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. Before carrying a passenger, your motorcycle must be equipped with:

   Correct answer: Passenger footrests

   A motorcycle needs passenger footrests before it is ready to carry a second person.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Equipment for Carrying a Passenger

2. 2. For a new rider, which motorcycle is usually easier to handle?

   Correct answer: A smaller motorcycle

   Smaller motorcycles are generally easier for beginners to control.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, The Right Motorcycle For You

3. 3. Before taking a borrowed or unfamiliar motorcycle into traffic, you should:

   Correct answer: Get used to it in a controlled area first

   Getting familiar with an unfamiliar motorcycle in a controlled area first reduces the added crash risk.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Borrowing and Lending

4. 4. When should a passenger climb onto the motorcycle?

   Correct answer: After you start the engine and place it in neutral, feet down and brakes on

   The passenger should get on after the engine is running and in neutral, with the rider's feet down and brakes applied.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Preparing Your Passenger to Ride

5. 5. If your fuel valve is left closed, the motorcycle will most likely:

   Correct answer: Start on fuel in the lines but stall once they empty

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

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, T-CLOCS: Oil and Other Fluids

6. 6. If you shift into a lower gear while going too fast, the motorcycle may:

   Correct answer: Lurch, and the rear wheel may skid

   Downshifting at too high a speed can make the bike lurch and cause the rear wheel to slide.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Shifting Gears

7. 7. How often should a T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection be done?

   Correct answer: Before every ride

   The T-CLOCS check is meant to be performed before each ride.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Check Your Motorcycle

8. 8. Shifting down to a lower gear to help slow the motorcycle is known as:

   Correct answer: Engine braking

   Using a lower gear to slow the bike, much like braking, is called engine braking.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Shifting Gears

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

   Correct answer: Front and rear brakes

   Front and rear brakes are among the basic items a street-legal motorcycle must have, along with lights, signals, a horn, and mirrors.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, The Right Motorcycle For You

10. 10. At a minimum, how many mirrors should a street-legal motorcycle have?

    Correct answer: Two

    A street-legal motorcycle should be equipped with at least two mirrors.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, The Right Motorcycle For You

11. 11. During a controls check, a properly working throttle should:

    Correct answer: Spring shut on its own the instant you let go

    A healthy throttle closes by itself the moment you release it.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, T-CLOCS: Controls

12. 12. In the T-CLOCS checklist, the letter T stands for a check of:

    Correct answer: Tires and wheels

    The T in T-CLOCS covers tires and wheels, including pressure, tread, and condition.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, T-CLOCS: Tires and Wheels