Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. If you must stop while leaned over in a curve, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Apply smooth, gradual pressure to both brakes while reducing your lean angle

   Apply smooth, gradual pressure to both brakes while reducing your lean angle; as lean decreases, you gain traction to brake harder.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Normal stopping in a curve

2. 2. When parking a three-wheel vehicle at the roadside, what keeps it from rolling?

   Correct answer: Setting the parking brake or leaving it in gear

   Park the trike parallel to the curb and set the parking brake or leave it in gear to keep it from rolling.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eleven — Parking at the roadside

3. 3. After you put down the side stand to secure the motorcycle, what else should you do?

   Correct answer: Remove the ignition key and engage the fork lock or other security device

   After dismounting, remove the ignition key and engage the fork lock or another security device.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Securing the motorcycle

4. 4. Grabbing the front brake or stomping the rear can cause what?

   Correct answer: The brakes to lock and control problems

   Abruptly grabbing the front or jamming the rear brake locks the wheel and creates control problems.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Stopping

5. 5. Before you can hold the bike with the foot brake on a hill, into what gear should you shift?

   Correct answer: First gear

   Hold with the front brake while you start the engine and shift into first gear on an incline.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Starting on an incline

6. 6. Roughly how much of your total stopping power can the front brake provide?

   Correct answer: 70 percent or more

   Used correctly, the front brake supplies 70 percent or more of stopping power, so it is essential for effective slowing.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Stopping

7. 7. Every time you slow or stop, which brakes should you use?

   Correct answer: Both the front and rear brakes

   Use both the front and rear brakes every time you slow or stop; together they shorten stopping distance.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Stopping

8. 8. After you start rolling on a pre-ride check, why gently test the brakes?

   Correct answer: To confirm the motorcycle actually slows

   Lightly applying the brakes after moving off confirms the motorcycle actually slows before you reach traffic.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Four — Pre-ride check: brakes

9. 9. Releasing the clutch too quickly when starting on a hill can cause what?

   Correct answer: The front wheel to lift, the engine to stall, or both

   Letting the clutch out too fast on an incline can lift the front wheel, stall the engine, or both.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Starting on an incline

10. 10. On an upgrade, what holds the motorcycle while you get the throttle going?

    Correct answer: The front brake, then switching to the foot brake as you work the throttle

    Use the front brake to hold while you start and shift, then switch to the foot brake so your right hand can work the throttle.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Five — Starting on an incline

11. 11. When parking a motorcycle at a curb in Michigan, how should it be positioned?

    Correct answer: Parallel to the curb

    Park parallel to the curb; some local ordinances specifically require motorcycles to park that way.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Parking at curbs

12. 12. On a downgrade, how does braking distance compare with flat ground?

    Correct answer: It increases

    Riding downhill increases braking distance, so begin slowing earlier for corners and stops.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Nine — Passengers (downgrade braking)