Alabama Motorcycle: Motorcycle Controls & Operation Practice Test

Question 1

What does shifting to a lower gear produce that is similar to using the brakes?

Accepted Answer

Engine braking — Shifting down slows the motorcycle through what is called engine braking.

Answer

Wheel lock

Answer

Countersteering

Answer

Throttle lag

Question 2

In the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, what does the letter T stand for?

Accepted Answer

Tires and Wheels — In the T-CLOCS checklist, T stands for Tires and Wheels.

Answer

Throttle

Answer

Transmission

Answer

Taillight

Question 3

How should a rider hold the handgrips and position the arms for good control?

Accepted Answer

Arms slightly bent with a firm grip and flat right wrist — Sit far enough forward that the arms are slightly bent, and hold the grips firmly with the right wrist starting flat.

Answer

Arms locked straight and wrists raised

Answer

Arms fully extended with a loose grip

Answer

Elbows above the hands

Question 4

How does the manual describe a motorcycle that is the right size for its rider?

Accepted Answer

The rider's feet reach the ground when seated and every control is easy to work — A machine that fits lets the rider plant both feet down while seated and work every control without stretching, which is why smaller motorcycles suit beginners.

Answer

It is the heaviest machine the rider can hold upright

Answer

Its engine is large enough for highway cruising

Answer

Its handlebars sit higher than the rider's shoulders

Question 5

On a motorcycle you have never ridden, which items should you be able to reach and use without having to search for them?

Accepted Answer

The horn, the turn signals, the headlight switch, the fuel valve, and the engine cut-off switch — These five items should come to hand automatically, because hunting for any of them in traffic costs a rider time that may not be available.

Answer

The mirrors, the seat latch, and the license plate light

Answer

The oil filler cap, the fuse box, and the battery terminals

Answer

The tachometer, the odometer, and the fuel gauge

Question 6

In which gear should a rider remain while stopped in traffic?

Accepted Answer

First gear — Keep the bike in first gear at a stop so a quick getaway is possible when needed.

Answer

Neutral

Answer

Second gear

Answer

The highest gear available

Question 7

At a minimum, which set of equipment does the manual say a street-legal motorcycle should carry?

Accepted Answer

Lights front and rear plus a brake light, brakes on both wheels, turn signals, a horn, and two mirrors — The list of basics covers lighting at both ends plus a brake light, brakes on both wheels, signals, a horn, and a pair of mirrors.

Answer

A headlight, a rear brake, and one mirror

Answer

Turn signals, a windshield, and saddlebags

Answer

A horn, a tachometer, and a fuel gauge

Question 8

How should the amount of engine RPM guide when you upshift?

Accepted Answer

Shift before over-revving but not so early the engine lugs — Upshift early enough that the engine does not over-rev, yet late enough that it does not lug.

Answer

Wait until the engine reaches its maximum RPM every time

Answer

Never shift above first gear

Answer

Shift only when coasting downhill

Question 9

What can happen if a rider shifts into a lower gear while going too fast?

Accepted Answer

The bike may lurch and the rear wheel may skid — Downshifting at too high a speed can make the motorcycle lurch and the rear wheel may skid.

Answer

The engine will simply stall smoothly

Answer

Nothing, gears are speed-independent

Answer

The front brake locks automatically

Question 10

During the controls portion of a pre-ride check, how should the throttle react when you let go of it?

Accepted Answer

It should return by itself to the fully closed position — A healthy throttle springs shut by itself the instant the rider releases it; one that lingers open warns of a binding cable.

Answer

It should stay wherever the rider leaves it

Answer

It should feel loose, with roughly an inch of free play

Answer

It should open slightly as the engine warms up

Question 11

Where is the gearshift lever located on a typical motorcycle, and how is it operated?

Accepted Answer

In front of the left footrest, worked by the left foot — Positioned just ahead of the left footrest, the gearshift lever is worked using the left foot.

Answer

In front of the right footrest, worked by the right foot

Answer

On the handlebar, worked by the right hand

Answer

Under the seat, worked by hand

Question 12

When is the best time to change gears in relation to a turn?

Accepted Answer

Before entering the turn — Shifting is best completed ahead of a turn, although a smooth gear change partway through one is sometimes unavoidable.

Answer

Exactly at the sharpest point of the turn

Answer

Only after fully exiting the turn

Answer

Gears should never change near a turn

Alabama Motorcycle: Motorcycle Controls & Operation practice test

Study questions with answers

1. What does shifting to a lower gear produce that is similar to using the brakes?

2. In the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, what does the letter T stand for?

3. How should a rider hold the handgrips and position the arms for good control?

4. How does the manual describe a motorcycle that is the right size for its rider?

5. On a motorcycle you have never ridden, which items should you be able to reach and use without having to search for them?

6. In which gear should a rider remain while stopped in traffic?

7. At a minimum, which set of equipment does the manual say a street-legal motorcycle should carry?

8. How should the amount of engine RPM guide when you upshift?

9. What can happen if a rider shifts into a lower gear while going too fast?

10. During the controls portion of a pre-ride check, how should the throttle react when you let go of it?

11. Where is the gearshift lever located on a typical motorcycle, and how is it operated?

12. When is the best time to change gears in relation to a turn?

More Motorcycle topics

Practice Motorcycle Controls & Operation in another state