake lever and count how far the wheel rolls before it stops
3. Measure the depth of the tread on either side of the center of the tire
4. Push the motorcycle forward slowly and listen for a rattle from the chain
Show answer

Answer A: Raise the wheel clear of the ground and rock it side to side to feel for play

A worn bearing shows itself as side to side play in a raised wheel, and it may also feel rough or notchy when the wheel is spun.

Source: oregon.gov
How can loose spokes be found on a spoked wheel?
1. By spinning the wheel and watching whether the tire wobbles from side to side
2. By tapping each spoke and listening for a dull sound instead of a clear ring
3. By pressing on the rim with a thumb to see how far the wheel will flex inward
4. By comparing the length of every spoke to those on the opposite side of the hub
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Answer B: By tapping each spoke and listening for a dull sound instead of a clear ring

A correctly tensioned spoke rings when tapped, while a loose one gives a flat, dull note that stands out from the rest of the wheel.
Study tip. One test a day for a week beats seven tests in one evening: spaced practice is what makes rules stick.
What does a pre-ride check of a hydraulic brake system cover?
1. Only the thickness of the pads, since fluid is sealed and cannot be lost
2. How far the wheel turns before the brake begins to slow it down
3. The fluid level and any sign of a leak at the hoses and fittings
4. The temperature of the disc immediately after the previous ride ended
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Answer C: The fluid level and any sign of a leak at the hoses and fittings

A falling fluid level means either worn pads or a leak, and a leaking hose or fitting can empty the system without warning.

Source: oregon.gov
The front brake lever feels soft and travels almost to the handgrip. What should the rider do?
1. Ride gently and pump the lever a few times before each stop along the way
2. Tighten the lever adjuster all the way in and continue with the planned ride
3. Rely on the rear brake for the rest of the day and have it looked at later
4. Leave the motorcycle where it is until the brake system has been inspected
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Answer D: Leave the motorcycle where it is until the brake system has been inspected

A spongy lever usually means air or fluid loss in the system, and a brake in that condition can fail completely under hard use.
How does a rider judge whether the brake pads still have life left in them?
1. By looking at how much friction material is left on the pad
2. By checking whether the brake lever returns fully once it is released
3. By counting the number of miles ridden since the motorcycle was bought
4. By measuring how hot the brake disc becomes after a series of stops
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Answer A: By looking at how much friction material is left on the pad

Pads are inspected visually for remaining thickness against the wear indicator, because a pad worn to its backing plate will destroy the disc.

Source: oregon.gov
Partway through a ride, a control starts to feel different from the way it normally feels. What is the right response?
1. Carry on to the destination, since a control that still works is not yet a failure
2. Stop somewhere safe and find out what has changed before riding further
3. Apply the control repeatedly at speed until it settles back to its normal feel
4. Switch to using the other controls instead and finish the ride without it
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Answer B: Stop somewhere safe and find out what has changed before riding further

A change in feel is usually the first warning of a failing cable, a leaking brake or a loose fastener, and it is far cheaper to check at the roadside than to discover in traffic.