MSF Controls and Operation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When should you use both the front and rear brakes simultaneously?
- Only in emergency stops
- During all normal stops and emergency stops (Correct answer)
- Only when riding on wet pavement
- Only when the road is dry
Correct answer: During all normal stops and emergency stops
MSF teaches that using both brakes together during every stop provides the most effective and controlled braking.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the clutch lever on a motorcycle?
- It controls engine speed directly
- It disengages the engine from the transmission (Correct answer)
- It applies the front brake
- It controls the rear wheel only
Correct answer: It disengages the engine from the transmission
The clutch lever disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing you to shift gears or stop without stalling.
Question 3: Which control do you use to downshift a motorcycle with a manual transmission?
- The throttle only
- The rear brake pedal
- The gear shift lever with the clutch (Correct answer)
- The front brake lever
Correct answer: The gear shift lever with the clutch
Downshifting requires pulling the clutch lever and pressing the gear shift lever down to select a lower gear.
Question 4: What does 'countersteering' mean at highway speeds?
- Steering opposite the direction of a turn to go straight
- Pressing forward on the handlebar on the side of the desired turn (Correct answer)
- Using body weight only to steer
- Turning the handlebars in the same direction you want to go
Correct answer: Pressing forward on the handlebar on the side of the desired turn
At speeds above 12 mph, pressing forward on the right grip causes the motorcycle to lean and turn right.
Question 5: How do you properly hold the handlebars to maintain throttle control?
- Grip tightly with bent wrists and elbows
- Keep wrists flat or slightly down with a relaxed but firm grip (Correct answer)
- Hold loosely with straight arms
- Grip only with fingertips
Correct answer: Keep wrists flat or slightly down with a relaxed but firm grip
Keeping wrists flat prevents inadvertent throttle roll-on and allows smooth control inputs.
Question 6: What is engine braking on a motorcycle?
- Applying the front brake while in gear
- The slowing effect produced when you close the throttle while in gear (Correct answer)
- Using the kill switch to slow the engine
- Braking with the rear brake only
Correct answer: The slowing effect produced when you close the throttle while in gear
Engine braking occurs when a closed throttle causes the engine's compression to slow the rear wheel.
Question 7: When parking a motorcycle on a slope, which gear should it be left in?
- Neutral
- First gear (or reverse if equipped) (Correct answer)
- Third gear
- Any gear is acceptable
Correct answer: First gear (or reverse if equipped)
Leaving the motorcycle in first gear (or reverse) uses the engine's compression to prevent rolling.
MSF Controls and Operation 2
When should you use both the front and rear brakes simultaneously?