Motorcycle Controls & Operation

Study questions with answers

12 sample Motorcycle Controls & Operation questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How often should a T-CLOCS inspection be done?

   Correct answer: Before every ride

   Do the quick T-CLOCS check before each ride, making it as routine as checking the weather.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Motorcycle: Check Your Motorcycle

2. 2. Which of these is part of the minimum equipment for a street-legal motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Two mirrors

   Minimums include head, tail and brake lights, front and rear brakes, turn signals, a horn, and two mirrors.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Motorcycle: The Right Motorcycle For You

3. 3. If you set out with the fuel valve closed, the motorcycle will likely:

   Correct answer: Start but stall once the fuel lines empty

   With the valve shut, the engine may run briefly on fuel left in the lines and then stall.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Check Your Motorcycle: O - Oil and Other Fluids

4. 4. The gearshift lever on a typical motorcycle is worked with the:

   Correct answer: Left foot

   The shift lever sits ahead of the left footrest and is worked using the left foot.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Shifting Gears

5. 5. Where should a rider keep their feet while riding?

   Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests, not dragging

   Keep your feet planted on the footrests without dragging them or pointing the toes downward.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position

6. 6. While stopped in traffic, a rider should keep the transmission in:

   Correct answer: First gear, ready to move

   Staying in first gear while stopped lets you pull away quickly if you need to move out of danger.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Shifting Gears

7. 7. In a common 1-N-2-3-4-5 pattern, neutral is found:

   Correct answer: Between first and second gear

   Neutral sits between the first and second gears, reached with a half lift from first or a half press from second.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Shifting Gears

8. 8. When you release the throttle during a controls check, it should:

   Correct answer: Snap back to the fully closed position

   In the Controls part of T-CLOCS, a properly working throttle snaps closed on its own when let go.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Check Your Motorcycle: C - Controls

9. 9. Keeping your knees against the fuel tank helps you:

   Correct answer: Keep your balance as the bike turns

   Pressing the knees to the tank aids balance while the motorcycle leans and turns.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position

10. 10. A motorcycle 'fits' a rider properly when:

    Correct answer: The feet reach the ground and controls are easy to reach

    A good fit means your feet touch the ground while seated and the controls are easy to work; smaller bikes are usually easier for beginners.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Motorcycle: The Right Motorcycle For You

11. 11. Before riding an unfamiliar or borrowed motorcycle in traffic, you should:

    Correct answer: Get used to it away from traffic first

    Get used to a borrowed bike away from traffic first, since unfamiliar machines add risk.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Motorcycle: Borrowing and Lending

12. 12. A motorcycle mirror is properly adjusted when it shows:

    Correct answer: The lane behind and the lane beside you

    Set mirrors so you can see the lane to the rear and the one alongside; a bit of your arm may show but the road matters most.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Check Your Motorcycle: L - Lights and Electrics