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. What happens when you squeeze the clutch lever toward the left handgrip?

   Correct answer: Engine power is disconnected from the rear wheel

   The clutch lever, in front of the left handgrip, disconnects engine power from the rear wheel when squeezed in.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Motorcycle Controls (Clutch Lever)

2. 2. How is the throttle operated?

   Correct answer: By rolling the right handgrip toward you to speed up

   The throttle is the right handgrip; rolling it toward you increases speed and rolling it away decreases speed.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Motorcycle Controls (Throttle)

3. 3. What does the LOCK position of the ignition switch do?

   Correct answer: Lets the key come out and engages the steering lock

   In LOCK, you can take the key out and a steering lock is set.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Other Controls and Equipment (Ignition Switch)

4. 4. On a typical motorcycle, where is neutral located?

   Correct answer: Between first and second gear

   On a typical gearbox the layout runs first, then neutral, then the higher gears, so neutral falls between first and second as a half click from either.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Motorcycle Controls (Gearshift Lever)

5. 5. Which control operates the front brake?

   Correct answer: The lever in front of the right handgrip

   Positioned ahead of the right handgrip, this lever works the brake on the front wheel.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Motorcycle Controls (Front Brake Lever)

6. 6. What does the engine cut-off switch let you do?

   Correct answer: Cut the engine while both hands stay on the grips

   The engine cut-off switch, usually red on the right handgrip, stops the engine without taking your hands off the controls.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Other Controls and Equipment

7. 7. How is the rear brake applied?

   Correct answer: With a pedal in front of the right footrest, pressed by the right foot

   The rear brake pedal is in front of the right footrest and is pressed down smoothly with the right foot.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Motorcycle Controls (Rear Brake Pedal)

8. 8. On most motorcycles, the gearshift lever is:

   Correct answer: On the left, worked by the left foot

   The gearshift lever is usually on the left side in front of the footrest and is worked by the left foot.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Motorcycle Controls (Gearshift Lever)

9. 9. Before you begin riding, the side or center stand should be:

   Correct answer: Raised up

   Always raise the stand before riding; most have return springs that snap them up and hold them in place.

   Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Other Controls and Equipment (Side and Center Stands)

10. 10. For good control, how should a rider hold the right wrist?

    Correct answer: Flat

    Start with the right wrist flat, which helps control the throttle; keep the back straight and head and eyes up.

    Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Four - Riding Posture

11. 11. How many primary controls are used to make a motorcycle go and stop?

    Correct answer: Six

    Six primary controls run the bike, and operating them takes both of your hands together with both feet.

    Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Motorcycle Controls

12. 12. What is a characteristic of a convex motorcycle mirror?

    Correct answer: It gives a wider view but makes vehicles seem farther away

    Convex mirrors show a wider area than flat mirrors but make following vehicles look farther away than they really are.

    Source: Oregon Motorcycle & Moped Manual, Section Three - Other Controls and Equipment (Mirrors)