Braking & Emergency Stops

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. Anti-lock braking (ABS) is designed to:

   Correct answer: Prevent wheel lock-up and skids in panic stops

   ABS senses possible wheel lock and releases then reapplies pressure to avoid skids during panic braking.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)

2. 2. A 'high-side' crash can occur when:

   Correct answer: A misaligned locked rear wheel is suddenly released

   Releasing a locked, misaligned rear wheel can make the motorcycle snap upright and throw the rider forward.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance: Rear-Wheel Skids

3. 3. Studies cited in the manual found many crash-involved riders:

   Correct answer: Underused the front brake and overused the rear

   Research found that riders in crashes tend to use too little front brake while pressing the rear too hard.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance

4. 4. The front brake can supply about how much of a motorcycle's stopping power?

   Correct answer: Seventy percent or more

   The front brake is the stronger one, giving 70 percent or more of total stopping power.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

5. 5. The front brake lever should be:

   Correct answer: Squeezed smoothly and progressively

   Apply the front brake with a smooth, firm, increasing squeeze rather than grabbing it, which can lock the wheel.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

6. 6. According to the manual, ABS can release and reapply brake pressure:

   Correct answer: More than fifteen times a second

   The handbook says ABS can cycle brake pressure over fifteen times each second to keep braking effective.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)

7. 7. A linked braking system:

   Correct answer: Applies both brakes when either control is used

   Linked braking ties the front and rear together so pressing either the lever or pedal applies pressure to both.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Linked and Integrated Braking Systems

8. 8. When a motorcycle is leaned over in a turn, the traction available for braking is:

   Correct answer: Reduced

   Leaning uses up traction for cornering, leaving less for braking; the greater the lean, the greater the chance of losing grip.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Braking in a Corner

9. 9. As weight shifts forward during braking, the rear brake should get:

   Correct answer: Lighter pressure to avoid a rear skid

   With weight moving forward, less traction remains at the rear, so ease off the rear brake to prevent a rear-wheel skid.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

10. 10. How often should both brakes be used when slowing or stopping?

    Correct answer: Every time you slow or stop

    Apply both brakes each time you slow or stop, which builds the skill for emergencies.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

11. 11. When you must brake while leaned over in a curve, you should first:

    Correct answer: Straighten the bike as much as possible, then brake

    A leaned bike has less traction for braking, so bring it upright and square the handlebars before stopping when possible.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance: Stopping Quickly in a Curve

12. 12. If the front wheel locks during a hard stop, you should:

    Correct answer: Release the front lever at once, then reapply it

    A locked front wheel means immediate loss of steering, so release the lever right away and reapply it firmly.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance: Front-Wheel Skids