You have selected a sound, properly fitting motorcycle helmet. What should you do with its chin strap before moving?
Correct answer: Fasten it securely so the helmet stays in place.
A helmet needs a secured retention system to stay on during a crash. Fit and shell condition do not replace fastening the strap.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 6 (printed 4); Helmet Selection. ↗
A motorcycle has a tall windshield. What does the handbook recommend for the rider’s eyes?
Correct answer: Use suitable goggles or a protective face shield as well.
A windshield does not provide the eye protection of suitable goggles or a face shield. Wind and debris can reach the rider around it.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 6 (printed 4); Eye and Face Protection. ↗
Your ride will continue after dark. Which face shield is the suitable choice for the nighttime portion?
Correct answer: A clear, clean shield that does not restrict vision.
The handbook advises against tinted eye protection at night or when little light is available. Eye protection should also be clean and free of scratches that interfere with vision.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 6 (printed 4); Eye and Face Protection. ↗
Which footwear arrangement is better suited to riding a motorcycle?
Correct answer: Over-the-ankle support with low heels and tucked-in laces.
Supportive footwear should cover the ankles. Low heels reduce catching on rough surfaces, and tucked-in laces help keep them away from motorcycle parts.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 6 (printed 4); Clothing. ↗
Before a ride, what should your tire inspection include?
Correct answer: Pressure, tread condition and signs of tire damage.
Inspect both tires for their condition and pressure before riding. A tire can look acceptable while being incorrectly inflated or damaged. Use the motorcycle’s specified pressure for its load.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 6 (printed 4); Check the Motorcycle. ↗
Your motorcycle has separate front and rear brake controls. How should you check the brake light?
Correct answer: Operate each brake control separately and check the light.
The pre-ride inspection calls for verifying that each brake control activates the brake light. Testing them together can conceal a fault in one switch.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 6 (printed 4); Check the Motorcycle. ↗
With the engine off during inspection, the throttle grip sticks instead of returning when released. What should happen before the ride?
Correct answer: Correct the problem so the throttle returns freely.
The throttle should move smoothly and return when released. A sticky control is a defect to correct before riding, not something to work around in traffic.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 6 (printed 4); Check the Motorcycle. ↗
While stationary, you test each conventional brake individually. What result are you looking for?
Correct answer: Each brake feels firm and holds the motorcycle in place.
The handbook directs riders to test the front and rear brakes one at a time. Each should feel firm and hold the motorcycle when fully applied.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 7 (printed 5); Check the Motorcycle. ↗
You are borrowing a motorcycle with controls arranged differently from yours. What should you do before entering traffic?
Correct answer: Locate the controls and become familiar with their operation.
Before riding an unfamiliar motorcycle, find and check the controls, including the engine cut-off switch. Familiarity should come before a situation that demands an immediate response.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 7 (printed 5); Know Your Motorcycle. ↗
For ordinary riding on a two-wheel motorcycle, why does the handbook recommend beginning with the right wrist flat?
Correct answer: It helps prevent accidentally applying too much throttle.
A flat right wrist reduces the chance of unintentionally twisting the throttle too far. Keep a grip that lets you operate the controls without hanging your body weight on your arms.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 7 (printed 5); Body Position. ↗
As a two-wheel motorcycle moves through a routine turn, where should the rider’s feet normally remain?
Correct answer: On the footrests, positioned near the foot controls.
Keep both feet on the footrests while riding so you maintain balance and control. Dragging a foot can catch it on something and disturb the motorcycle.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 7 (printed 5); Body Position. ↗
A bend is approaching on a two-wheel motorcycle. When is the preferred time to make the main reduction to a suitable entry speed?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve and leaning into it.
Set a suitable speed before the curve, then look through it and use smooth controls. Entering too fast leaves less room and traction for necessary adjustments.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 8 (printed 6); Turning — Slow, Look, Press, Roll. ↗
