Braking & Emergency Stops

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. During maximum straight-line braking, where should your eyes be directed?

   Correct answer: Up and well ahead

   Keep your eyes up and looking well ahead, not down, which helps you keep the bike straight and upright.

   Source: Crash Avoidance — Maximum Straight-Line Braking

2. 2. The best technique for a quick stop in a straight line is to:

   Correct answer: Apply both brakes together

   Apply both brakes at the same time, squeezing the front lever firmly rather than grabbing it.

   Source: Crash Avoidance — Quick Stops

3. 3. As you brake and weight shifts forward, how should you treat the rear brake?

   Correct answer: Use lighter pressure to avoid a rear skid

   Because less traction is left at the rear as weight moves forward, apply lighter pressure to the rear pedal to avoid a rear-wheel skid.

   Source: Basic Vehicle Control — Braking

4. 4. Why does the manual recommend using both brakes even for routine, everyday stops?

   Correct answer: It builds the habit needed for emergency braking

   Practicing both brakes on normal stops develops the skill needed to use them correctly in an emergency.

   Source: Basic Vehicle Control — Braking

5. 5. What is an anti-lock braking system (ABS) designed to do?

   Correct answer: Prevent wheel lock-up and avoid skids in panic stops

   ABS is built to keep the wheels from locking and to prevent skids during hard, panic braking.

   Source: Basic Vehicle Control — Anti-Lock Braking Systems

6. 6. In an integrated braking system, what happens when the rider activates the rear brake?

   Correct answer: Some front braking is applied as well

   An integrated system applies partial front braking automatically whenever the rear brake is used.

   Source: Basic Vehicle Control — Linked and Integrated Braking Systems

7. 7. A high-side crash can occur when a locked rear wheel is released and:

   Correct answer: The rear tire is not lined up with the front when released

   If the rear wheel is out of line with the front when a locked rear wheel is released, the bike can snap upright and throw the rider off.

   Source: Crash Avoidance — Rear-Wheel Skids

8. 8. When you must brake while still leaned in a curve and cannot straighten first, you should:

   Correct answer: Brake smoothly and gradually, increasing force as you reduce lean

   Brake smoothly and gradually, and as you slow and reduce lean angle, more traction frees up so you can brake harder until upright.

   Source: Crash Avoidance — Stopping Quickly in a Curve

9. 9. How should the front brake lever be applied for a controlled stop?

   Correct answer: Squeezed smoothly with progressively more force

   Squeeze the front lever smoothly and with steadily increasing force; grabbing or jamming it can lock the wheel.

   Source: Basic Vehicle Control — Braking

10. 10. If the rear wheel locks on a good-traction surface while the bike is upright and straight, the manual says you may:

    Correct answer: Keep it locked until you come to a complete stop

    On solid traction with the bike upright and traveling straight, you can keep the rear wheel locked until you have fully stopped.

    Source: Crash Avoidance — Quick Stops

11. 11. What is the safest way to make a quick stop while the motorcycle is leaned over in a curve?

    Correct answer: Straighten the bike and square the bars, then brake

    Try to bring the bike upright and square the handlebars first, then brake; a leaned-over tire has less traction available for stopping.

    Source: Crash Avoidance — Stopping Quickly in a Curve

12. 12. Every time you slow or stop, the manual says you should use:

    Correct answer: Both brakes together

    Using both brakes for even ordinary stops builds the habit needed to brake correctly in an emergency.

    Source: Basic Vehicle Control — Braking