MSF Basic Rider Course Study Questions with
correct Answers
Name 2 primary differences between cars/trucks and motorcycles.
Stability and visibility.
What are the problems that these differences cause?
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?
The consequences of your riding behavior in traffic.
What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes?
There is rarely a single cause; most crashes involve many variable factors.
How does the Handbook define a "good motorcyclist"?
To have the desire and motivation to choose to reduce risk while riding.
How does a rider reduce factors that lead to crashes?
By applying a strategy.
What does it mean to have a margin of safety?
1) staying within personal skill limits; 2) staying within your motorcycle's limits, especially
its tire traction limits; 3) staying within the available time and space to respond to traffic
situations before having to react to an emergency.
What is SEE, and what does each letter stand for?
, Search, Evaluate, Execute is the strategy to help you understand what is going on in traffic
and to be constantly planning and implementing a course of action.
Name several purposes of protective riding gear.
Providing comfort, increasing visibility, and offering protection.
What's the difference between a full-face and three-quarter-coverage helmet?
The three-quarter helmet doesn't offer the face and chin protection of full-face helmets.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection?
They may not seal out wind and dust that makes eyes water.
What stickers are likely to indicate a well-made helmet?
DOT and Snell stickers.
What type of injury accounts for the majority of motorcycle deaths?
Head injuries.
What is the value of appropriate footwear?
Protection from road hazards, burns from exhaust pipes, gripping pavement and footrests, and
protection from foot and ankle injuries.
What is the value of motorcycle specific clothing?
Best combination of fit and protection.
Define "hypothermia" and provide an example.
A condition of subnormal body temperature. Can cause loss of concentration, slowed
reactions, and lost of smooth, precise muscle movement.
correct Answers
Name 2 primary differences between cars/trucks and motorcycles.
Stability and visibility.
What are the problems that these differences cause?
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?
The consequences of your riding behavior in traffic.
What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes?
There is rarely a single cause; most crashes involve many variable factors.
How does the Handbook define a "good motorcyclist"?
To have the desire and motivation to choose to reduce risk while riding.
How does a rider reduce factors that lead to crashes?
By applying a strategy.
What does it mean to have a margin of safety?
1) staying within personal skill limits; 2) staying within your motorcycle's limits, especially
its tire traction limits; 3) staying within the available time and space to respond to traffic
situations before having to react to an emergency.
What is SEE, and what does each letter stand for?
, Search, Evaluate, Execute is the strategy to help you understand what is going on in traffic
and to be constantly planning and implementing a course of action.
Name several purposes of protective riding gear.
Providing comfort, increasing visibility, and offering protection.
What's the difference between a full-face and three-quarter-coverage helmet?
The three-quarter helmet doesn't offer the face and chin protection of full-face helmets.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection?
They may not seal out wind and dust that makes eyes water.
What stickers are likely to indicate a well-made helmet?
DOT and Snell stickers.
What type of injury accounts for the majority of motorcycle deaths?
Head injuries.
What is the value of appropriate footwear?
Protection from road hazards, burns from exhaust pipes, gripping pavement and footrests, and
protection from foot and ankle injuries.
What is the value of motorcycle specific clothing?
Best combination of fit and protection.
Define "hypothermia" and provide an example.
A condition of subnormal body temperature. Can cause loss of concentration, slowed
reactions, and lost of smooth, precise muscle movement.
