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 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. ↗
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. ↗
At normal road speed on a two-wheel motorcycle, which handlebar input helps initiate a left lean for a left turn?
Correct answer: Press forward on the left handgrip.
At normal riding speed, pressing the left handgrip initiates a left lean. This two-wheel countersteering guidance must not be confused with direct steering of a three-wheel motorcycle.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 8 (printed 6); Turning — Press. ↗
You are slowing before shifting to a lower gear on a manual motorcycle. Why must road speed be appropriate for the lower gear?
Correct answer: An abrupt mismatch can jerk or skid the rear wheel.
Slow enough before downshifting and release the clutch smoothly. Selecting too low a gear for road speed can upset rear-wheel traction, particularly on slippery surfaces.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 8 (printed 6); Shifting Gears. ↗
A car appears small and far away in your motorcycle’s convex mirror. What should you remember?
Correct answer: It can be closer than its mirror image suggests.
Convex mirrors provide a wider view but make vehicles appear farther away. Become familiar with that effect and do not judge a gap from apparent image size alone.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 9 (printed 7); Using Your Mirrors. ↗
A vehicle is following your motorcycle too closely and you cannot immediately change lanes safely. What helps give you more room to respond?
Correct answer: Gradually increase the space ahead and let it pass when safe.
Extra space ahead gives you room to slow gradually instead of making an abrupt stop in front of the tailgater. Let the vehicle pass or change lanes when that can be done safely.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 10 (printed 8); Being Followed. ↗
A large vehicle is overtaking your motorcycle. Which position is generally recommended while it passes?
Correct answer: A lane-center position that preserves space from the passing vehicle.
Staying toward the center of your lane creates a buffer from the passing vehicle, its mirrors and wind effects. Avoid crowding it or inviting it to cut back too closely.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 10 (printed 8); Passing and Being Passed — Being Passed. ↗
Why can a roadway be especially slippery when rain first begins after a dry period?
Correct answer: Rain mixes with oil and dirt that have collected on the surface.
Early rain can spread accumulated oil and dirt into a slippery film. Reduce speed, allow more space and use smooth controls, especially where traction is reduced.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 11 (printed 9); Slippery Surfaces. ↗
A small road obstacle cannot safely be avoided on your two-wheel motorcycle. After slowing and approaching with the motorcycle upright, what helps absorb the bump?
Correct answer: Rise slightly from the seat with weight supported by the footrests.
For an unavoidable obstacle, slow beforehand and keep the motorcycle upright. A slight rise on the pegs lets knees and elbows absorb some shock; do not seek out obstacles to practice in traffic.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 12 (printed 10); Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles. ↗
You are riding after dark on an unfamiliar road. Which adjustment is appropriate?
Correct answer: Reduce speed and allow more following space as visibility decreases.
At night, hazards and distance are harder to judge. Lower speed and more following space give additional time to identify and respond to what the lights reveal.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 13 (printed 11); Riding at Night. ↗
Your motorcycle develops a rapid handlebar wobble. Which response is recommended?
Correct answer: Hold firmly, ease off the throttle and avoid fighting the handlebars.
Do not accelerate out of a wobble or make abrupt braking inputs. Hold the bars firmly without fighting the movement, gradually reduce power, and pull off safely as control returns. Investigate the cause before continuing.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 15 (printed 13); Mechanical Problems — Wobble. ↗
Before taking a passenger, what should you verify about the motorcycle and passenger?
Correct answer: A suitable seat, passenger footrests and appropriate protective equipment.
A passenger needs proper seating, footrests and protective gear. The rider should already be experienced, and the motorcycle must be designed and equipped to carry the additional person.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 16 (printed 14); Carrying Passengers and Cargo — Equipment. ↗
You are adding a passenger and luggage. How should you determine suitable tire-pressure and suspension adjustments?
Correct answer: Follow the motorcycle manufacturer’s instructions for the load.
Use the motorcycle’s instructions for load limits and any required pressure or suspension changes. There is no single pressure increase or suspension setting that applies to every motorcycle.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 16 (printed 14); Equipment — adjustments for extra weight. ↗
A staggered motorcycle group is approaching a series of curves. What formation change does the handbook recommend?
Correct answer: Change to single file with suitable spacing.
Use single file through turns and curves and when entering or leaving a highway. Each rider needs room to choose a safe path and respond independently to conditions.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 17 (printed 15); Group Riding — Single-File Formation. ↗
