DMV/MSF PA - Class M Motorcycle Basic RiderCourse Rider Handbook Study Questions

1. List the 3 types of motorcycles and the primary use for each.

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2. Name the distinguishing characteristics of each of the 3 types.

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3. How can completing MSF's DirtBike School be a benefit for new or experienced riders?

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4. Name 2 primary differences between cars/trucks and motorcycles.

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5. What are the problems that these differences cause?

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6. Describe one crash from your group's experience (or that you are aware of), and briefly describe the circumstances. What would some preventive measures be?

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7. Who is responsible for safety?

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8. How can someone tell if they would likely be dangerous on a motorcycle?

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9. In what way does the Ladder of Risk illustration relate to safe riding?

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10. What must happen before risks can be managed?

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11. Part of being responsible means to give a lot of thought to what?

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12. What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes?

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13. What leads up to most crashes?

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14. In what way does the Crash Chain illustration relate to safe riding?

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15. How does the Handbook define a "good motorcyclist"?

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16. How does a rider reduce factors that lead to crashes?

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17. What does it mean to have a margin of safety?

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18. What is SEE, and what does each letter stand for?

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19. Name several purposes of protective riding gear.

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20. List the 6 items named as proper, protective gear.

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21. What is the function of a helmet?

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22. List the 4 basic components of a helmet named on page 10.

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23. What is the purpose of each of these 4 components?

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24. What's the difference between a full-face and three-quarter-coverage helmet?

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25. Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection?

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26. What stickers are likely to indicate a well-made helmet?

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27. What type of injury accounts for the majority of motorcycle deaths?

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28. Name 2 types of motorcyclist eye protection.

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29. What is the value of appropriate footwear?

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30. Name at least 3 considerations in choosing gloves.

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31. What is the value of motorcycle specific clothing?

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32. What are some considerations for choosing proper clothing?

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33. Define "hypothermia" and provide an example.

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34. What is the value of dressing in layers?

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35. How can clothing make you more visible to others in traffic?

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36. What are some considerations in choosing a rain suit?

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37. What is the value of a pre-ride inspection?

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38. What is T-CLOCS and what does each letter stand for?

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39. Where can you find information about routine maintenance?

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40. What is the value of routine maintenance?

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41. What are the primary motorcycle controls?

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42. What is the most common way to initiate and control motorcycle lean (for turns)?

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43. How does a rider operate the throttle?

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44. What does the clutch lever do?

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45. What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish?

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46. What is meant by "shift pattern"?

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47. Where are the brake controls found?

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48. What is the best source of information about your motorcycle?

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49. What does the fuel valve do?

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50. What are the positions on the fuel valve?

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51. What does the choke control do?

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52. Where is the engine cut-off switch located?

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53. What is the function of the tachometer?

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54. What are some common indicator lights?

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55. What are the steps in starting the engine?

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56. What is the friction zone?

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57. Describe good riding posture.

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58. List the 4 steps in turning.

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59. What is the value of the "look" step?

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60. What is the value of the "roll" step?

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61. When is the counterweight technique used?

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62. Why do you change gears?

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63. What is the 3-part shift process?

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64. What is engine braking?

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65. How much of a motorcycle's stopping power is available from the front brake?

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66. Why should both brakes be used simultaneously?

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67. What's the purpose of the range safety rules?

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68. Name 3 of the more important Range Safety Rules.

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69. How will the RiderCoaches communicate with you on the range?

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70. What does it mean to have a space cushion?

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71. How does a motorcyclist utilize lane positions?

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72. Name some ways to be more visible to others in traffic.

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73. What are the 3 "lead times" (RiderRadar)?

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74. Why is the 2-second following distance considered minimum?

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75. Why is the 4-second lead-time called "immediate"?

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76. What advantage is gained by using a 12-second anticipated path?

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77. Name the 3 components of total stopping distance.

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78. Safe riding is a skill of what kind?

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79. What does it mean to Search?

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80. What is the characteristic of a convex mirror?

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81. What are the 3 general Search categories?

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82. What does Evaluate mean?

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83. What are the 3 action steps of Execute?

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84. What 3 things in the Oval of Safety affect your margin of safety?

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85. Where is the greatest potential for conflict?

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86. What 4 steps should you follow when around an intersection?

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87. What is significant about a traffic-actuated signal?

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88. What are some hazards between intersections?

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89. What is the No-Zone?

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90. How should you respond to a tailgating driver?

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91. What are some factors to search for when approaching a curve?

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92. How can an outside-inside-outside path of travel help you in curves?

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93. Name a couple of tips for parking your motorcycle.

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94. Why rise off the seat when crossing an obstacle?

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95. How is the throttle used when crossing an obstacle?

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96. Why make a head check before changing lanes?

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97. Is there a unique procedure when passing another vehicle on your motorcycle?

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98. What makes starting out on a hill (upgrade) more difficult?

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99. What is "overriding the headlight" and what is the solution?

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100. Name and explain the 3 variations to standard braking systems.

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101. What is the best way to achieve maximum braking?

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102. What complicates braking in a curve?

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103. What is a key to stopping quickly in a curve?

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104. What shold you do if the front tire skids because of improper braking (front brake grab)?

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105. What is the danger of a rear-tire skid?

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106. What is a "high-side"?

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107. In a swerve, how should you lean?

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108. What action should be avoided when swerving?

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109. Why is a surface most slippery as it begins to rain?

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110. What is hydroplaning?

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111. How can a crowned road affect riding?

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112. How does carrying a passenger affect the operation of a motorcycle?

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113. What are a few tips for carrying passengers?

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114. What 3 points should be considered when carrying loads?

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115. What is the "load triangle"?

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116. How should you respond to a dog that approaches from the side?

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117. What is the primary cause of tire failure?

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118. What is made more difficult by a broken clutch cable?

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119. What is the solution for wobble or weave?

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120. What are the 2 primary effects of alcohol?

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121. How fast is alcohol eliminated from the bloodstream?

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122. How much beverage alcohol equals one drink?

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123. What are some other drugs that affect SEE?

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124. What is the best way to approach intervention?

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125. What are some ways to intervene when someone has had too much to drink?

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126. What besides alcohol/other drugs can produce impairment?

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