Motorcycle Controls & Operation

Study questions with answers

6 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 is the purpose of a pre-ride inspection (often remembered as T-CLOCS)?

   Correct answer: To check the motorcycle's key systems before riding so you can fix problems early

   T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil and fluids, Chassis, Stands) reminds you to check the bike's key systems before each ride, catching trouble before it becomes dangerous.

   Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Pre-Ride Inspection

2. 2. What should you tell a passenger before they get on your motorcycle?

   Correct answer: To hold on, keep both feet on the pegs, and lean with you in turns

   Have the passenger hold your waist or the hand-holds, keep both feet on the footrests even at stops, and lean with you in turns rather than fighting the motorcycle's motion.

   Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Carrying Passengers

3. 3. As part of your pre-ride check, what should you look at on the tires?

   Correct answer: Tread depth and proper air pressure

   Check that the tires have enough tread and are set to the correct air pressure. Worn or under-inflated tires reduce traction and are more likely to fail at speed.

   Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Pre-Ride Inspection

4. 4. How does carrying a passenger or a heavy load change the way a motorcycle handles?

   Correct answer: It slows acceleration and stopping, so ride slower and keep loads low and secure

   Extra weight makes the motorcycle slower to speed up, stop, and turn. Ride a little slower, allow more distance, and keep any cargo low and secured close to the center of the bike.

   Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Carrying Loads

5. 5. If the throttle sticks open and will not close, your first action should be to:

   Correct answer: Twist the throttle back and forth to free it, and be ready to pull in the clutch and use the engine cut-off switch

   Try to free a stuck throttle by twisting it back and forth. If that fails, squeeze in the clutch and use the engine cut-off switch to stop power to the rear wheel.

   Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Stuck Throttle

6. 6. If your motorcycle's front end begins to wobble or shake, the best response is to:

   Correct answer: Grip the handlebars firmly and gradually ease off the throttle

   Trying to brake a wobble can make it worse. Hold on firmly and gradually roll off the throttle to let the bike slow and settle; do not speed up or grab the brakes.

   Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Handling a Wobble