Basic Rider Course Exam
Three (3) types of motorcycles, primary use for each, and distinguishing characteristics (Q. 1, 2)
Street, dual-purpose and off-road. Street motorcycles are designed for use on public streets and
highways. They have all the equipment for safe and enjoyable street operation. Dual-purpose
motorcycles are equipped for use on the street and off-road trails. Off-road motorcycles are not
street-legal, and are typically used for recreational or competitive use.
Two primary differences between cars/trucks and motorcycles (Q. 4 - bold)
Stability, vulnerability (and not readily seen).
What are the problems caused by the differences between cars/trucks and motorcycles? (Q. 5 - bold)
Motorcycles do not have the stability of cars because they must be balanced, and motorcycles leave
you more vulnerable in a crash because there is less protection. Motorcycles are not as readily seen
as cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles because of their size.
Part of being responsible means to give a lot of thought to what? (Q. 11 - bold)
the consequences of your riding behavior in traffic; the result of your decisions and actions;
developing good skills and judgment
What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes? (Q. 12 - BOLD)
there is rarely a single cause; possible factors: speeding, inattention, distraction, drinking, or
carelessness.
How does a rider reduce factors that lead to crashes? (Q. 16 - BOLD)
by applying a strategy
What does it mean to have a margin of safety? (Q. 17 - BOLD)
consideration for the "margin for error," or how much extra time and space you need given your skill
level
What is SEE, and what does each letter stand for? (Q. 18 - BOLD)
a powerful strategy - Search, Evaluate, Execute
Name several purposes of protective riding gear. (Q. 19 - bold)
providing comfort, increasing visibility, and offering protection
What's the difference between a full-face and three-quarter-coverage helmet? (Q. 24 - BOLD)
A full-face helmet gives the most protection since it covers all of the head and face. A three-quarter
helmet doesn't offer the face and chin protection of the full-face helmets.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection? (Q. 25 - BOLD)
because they can shatter or fly off, and they allow wind and airborne objects to reach the eyes.
What stickers are likely to indicate a well-made helmet? (Q. 26 - BOLD)
the DOT sticker, Snell Memorial Foundation sticker
, What type of injury accounts for the majority of motorcycle deaths? (Q. 27 - BOLD)
head injuries
What is the value of appropriate footwear? (Q. 29 - Bold)
Sturdy over-the-ankle boots help protect riders from riding hazards, they prevent burns from hot
exhaust pipes, provide a strong grip on the pavement, help keep feet on the footrests, and can
provide some protection against foot and ankle injuries.
What is the value of motorcycle specific clothing? (Q. 31 - bold)
they provide the best combination of fit and protection
Define "hypothermia" and provide an example. (Q. 33 - BOLD)
a condition of subnormal body temperature; a chilling effect experienced by a motorcyclist on a chilly
day (50 degrees) riding at a speed of 30 mph
What is the value of dressing in layers? (Q. 34 - BOLD)
so that layers can be removed as desired, to help body heat form a warm insulation, to prevent cold
air from reaching the skin
What is T-CLOCS and what does each letter stand for? (Q. 38 - BOLD)
a convenient reminder for a quick and easy check of critical components; T-Tires and Wheels, C-
Controls, L-Lights and Electrics, O-Oil and Other Fluids, C-Chassis, S-Stands
What are the primary motorcycle controls? (Q. 41 - bold)
Throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever, front brake lever, and rear brake pedal
What is the most common way to initiate and control motorcycle lean (for turns)? (Q. 42 - bold)
The handlebars
What is meant by "shift pattern"? (Q. 46 - bold)
order of gears; a typical gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5
Where are the brake controls found? (Q. 47 - bold)
The front brake lever is found in the front of the right hand grip. The rear brake pedal is found in front
of the right footrest.
What does the fuel valve do? (Q. 49 - bold)
It controls the flow of gasoline to the engine
What is the functions of the tachometer? (Q. 53 - bold)
Indicates engine speed, and has a "red line" that should never be exceeded.
What are some of the common indicator lights? (Q. 54 - bold)
Three (3) types of motorcycles, primary use for each, and distinguishing characteristics (Q. 1, 2)
Street, dual-purpose and off-road. Street motorcycles are designed for use on public streets and
highways. They have all the equipment for safe and enjoyable street operation. Dual-purpose
motorcycles are equipped for use on the street and off-road trails. Off-road motorcycles are not
street-legal, and are typically used for recreational or competitive use.
Two primary differences between cars/trucks and motorcycles (Q. 4 - bold)
Stability, vulnerability (and not readily seen).
What are the problems caused by the differences between cars/trucks and motorcycles? (Q. 5 - bold)
Motorcycles do not have the stability of cars because they must be balanced, and motorcycles leave
you more vulnerable in a crash because there is less protection. Motorcycles are not as readily seen
as cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles because of their size.
Part of being responsible means to give a lot of thought to what? (Q. 11 - bold)
the consequences of your riding behavior in traffic; the result of your decisions and actions;
developing good skills and judgment
What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes? (Q. 12 - BOLD)
there is rarely a single cause; possible factors: speeding, inattention, distraction, drinking, or
carelessness.
How does a rider reduce factors that lead to crashes? (Q. 16 - BOLD)
by applying a strategy
What does it mean to have a margin of safety? (Q. 17 - BOLD)
consideration for the "margin for error," or how much extra time and space you need given your skill
level
What is SEE, and what does each letter stand for? (Q. 18 - BOLD)
a powerful strategy - Search, Evaluate, Execute
Name several purposes of protective riding gear. (Q. 19 - bold)
providing comfort, increasing visibility, and offering protection
What's the difference between a full-face and three-quarter-coverage helmet? (Q. 24 - BOLD)
A full-face helmet gives the most protection since it covers all of the head and face. A three-quarter
helmet doesn't offer the face and chin protection of the full-face helmets.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection? (Q. 25 - BOLD)
because they can shatter or fly off, and they allow wind and airborne objects to reach the eyes.
What stickers are likely to indicate a well-made helmet? (Q. 26 - BOLD)
the DOT sticker, Snell Memorial Foundation sticker
, What type of injury accounts for the majority of motorcycle deaths? (Q. 27 - BOLD)
head injuries
What is the value of appropriate footwear? (Q. 29 - Bold)
Sturdy over-the-ankle boots help protect riders from riding hazards, they prevent burns from hot
exhaust pipes, provide a strong grip on the pavement, help keep feet on the footrests, and can
provide some protection against foot and ankle injuries.
What is the value of motorcycle specific clothing? (Q. 31 - bold)
they provide the best combination of fit and protection
Define "hypothermia" and provide an example. (Q. 33 - BOLD)
a condition of subnormal body temperature; a chilling effect experienced by a motorcyclist on a chilly
day (50 degrees) riding at a speed of 30 mph
What is the value of dressing in layers? (Q. 34 - BOLD)
so that layers can be removed as desired, to help body heat form a warm insulation, to prevent cold
air from reaching the skin
What is T-CLOCS and what does each letter stand for? (Q. 38 - BOLD)
a convenient reminder for a quick and easy check of critical components; T-Tires and Wheels, C-
Controls, L-Lights and Electrics, O-Oil and Other Fluids, C-Chassis, S-Stands
What are the primary motorcycle controls? (Q. 41 - bold)
Throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever, front brake lever, and rear brake pedal
What is the most common way to initiate and control motorcycle lean (for turns)? (Q. 42 - bold)
The handlebars
What is meant by "shift pattern"? (Q. 46 - bold)
order of gears; a typical gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5
Where are the brake controls found? (Q. 47 - bold)
The front brake lever is found in the front of the right hand grip. The rear brake pedal is found in front
of the right footrest.
What does the fuel valve do? (Q. 49 - bold)
It controls the flow of gasoline to the engine
What is the functions of the tachometer? (Q. 53 - bold)
Indicates engine speed, and has a "red line" that should never be exceeded.
What are some of the common indicator lights? (Q. 54 - bold)
