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. ↗
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. ↗
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. ↗
As you negotiate a bend, where should you direct your look to help guide the motorcycle?
Correct answer: Through the turn toward the intended path.
Turn your head to look where you intend to go through the curve, keeping your eyes level. Fixating on a nearby obstacle makes it harder to follow a safe path.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 8 (printed 6); Turning — Look. ↗
On a conventional two-wheel motorcycle, which statement about stopping power is correct?
Correct answer: The front brake normally provides most of the stopping power.
The handbook emphasizes the front brake’s major contribution to stopping. Avoiding it wastes braking ability; effective use requires smooth application and practice.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 8 (printed 6); Braking. ↗
Before a lane change, your mirrors show an opening beside the motorcycle. What additional observation is needed?
Correct answer: Turn your head to check the blind spot in the intended direction.
Mirrors do not show everything beside the motorcycle. A head check helps reveal vehicles in a blind spot before you move into their space.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 9 (printed 7); Head Checks. ↗
You notice you have been riding beside a car where its driver may not see you in the mirrors. What is the better response?
Correct answer: Adjust position or speed to leave that blind spot safely.
Avoid lingering in another driver’s blind spot. A safe speed or position adjustment can restore a clearer view and more room if the driver changes lanes.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 9 (printed 7); Being Seen — Head Checks and lane position. ↗
Where passing is permitted, what should a rider confirm before moving out to pass?
Correct answer: A safe gap, visibility and clearance, using mirrors and a head check.
A legal passing area is not necessarily a safe opportunity. Check traffic, visibility and room, signal, and complete the maneuver within applicable speed restrictions.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 10 (printed 8); Passing and Being Passed — Passing. ↗
At a busy intersection, a driver may turn across your path. What preparation reduces the time needed to respond?
Correct answer: Cover the clutch and brakes while scanning for an escape path.
In a high-risk area, covering the controls helps you respond promptly. Keep scanning and planning space; eye contact alone does not establish that a driver will yield.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 11 (printed 9); Looking for Trouble — SIPDE. ↗
On a cold day, most pavement looks dry, but a shaded bridge section lies ahead. What deserves special attention?
Correct answer: Ice may remain there after nearby pavement has cleared.
Shaded areas and bridges may retain ice or snow after surrounding pavement clears. Recognize the hazard early and avoid riding onto an icy surface when possible.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 12 (printed 10); Slippery Surfaces. ↗
Rail tracks run diagonally across your lane at a shallow angle. When there is room to adjust safely, how should a two-wheel rider cross them?
Correct answer: Use an angle of at least 45 degrees without creating another hazard.
A sufficiently large crossing angle reduces the chance of a tire being caught by a rail or parallel seam. Do not create a lane conflict or make an unsafe swerve merely to obtain a particular angle.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 12 (printed 10); Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams. ↗
The throttle remains stuck open on a manual motorcycle despite your attempt to free it. What should you do to disconnect engine power from the rear wheel?
Correct answer: Use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch together.
If the throttle remains stuck, use the cut-off switch and clutch together, then stop under control. Do not continue riding until the cause has been corrected.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 15 (printed 13); Mechanical Problems — Stuck Throttle. ↗
You need to pull off the road for a non-emergency adjustment. Which place and approach are preferable?
Correct answer: A clear, firm area reached after signaling and checking behind.
Before leaving the roadway, check the surface and available room, signal, and observe traffic behind. Get far enough off the travel lane that passing traffic does not endanger you.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 15 (printed 13); Getting Off the Road. ↗
Your motorcycle now carries a passenger and responds differently. How should you adjust your riding?
Correct answer: Allow more space and begin slowing earlier for stops and curves.
Added weight affects acceleration, handling and stopping response. Slow appropriately, leave a larger cushion, and brake earlier and smoothly instead of riding as though unloaded.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 16 (printed 14); Riding With Passengers. ↗
On a straight, open road with good conditions, why use a staggered group formation instead of riding side by side?
Correct answer: It preserves more room to maneuver without directly crowding another rider.
Staggering can keep a group together while preserving space around each rider. Side-by-side riding removes escape room; formation never replaces suitable following distance or individual observation.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 17 (printed 15); Group Riding — Keep Your Distance. ↗
