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. About what share of stopping power can the front brake supply?

   Correct answer: At least about three-quarters of the total

   The front brake is the stronger of the two, supplying roughly three-quarters or more of all your stopping power.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Braking

2. 2. Why should you use both brakes even for routine stops?

   Correct answer: It builds the habit of using both brakes well when it counts

   Using both brakes for ordinary stops builds the habit and skill you will need to brake properly in an emergency.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Braking

3. 3. If you must brake while still leaning, how should you start?

   Correct answer: Apply light braking and roll off the throttle, then straighten and add pressure

   Begin with light braking and ease off the throttle, then straighten up and add more brake pressure as you slow.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Quick Stops

4. 4. In the final feet of a quick stop, what should you do with the handlebars?

   Correct answer: Straighten them so the bike ends upright and balanced

   In the final feet of the stop, bring the handlebars straight so the bike settles upright and balanced.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Quick Stops

5. 5. What is the correct way to apply the front brake?

   Correct answer: Squeeze it firmly and progressively, never grabbing

   Squeeze the front brake lever firmly and progressively rather than grabbing at it, which could lock the wheel.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Braking

6. 6. How should you normally use the two brakes?

   Correct answer: Use both brakes together every time you slow or stop

   Use both brakes together every time you slow or stop so the skill is second nature in an emergency.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Braking

7. 7. If you accidentally lock the rear wheel on a good-traction surface, what may you do?

   Correct answer: Keep it locked until you stop, provided you stay upright and straight

   On good traction you can keep the rear wheel locked until you stop, as long as the bike is upright and traveling straight.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Quick Stops

8. 8. What do integrated braking systems do?

   Correct answer: Apply both the front and rear brakes when you press the rear pedal

   These systems apply the front and rear brakes together when the rider presses the rear brake pedal.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Braking

9. 9. If the front wheel locks during a hard stop, what should you do?

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

   If the front tire locks, let the lever off at once and then squeeze it firmly again to recover.

   Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Quick Stops

10. 10. In traffic, how much room does a motorcycle need to stop compared with a car?

    Correct answer: About as much distance as a car needs

    In traffic a motorcycle needs about as much distance to stop as a car does.

    Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Right-of-Way

11. 11. What braking mistake do many crash-involved riders make?

    Correct answer: They under-use the front brake and over-use the rear

    Studies find that many riders in crashes apply too little front brake and too much rear brake.

    Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Crash Avoidance

12. 12. What is the best way to make a quick stop while riding through a curve?

    Correct answer: Straighten the motorcycle upright first, then brake

    When you can, straighten the motorcycle upright first and then brake for the quickest safe stop.

    Source: Kentucky Motorcycle Manual - Quick Stops