Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

12 sample Handling Emergencies questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. On a stretch of snow or ice you cannot avoid, how does the manual say to proceed?

   Correct answer: Keep the bike upright, go very slowly, and skim your feet

   Keep the motorcycle straight up and go as slowly as possible, letting your feet skim the surface for balance; consider walking the bike across if riding is impractical.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Very Slippery Areas

2. 2. If your rear wheel locks during a straight-line quick stop, the manual advises you to do what?

   Correct answer: Keep the rear brake locked until you stop, if going straight

   When you are traveling straight and the rear wheel locks, keep it locked and ride the skid to a stop; riders can often control the bike this way.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Uneven Surfaces or Obstacles: Quick Stops

3. 3. If the rear tire fails while riding, what does the manual advise about your body position?

   Correct answer: Stay seated without shifting weight forward or back

   With a rear tire failure the bike may sway side to side; stay seated and keep your weight centered, not shifted to the front or rear.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure & Blowouts

4. 4. If your front tire suddenly fails while riding, how should you shift your weight?

   Correct answer: Shift your weight toward the rear of the bike

   A front tire failure mainly affects steering, so move your weight toward the rear of the bike for stability while you brake the good tire and pull off.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure & Blowouts

5. 5. The manual describes a swerve to avoid an obstacle as what kind of maneuver?

   Correct answer: A sudden, quick change of direction

   A swerve is a quick change of direction — either two fast turns or a rapid lean to one side — made by pressing the grip toward where you want to go.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Uneven Surfaces or Obstacles: Swerving or Turning Quickly

6. 6. Just before your front wheel reaches an unavoidable bump, what does the manual advise?

   Correct answer: Accelerate slightly to lighten the front wheel

   A slight roll-on of throttle just before impact lightens the front wheel, and rising off the seat lets your knees and elbows absorb the shock.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Uneven Surfaces or Obstacles

7. 7. In heavy traffic, why does the manual warn against swerving into another lane to miss an animal?

   Correct answer: Hitting a vehicle is far worse than hitting the animal

   Riders survive impact with an animal far better than a collision with another vehicle, so in congested traffic it is safer not to swerve into an adjacent lane.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Animals

8. 8. A drive chain that slips or snaps while you ride can cause what dangerous result?

   Correct answer: The rear wheel to lock and skid

   A slipping or broken chain can lock and skid the rear wheel; if the chain breaks you lose power to the rear wheel, so roll off the throttle and brake gently to a stop.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Mechanical Problems: Chain Problems

9. 9. What is the correct way to manage a wobble once it starts?

   Correct answer: Grip firmly and gradually close the throttle

   Grip the bars firmly, gradually close the throttle to slow down, and avoid braking or accelerating, which can make the wobble worse; shifting weight forward and down helps.

   Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Mechanical Problems: Wobble

10. 10. Why should you avoid braking while you are swerving?

    Correct answer: It can cause a skid because traction is limited

    Braking during a swerve can break traction and cause a skid; the manual advises separating the two actions, such as swerving first and then braking.

    Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Uneven Surfaces or Obstacles: Swerving or Turning Quickly

11. 11. The manual says a front-wheel 'wobble' can often be traced to which causes?

    Correct answer: Improper loading, wrong tire pressure, or unsuitable accessories

    Wobble is commonly caused by improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure, along with loose bearings or misaligned wheels.

    Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Mechanical Problems: Wobble

12. 12. At what minimum angle does the manual say motorcyclists should cross railroad tracks?

    Correct answer: At angles as sharp as 45 degrees

    You can safely cross tracks at angles as sharp as 45 degrees; swinging out to cross at a full 90 degrees is discouraged because it can push you into oncoming traffic.

    Source: MA Motorcycle Manual — Uneven Surfaces or Obstacles: Railroad or Trolley Tracks