Missouri Motorcycle: Handling Emergencies Practice Test

Question 1

If the chain or belt breaks while you are riding, what will you notice and do?

Accepted Answer

An instant loss of rear-wheel power; close the throttle and brake safely — A broken chain or belt causes an instant loss of power to the rear wheel; close the throttle and brake to a stop in a safe area, since a slipping chain or belt could also lock the rear wheel and cause a skid.

Answer

A sudden surge of extra power; accelerate away

Answer

Brighter headlights; keep riding

Answer

Nothing noticeable; ignore it

Question 2

What usually causes an engine to seize, and what is the first sign?

Accepted Answer

Low oil; the first sign is lost power or a change in engine sound — An engine that locks or freezes is usually low on oil and overheating; the first sign may be a loss of engine power or a change in the engine's sound, so squeeze the clutch and pull off.

Answer

Too much fuel; the first sign is a louder exhaust

Answer

A dead battery; the first sign is a dim headlight

Answer

Cold tires; the first sign is a wobble

Question 3

What is a swerve?

Accepted Answer

A sudden change in direction to avoid an obstacle — A swerve is a sudden change in direction, which can be two quick turns or a rapid shift to the side to get around an obstacle you cannot stop for in time.

Answer

A slow, gentle lane change

Answer

A hard straight-line stop

Answer

A downshift followed by acceleration

Question 4

If the throttle sticks and twisting it back and forth does not free it, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Hit the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time — If the throttle stays stuck, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time to remove power from the rear wheel, then pull off and stop.

Answer

Keep riding and hope it frees itself

Answer

Slam on the front brake only

Answer

Shift into neutral and coast for miles

Question 5

If your motorcycle begins to wobble, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Grip firmly and gradually close the throttle — Grip the handlebars firmly without fighting the wobble, and close the throttle gradually to slow down; do not brake and do not try to accelerate out of it, which only makes it worse.

Answer

Accelerate to ride out of the wobble

Answer

Grab both brakes hard

Answer

Let go of the handlebars

Question 6

According to the manual, what two crash-avoidance skills are most critical to know?

Accepted Answer

How to stop and how to swerve — Knowing when and how to stop or swerve are the two skills most critical to avoiding a crash, along with determining which one a situation calls for.

Answer

How to wheelie and how to skid

Answer

How to shift and how to signal

Answer

How to park and how to fuel

Question 7

If a tire suddenly goes flat while you are riding, what is the first thing to do?

Accepted Answer

Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle, and keep going straight — Hold the handgrips firmly, ease off the throttle, and keep a straight course; if braking is needed, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat.

Answer

Brake hard immediately with both wheels

Answer

Turn sharply toward the shoulder

Answer

Accelerate to regain balance

Question 8

What most often causes a front-wheel wobble?

Accepted Answer

Improper loading, poor accessories, or wrong tire pressure — Most wobbles trace back to improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure, so correcting the load or pressure often solves the problem.

Answer

A cold engine

Answer

Using the turn signals

Answer

Riding in low gear

Question 9

How should braking be combined with a swerve?

Accepted Answer

Brake only before or after the swerve, never during it — Braking must be separated from swerving; brake before or after the swerve, but never while you are swerving, because braking mid-swerve can cause a loss of traction.

Answer

Brake hard during the swerve

Answer

Never brake at all when an obstacle appears

Answer

Brake with the front wheel only while swerving

Question 10

How does a front-tire flat usually make the motorcycle feel?

Accepted Answer

The steering feels heavy — A front-wheel flat is especially hazardous because it affects steering, making the steering feel 'heavy'; a rear flat instead makes the back of the bike jerk or sway.

Answer

The seat vibrates only

Answer

The headlight flickers

Answer

Nothing changes at all

Question 11

Where should your eyes be focused while performing a swerve?

Accepted Answer

On your intended escape route — Make your escape route the target of your vision; keep your body upright and let the motorcycle lean underneath you as you swerve.

Answer

Down at the front tire

Answer

On the obstacle you are avoiding

Answer

On the speedometer

Missouri Motorcycle: Handling Emergencies practice test

Study questions with answers

1. If the chain or belt breaks while you are riding, what will you notice and do?

2. What usually causes an engine to seize, and what is the first sign?

3. What is a swerve?

4. If the throttle sticks and twisting it back and forth does not free it, what should you do?

5. If your motorcycle begins to wobble, what should you do?

6. According to the manual, what two crash-avoidance skills are most critical to know?

7. If a tire suddenly goes flat while you are riding, what is the first thing to do?

8. What most often causes a front-wheel wobble?

9. How should braking be combined with a swerve?

10. How does a front-tire flat usually make the motorcycle feel?

11. Where should your eyes be focused while performing a swerve?

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