Kentucky Motorcycle: Motorcycle Controls & Operation Practice Test

Question 1

During a pre-ride check, what should the throttle do when you release it?

Accepted Answer

Snap back by itself when released — A properly working throttle snaps back on its own the moment you let go of it.

Answer

Stay wherever you leave it

Answer

Feel loose and rattle

Answer

Need both hands to move

Question 2

How high above the seat may handlebars be set for maximum control?

Accepted Answer

Not higher than 15 inches over the seat — For the best control and comfort, handlebars should sit no more than 15 inches above seat level.

Answer

Any height the rider likes

Answer

At least 20 inches

Answer

Exactly 24 inches

Question 3

Why does the manual suggest starting with your right wrist flat?

Accepted Answer

To avoid accidentally applying too much throttle — Holding the right wrist flat helps keep you from feeding in too much throttle by accident.

Answer

To rest your hand comfortably

Answer

To reach the horn faster

Answer

To make signaling easier

Question 4

What kind of motorcycle is usually easiest for a beginner to handle?

Accepted Answer

A smaller machine that fits the rider — Smaller machines that actually fit the rider are generally easier for beginners to operate.

Answer

The largest one available

Answer

One with the tallest handlebars

Answer

Any borrowed bike

Question 5

Which gear should you hold while stopped in traffic?

Accepted Answer

First gear, so you can move off quickly — Staying in first gear while stopped lets you pull away quickly if you suddenly need to move.

Answer

Neutral

Answer

Second gear

Answer

The top gear

Question 6

Where should your knees be positioned for better control?

Accepted Answer

Pressed against the fuel tank to aid balance — Keeping your knees pressed against the fuel tank helps you hold your balance as the motorcycle turns.

Answer

Spread wide away from the tank

Answer

Tucked beneath the seat

Answer

Resting on the handlebars

Question 7

Which controls should you locate before riding an unfamiliar motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

The horn, the turn signals, the headlight switch, the fuel valve, and the engine kill switch — Before riding, locate and be able to operate, without looking, the horn, the turn signals, the headlight switch, the fuel valve, and the engine kill switch.

Answer

Only the throttle

Answer

Just the mirrors

Answer

The radio and the cargo latch

Question 8

Where should your hands rest relative to your elbows for precise steering?

Accepted Answer

Even with or below your elbows — Position the bars so your hands sit level with or lower than your elbows, which lets you steer with precision.

Answer

Well above your elbows

Answer

Directly in front of your chin

Answer

As far apart as they will reach

Question 9

Why should a rider inspect the motorcycle before every ride?

Accepted Answer

It needs more frequent care than a car, and a minor fault can be dangerous in traffic — A bike needs checking far more often than a car does, and even a minor fault can turn dangerous once you reach traffic.

Answer

Cars never require any checks

Answer

State law demands a daily inspection sticker

Answer

Only the tires ever cause trouble

Question 10

What is the correct foot position while riding?

Accepted Answer

Planted firmly on the footrests with toes kept from pointing down — Keep your feet planted firmly on the footrests without dragging them, and avoid letting your toes point down where they might catch.

Answer

Dragging lightly along the pavement

Answer

Dangling loosely for balance

Answer

Crossed over the fuel tank

Question 11

At a minimum, what equipment should a street-legal motorcycle carry?

Accepted Answer

A headlight, a taillight and brake light, brakes on both wheels, signals, a horn, and a pair of mirrors — At a minimum a street-legal bike carries lights front and rear, a brake light, brakes on both wheels, signals, a horn, and a pair of mirrors.

Answer

Only a headlight and a single brake

Answer

Just a horn and one mirror

Answer

Front brakes and a taillight only

Question 12

How should the mirrors be set before you start riding?

Accepted Answer

So you see the lane behind and as much of the neighboring lane as possible — Set each mirror to reveal the lane behind and as much of the neighboring lane as it can.

Answer

Angled up toward the sky

Answer

To show only your own shoulders

Answer

Folded flat to cut wind drag

Motorcycle Controls & Operation

Study questions with answers

1. During a pre-ride check, what should the throttle do when you release it?

2. How high above the seat may handlebars be set for maximum control?

3. Why does the manual suggest starting with your right wrist flat?

4. What kind of motorcycle is usually easiest for a beginner to handle?

5. Which gear should you hold while stopped in traffic?

6. Where should your knees be positioned for better control?

7. Which controls should you locate before riding an unfamiliar motorcycle?

8. Where should your hands rest relative to your elbows for precise steering?

9. Why should a rider inspect the motorcycle before every ride?

10. What is the correct foot position while riding?

11. At a minimum, what equipment should a street-legal motorcycle carry?

12. How should the mirrors be set before you start riding?

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