MSF Basic eCourse Basics for Emergencies
Exam Questions and Answers
Braking Systems
While most motorcycles have a front brake lever to apply the front brake and a rear brake pedal to
apply the rear brake, braking systems can differ between models. Check your owner's manual for
variations, which may be one of the common setups shown here.
With Combined or Linked brakes, braking force is applied to both wheels when either control is used.
The degree of braking force provided by each brake varies by design.
With Integrated brakes, pressing the rear brake pedal also applies some braking force to the front
brake.
Anti-lock brakes, also called ABS, keep the wheels from locking or skidding when too much brake
pressure is applied for surface conditions.
Emergency Stop in a Straight Line
Making an emergency stop is an important skill. Practice often in a safe area. Use lower speeds and
less than maximum brake pressure when developing your skill. Start your practice with straight-line
stops.
The best way to achieve the shortest braking distance is to apply maximum brake pressure to front
and rear brakes simultaneously without skidding either wheel. Squeeze the clutch lever and use the
brake controls at the same time. Keep your body centered and look ahead. Squeeze your legs against
the gas tank to help keep from sliding forward. Adjust your braking pressure as the weight of the
motorcycle transfers forward by using less pressure on the rear brake pedal and more pressure on the
front brake lever.
The ability to use the brakes fully without producing a skid is called threshold braking. This kind of
braking takes a special feel for the controls. It is important to squeeze, not grab, the front brake lever
and press, not jab, the rear brake pedal. Practice often in a safe area. Remember that surface
conditions may affect how much pressure you can use, and you want to be ready to adjust the
pressure for best results.
Emergency Stop in a Curve
Making an emergency stop in a curve requires effective use of available traction for both leaning and
braking. This means you should generally use less brake pressure in a curve than when braking in a
straight line.
Basically, you have two choices:
One is to straighten up first and make a quick stop in a straight line.
The other is to apply some brake pressure while leaned and increase brake pressure as you straighten
up.
To straighten up first, you must have enough space to complete the stop. If road and traffic conditions
permit, straighten the motorcycle first and then square the handlebars (center the steering) before
the brakes are applied.
To apply brake pressure while leaned, apply and adjust the brakes progressively. As your lean angle is
reduced, apply more brake pressure. It is best to have the motorcycle straight up with the handlebars
squared at the end of a stop.
Front Tire Skid
Exam Questions and Answers
Braking Systems
While most motorcycles have a front brake lever to apply the front brake and a rear brake pedal to
apply the rear brake, braking systems can differ between models. Check your owner's manual for
variations, which may be one of the common setups shown here.
With Combined or Linked brakes, braking force is applied to both wheels when either control is used.
The degree of braking force provided by each brake varies by design.
With Integrated brakes, pressing the rear brake pedal also applies some braking force to the front
brake.
Anti-lock brakes, also called ABS, keep the wheels from locking or skidding when too much brake
pressure is applied for surface conditions.
Emergency Stop in a Straight Line
Making an emergency stop is an important skill. Practice often in a safe area. Use lower speeds and
less than maximum brake pressure when developing your skill. Start your practice with straight-line
stops.
The best way to achieve the shortest braking distance is to apply maximum brake pressure to front
and rear brakes simultaneously without skidding either wheel. Squeeze the clutch lever and use the
brake controls at the same time. Keep your body centered and look ahead. Squeeze your legs against
the gas tank to help keep from sliding forward. Adjust your braking pressure as the weight of the
motorcycle transfers forward by using less pressure on the rear brake pedal and more pressure on the
front brake lever.
The ability to use the brakes fully without producing a skid is called threshold braking. This kind of
braking takes a special feel for the controls. It is important to squeeze, not grab, the front brake lever
and press, not jab, the rear brake pedal. Practice often in a safe area. Remember that surface
conditions may affect how much pressure you can use, and you want to be ready to adjust the
pressure for best results.
Emergency Stop in a Curve
Making an emergency stop in a curve requires effective use of available traction for both leaning and
braking. This means you should generally use less brake pressure in a curve than when braking in a
straight line.
Basically, you have two choices:
One is to straighten up first and make a quick stop in a straight line.
The other is to apply some brake pressure while leaned and increase brake pressure as you straighten
up.
To straighten up first, you must have enough space to complete the stop. If road and traffic conditions
permit, straighten the motorcycle first and then square the handlebars (center the steering) before
the brakes are applied.
To apply brake pressure while leaned, apply and adjust the brakes progressively. As your lean angle is
reduced, apply more brake pressure. It is best to have the motorcycle straight up with the handlebars
squared at the end of a stop.
Front Tire Skid
