MSF Basic Rider Course Study Questions and
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.
What is the value of dressing in layers?
Layers can be removed as desired.
What is T-CLOCS and what does each letter stand for?
A pre-ride inspection checklist. T-CLOCS: Tires and Wheels; Controls; Lights and Electrics; Oil and
Other Fluids; Chassis; Stands.
What are the primary motorcycle controls?
Handlebars, throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever, front brake lever, rear brake pedal.
What is the most common way to initiate and control motorcycle lean (for turns)?
The handlebars.
What is meant by "shift pattern"?
The order of the gears (1-N-2-3-4-5)
Where are the brake controls found?
The right side of the motorcycle (front brake lever and rear brake pedal)
What does the fuel valve do?
Controls the flow of gasoline to the engine.
What is the function of the tachometer?
The tachometer indicates engine speed.
What are some common indicator lights?
Neutral, high beam, turn signal indicators, oil pressure, side stand down, and possibly others.
What are the steps in starting the engine?
FINE-C: Fuel supply valve; Ignition; Neutral; Engine cut-off: on; Choke/clutch.
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.
What is the value of dressing in layers?
Layers can be removed as desired.
What is T-CLOCS and what does each letter stand for?
A pre-ride inspection checklist. T-CLOCS: Tires and Wheels; Controls; Lights and Electrics; Oil and
Other Fluids; Chassis; Stands.
What are the primary motorcycle controls?
Handlebars, throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever, front brake lever, rear brake pedal.
What is the most common way to initiate and control motorcycle lean (for turns)?
The handlebars.
What is meant by "shift pattern"?
The order of the gears (1-N-2-3-4-5)
Where are the brake controls found?
The right side of the motorcycle (front brake lever and rear brake pedal)
What does the fuel valve do?
Controls the flow of gasoline to the engine.
What is the function of the tachometer?
The tachometer indicates engine speed.
What are some common indicator lights?
Neutral, high beam, turn signal indicators, oil pressure, side stand down, and possibly others.
What are the steps in starting the engine?
FINE-C: Fuel supply valve; Ignition; Neutral; Engine cut-off: on; Choke/clutch.
