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MSF BRC RIDER HANDBOOK STUDY QUESTION ANSWERS | Actual
Questions and Answers Latest Updated 2024/2025 (Graded A+)
Why is motorcycling considered serious fun? - ✔✔Serious because there is risk involved; fun because riding a motorcycling is fun (iv) Learning to ride and ride well requires what physical traits? - ✔✔Fitness, strength, coordination (iv) What do RiderCoaches do? - ✔✔Guide students, answer questions, observe progress (iv) What are the four requirements for successful course completion? - ✔✔ 1 - complete all course assignments; 2 - attend all sessions; 3 - pass a knowledge test; 4 - pass an on-cycle test (1) When does a RiderCoach not permit further riding in the course? - ✔✔If a rider has a lot of difficulty or becomes a danger to themselves or others (1) What are the three basic motorcycle types? - ✔✔ 1 - street, 2 - dual-purpose, 3 - off-highway List the six primary controls. - ✔✔ 1 - handlebars, 2 - throttle, 3 - clutch lever, 4 - gearshift lever, 5 - front brake lever, 6 - rear brake pedal
How do you operate the motorcycle's throttle? - ✔✔Rotate to control engine speed; to increase engine speed, twist it toward you (roll on); to decrease engine speed, twist it away from you (roll off) What does the clutch lever do? - ✔✔Connects power from the engine to the rear wheel How is the gearshift lever operated? - ✔✔Lift up firmly and release to go to a higher gear; press down firmly and release to go to a lower gear What is a shift pattern? - ✔✔How many gears are available below and above neutral How are the two brake controls operated? - ✔✔Front brake lever is squeezed in to operate; the amount of squeeze must be adjusted for effective braking. Rear brake pedal is pressed down to operate it What are possible positions on the fuel valve? - ✔✔On, Reserve, and Prime or Off What are possible positions on the ignition switch? - ✔✔On, Off, and Lock, and possibly Park What is the choke control used for? - ✔✔Provide an enriched fuel mixture to help start the engine; raises idle to permit the engine to warm quickly Why does a motorcycle have an engine cut-off switch? - ✔✔You can shut off the engine without removing your hand from the handgrip What are some common indicators that display information? - ✔✔Speedometer, odometer, tachometer, indicator lights What is important to know about a convex mirror? - ✔✔They provide a wider view but make objects look farther away. They also reduce the size of blind spot areas
What is the position of the right wrist for good riding posture? - ✔✔Flat What are the other elements of proper riding posture? - ✔✔Back straight, head & eyes up, feet on footrests near the controls, knees & elbows in, arms relaxed and bent, fingers around the throttle, cover the clutch lever How do you initiate motorcycle lean at speeds higher than walking speed? - ✔✔Countersteer - press left, lean left; press right, lean right What are the four action steps for making a basic turn? - ✔✔ 1 - slow, 2 - look, 3 - press, 4 - roll What is the three-step strategy for curves and what does each step mean? - ✔✔ 1 - Search means to look for key information while approaching and going through a curve; 2 - Setup is to adjust speed and lane position as necessary before entering; 3 - Smooth means to operate the controls so there are no jerky movement 3 S's: (Search, Setup, Smooth) In what type of turn does counterweighting help? - ✔✔Slow, tight turns like a U-turn in a parking lot What gear should you be in when coming to a stop and why? - ✔✔First, so you can easily start out again What is the benefit of squaring the handlebars when coming to a stop? - ✔✔The motorcycle is easier to hold up Why does the front brake have more stopping power than the rear brake? - ✔✔Forward weight shift pushes the front tire down into the road surface
How does the motorcycle's weight shift during braking? - ✔✔Forward How do you stop in a curve? - ✔✔Gradually apply both brakes as you straighten up the motorcycle. The motorcycle should be straight up and the handlebars should be square before you come to a complete stop. Be sure to downshift and keep the clutch lever squeezed in Why do you change gears? - ✔✔To match the engine speed with road speed. List the three-step process to shift to a higher gear - ✔✔ 1 - roll off the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever, 2 - lift the gearshift lever and release it, 3 - ease out the clutch lever and roll on the throttle List the three-step process to shift to a lower gear - ✔✔ 1 - roll off the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever, 2 - press the gearshift lever and release it, 3 - ease out the clutch lever and roll on the throttle What is engine braking? - ✔✔Shifting to a lower gear and easing out the throttle What is the position of the clutch lever when making a stop? - ✔✔Fully squeezed List the four preparations. - ✔✔ 1 - your motorcycle is a good fit; 2 - your motorcycle is inspected before each ride; 3 - you are using proper protective gear, 4 - you have a good mental attitude with safety as your priority
What stickers are likely to indicate a well-made helmet? - ✔✔DOT and possibly ECE or Snell How should a helmet fit? - ✔✔Snugly What are some tips to care for a helmet? - ✔✔Don't use harsh chemicals; leave a damp towel on the helmet for a few minutes then wipe off bugs; wash removable pads as needed; use products to eliminate bacteria and mildew; avoid dropping your helmet; put it bottom side down; and do not drill holes, modify the retention system, paint it, or attach items to the exterior Are ordinary glasses or sunglasses alone sufficient eye protection? - ✔✔No (they may not seal out wind and dust) What types of eye and/or face protection can a rider choose? - ✔✔Face shields and goggles Name four considerations about eye and face protection. - ✔✔ 1 - flip up shields should be down when you ride; 2-face shields and goggles should be free of scratches (impact resistant, clean); 3 - clear shields or goggles should be used at night; 4 - goggles are worn over the helmet What is the value of appropriate footwear? - ✔✔Helps protect from riding hazards; provide good grip on pavement and keep feet on footrests; provide protection against foot and ankle injuries What features of a full-fingered glove help a rider? - ✔✔Protect hands from weather, improve grip, protect in a fall and from flying debris; outside seams; curved fingers; may have armor for greater protection; insulated gloves help in cold weather; gauntlets keep cold air from going up sleeves What is the value of motorcycle-specific clothing? - ✔✔Designed to fit while in a riding position; flaps help seal out the wind; zippers for ventilation; extra padding (armor) provides more protection
How can motorcycle riding gear make you more visible? - ✔✔Wear bright colors during the day; use reflective vest at night What are some features your gear should have if you are riding in rain or cold weather? - ✔✔Keep you dry and warm; bright colors; elastic for snug and secure fit; high collar; zips up; wide flaps across openings; waterproof gloves and boot covers; dress in layers with a windproof outer layer Define hypothermia. - ✔✔Lower than normal body temperature What is wind chill? - ✔✔The chilling (cooling) effect of wind on exposed skin What is the value of dressing in layers? - ✔✔You can adjust to conditions What should you be cautious of in hot weather? - ✔✔Dehydration and heat exhaustion In what way can riding a motorcycle affect hearing and what can be done? - ✔✔You are exposed to wind noise and engine noise that may cause hearing damage; use ear plugs/protection What does it mean to have a good mental attitude? - ✔✔Safety is your #1 priority Where do most crashes occur? - ✔✔Curves and intersections Name three reasons why riding a motorcycle involves more risk than driving a car or truck. - ✔✔ 1 - you are less stable; 2 - you are more vulnerable; 3 - you are less visible What is the primary cause of motorcycle-related crashes? - ✔✔Usually there are many factors that interact (combine)
12 - second anticipation time and distance Why is the 2-second following distance considered minimum? - ✔✔Conditions must be ideal and you have to be paying close attention How are the 4-second urgent time/distance and total stopping distance related? - ✔✔With good braking skills, you can generally stop within the distance you would have traveled in 4-5 seconds Name the 3 parts of total stopping distance - ✔✔ 1 - perception, 2 - reaction, 3 - braking How can you reduce total stopping distance (TSD) - ✔✔By improving skills for each part What does it mean to Search? - ✔✔To scan far and near and side-to-side, including the instrument display, and mirror and blind spot checks What are the four search categories? - ✔✔ 1 - traffic controls and roadway design features (lights, signs, medians, etc.); 2 - roadway users; 3 - road and surface conditions; 4 - escape paths, in front and to each side What does it mean to Evaluate? - ✔✔To think about what could happen What are the three action steps of Execute? - ✔✔ 1 - adjusting speed, 2 - adjusting position, 3 - communicating intentions
What are some environmental conditions that may be hazardous and what can you do? - ✔✔Storms, heavy rain, lightning, flash flooding, heavy fog, dust storms, etc. Stop in a safe place to wait it out What is an escape path? - ✔✔Path that is open and allows you to avoid a collision What is the danger with target fixation? - ✔✔You may crash into the target you are staring at Where is the greatest potential for conflict between a rider and other traffic? - ✔✔Intersections What is 360° awareness? - ✔✔Being aware of traffic all around you (ahead, behind, left and right) What is Presentation? - ✔✔To use a lane position where others are best able to see you What does it mean to Open Up the View? - ✔✔To use a position to see and be seen in both directions at an intersection without interfering with cross traffic or pedestrians Why is turning from a stop an important skill? - ✔✔You want to stay in your lane and avoid running into other traffic when you turn at intersections What are some tips for turning from a stop? - ✔✔Select a position that allows you to see traffic; turn the handlebars and lean the motorcycle slightly; position at a slight angle; manage the clutch lever and throttle What are some hazards between intersections? - ✔✔Vehicles pulling out of parking spaces or backing out of driveways; people or animals that could dart out in front of you; pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles that could affect escape paths In what ways do cars and motorcycles have blind spots? - ✔✔There are areas you can't see beside or behind you that you cannot see in mirrors
What is the advantage of using a delayed apex in a curve? - ✔✔Increased margin of safety in blind or decreasing radius curves What are some tips for making a low-speed U-turn? - ✔✔Use sharp handlebar turn; use friction zone and throttle in combination with, or separate from, the rear brake to control speed; use a counterweight method; turn your head to get a good sight picture of where you want to go; as needed, touch a foot to the ground; power walk or stop and back up What makes starting out on a hill (upgrade) more difficult? - ✔✔The motorcycle wants to roll backwards Why rise off the seat when crossing an obstacle? - ✔✔To use your legs as shock absorbers How is the throttle used when crossing an obstacle? - ✔✔Just before contact, blip the throttle; upon contact, abruptly roll off the throttle Why park with the front wheel facing out of a parking space? - ✔✔Allows you to pull out more easily with a better view What are some tips for keeping your motorcycle secure while it is parked? - ✔✔Turn handlebars left to the full lock position; lock the forks and take the key; use a quality lock and chain and secure it through the frame; consider adding security alarm; use side stand pad; leave it in 1st gear; park in a secure area with lots of lighting; use a non-branded cover What is a proper technique for passing and how are lane positions used? - ✔✔Keep a good following distance and move to the left third of the lane; Have a safe passing gap ahead; Check your mirrors and blind spot (with a head check) and turn on your signal; Change lanes and accelerate; Cancel your signal; Select a lane position that gives you space from the vehicle you are passing; When past the vehicle, check your mirror and blind spot (with a head check), signal, and return to your lane; Cancel your
signal What is a good way to respond to a tailgating driver? - ✔✔Increase your distance from vehicles ahead List a few tips for riding at night or in limited visibility conditions - ✔✔Wear bright, reflective materials; use your high beam when you can; use the lights of other vehicles to help you see what is ahead; watch for tail lights that bounce; flash your brake light when slowing and when waiting at intersections; add lighting to your motorcycle; be sure eye protection is free of scratches and smudges and is clear What does it mean to override the headlight? - ✔✔Your total stopping distance exceeds the distance your light beam shows Why should you have good basic skills before riding in a group? - ✔✔There is more to think about than when riding alone What is the benefit of knowing group riding signals? - ✔✔Can communicate with others in the group without stopping or compromising safety margins When would you use staggered, side-by-side, or single-file riding formations? - ✔✔Ride staggered unless there is a need for single-file; avoid side-by-side; use single-file in curves, when there is poor visibility, if there are poor road surfaces, when entering or leaving roadways, or in other situations when an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed What are some things to avoid when riding with others? - ✔✔Do not just do what riders ahead of you do; avoid group/peer pressure to ride beyond your skill or comfort level; avoid side-by-side riding; avoid engine braking; avoid target fixation What are some personal considerations when riding in a group? - ✔✔Ride your own ride; avoid group pressure; keep attention on personal safety margins
How do you know whether to brake first or swerve first for an emergency? - ✔✔By using Search and Evaluate skills to use your escape options Why is a surface most slippery as it begins to rain? - ✔✔Oil and dirt mix with the water What is hydroplaning? - ✔✔Loss of traction due to water build-up under the tires List three road-surface conditions that could affect traction. - ✔✔Rain-slick surface; worn pavement; loose surfaces and debris; crack sealant and tar strips; ice or snow patches and mud, moss, and algae; crowned and off-camber roads; rain grooves and grated bridge decks; and bumps, cracks, and railroad tracks How can you adjust for the effects of surface hazards and/or reduced traction? - ✔✔Have a mental strategy as well as physical skills; reduce speed; minimize lean; use good lane position; give yourself time and space to adjust your path; adjust lane position; keep steering relaxed and avoid quick actions; keep speed under control How can a crowned road affect riding? - ✔✔Ground clearance might be less than on a flat road Why is it a good idea to gain experience before carrying a passenger or heavy cargo? - ✔✔Carrying a passenger or cargo affects the way your motorcycle handles How does carrying a passenger or cargo affect motorcycle operation? - ✔✔Starting from a stop is more difficult; takes longer to get up to speed; more time is required for passing; more brake pressure will be needed for stopping, and suspension and tire pressures should be adjusted for the added weight per the owner's manual What should happen as a passenger mounts and dismounts? - ✔✔Rider should keep both feet on the ground and the front brake lever applied
What are some tips for your passenger while riding? - ✔✔Hold waist or hips or passenger hand-holds; keep feet on footrests at all times, including when stopped; keep hands and feet away from hot or moving parts; look over the rider's shoulder in the direction of a turn or curve; avoid leaning too much or turning around; when crossing an obstacle, rise slightly off the seat What can be used to fasten cargo? - ✔✔Web straps, bungee cord, cargo net Where can you find your motorcycle's load limit? - ✔✔Owner's manual What are some tips for carrying cargo? - ✔✔Keep low & close to center; keep items balanced from side to side; do not overload saddlebags or tank bag; do not strap items to the handlebars, front forks, or front fender; do not block lights or moving parts; keep items away from mufflers; be sure the cargo is secure Why should new riders limit long-distance riding until they gain experience? - ✔✔Long distances are different than commuting or short-distance rides; proper planning is a must What are some special considerations for touring or riding long distances? - ✔✔Potential weather conditions; lack of cell phone coverage; emergency services may be some distance away What should you carry with you while touring or riding long distances? - ✔✔Proper clothing, tools, food & fluids What can you do to avoid fatigue and maintain health when touring? - ✔✔Make plenty of stops Where might you encounter wind, wind gusts, or turbulent air conditions? - ✔✔Open areas or mountains, around large vehicles, when passing or being passed How should you adjust for windy conditions? - ✔✔Adjust handgrip pressure as needed; be prepared
What happens if alcohol and other drugs are combined? - ✔✔Effects are compounded What is the best way to approach intervention, and what are some other intervention methods? - ✔✔Enlist others to help is best; also - call for cab/other transportation, slow pace of drinking, delay departure, provide alcohol-free drinks and food, keep the motorcycle parked, hide keys What besides alcohol and drugs can affect riding safely? - ✔✔Distraction, fatigue, emotions, aging, and riding at the limit What are some factors that contribute to distraction and/or inattention? - ✔✔Cell phones, mobile devices, eating, talking to passengers, medication What contributes to fatigue or drowsiness, and what affects does fatigue have on riding? - ✔✔Poor sleep; hard day at work. Senses are not as sharp; not be as likely to see or recognize potential hazards or situations; decision-making is slowed; physical actions not as quick or accurate; need more space for SEE and larger safety margins What effect can emotions have on your riding? - ✔✔Makes safe riding more difficult; increases risk if keeping you from using a safety strategy What problems may be caused by over- or under-confidence? - ✔✔Overconfidence may lead to aggressive riding & could put yourself in situations that require more skill or more performance than your bike can provide. Under-confidence can delay decisions How can rider performance be affected by aging or health problems? - ✔✔Vision, reaction time, skill, and perception can be affected; may have difficulty riding the way you used to What does Riding at a Limit mean? - ✔✔Staying near the very limits of crashing (aggressive riding, stunting)
What is rider character? - ✔✔Choosing safe and responsible actions instead of risky moves
