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. ↗
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. ↗
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. ↗
In a slow, tight turn on a two-wheel motorcycle, how does the recommended body position differ from an ordinary road-speed turn?
Correct answer: Keep the body more upright while leaning the motorcycle.
In slow, tight turns the rider can counterbalance by keeping the body relatively upright while the motorcycle leans. In ordinary turns, the rider and motorcycle generally lean together.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 8 (printed 6); Turning — slow tight turns. ↗
You have stopped at a traffic light on a manual motorcycle. Why does the handbook recommend remaining in first gear while waiting?
Correct answer: You can move away promptly if an escape is needed.
Being in first gear keeps you ready to move if traffic from behind creates a hazard. Continue monitoring your surroundings and keeping a usable escape path.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 8 (printed 6); Shifting Gears. ↗
Traffic ahead requires you to reduce speed. Why should you also check traffic behind the motorcycle when it is safe to do so?
Correct answer: A following driver may not be prepared for your slowing.
Mirror checks before slowing help you recognize pressure from behind and plan a controlled response. Continue attending to the hazard ahead; the mirror check is not permission to delay necessary braking.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 9 (printed 7); Using Your Mirrors. ↗
A large truck ahead blocks your view of the road. How should you adjust your following space?
Correct answer: Increase the gap to gain a better view and more response time.
When the vehicle ahead obstructs your view, more following space helps you see and respond to hazards. A large vehicle’s driver having a good view does not give you that view.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 10 (printed 8); Following Another Vehicle. ↗
While riding past parked cars, which combined hazard should influence your space cushion?
Correct answer: A door opening or a parked vehicle moving into your path.
Parked cars can conceal people and can move unexpectedly, including turning across the rider’s path. Allow space for an opening door and watch for movement.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 10 (printed 8); Parked Cars. ↗
Rain has made a curve ahead slippery. What is the better time to reduce your speed for it?
Correct answer: While approaching, before committing to the curve.
Slowing before a slippery curve leaves more traction available for turning. Abrupt braking, shifting or throttle changes while leaned can disturb the motorcycle.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 11 (printed 9); Slippery Surfaces. ↗
You have just struck an object that could have damaged a tire or rim. What should you do once you can leave traffic safely?
Correct answer: Stop and inspect the tires and rims before continuing.
An impact can damage a tire or wheel even if the bike keeps moving. Pull off safely and check for damage; correct any defect before riding on.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 12 (printed 10); Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles. ↗
You need a quick stop on a conventional motorcycle without ABS, traveling upright on a straight road. How should you apply the brakes?
Correct answer: Apply both brakes progressively, increasing pressure without locking wheels.
Use both brakes for an effective quick stop, building pressure smoothly rather than grabbing or stomping. This conventional-brake scenario is not an instruction to pump ABS brakes; follow the motorcycle’s system-specific guidance.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 13 (printed 11); Avoiding Accidents — Quick Stops. ↗
You suspect a sudden tire failure while riding. What is the first priority?
Correct answer: Hold the handlebars firmly and maintain a controlled, steady course.
A tire failure calls for maintaining balance and direction, not an abrupt turn or stop. If you are certain which tire failed, the handbook describes gradually using the unaffected wheel’s brake as control permits, then leaving the road once sufficiently slowed.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 14 (printed 12); Mechanical Problems — Tire Failure. ↗
You brief a passenger before the ride. What should you say about their feet when you stop in traffic?
Correct answer: Keep both feet on the passenger footrests, including while stopped.
The passenger should keep feet on the footrests even when stopped. The rider manages balance and control; unexpected passenger movement can disturb the motorcycle.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 16 (printed 14); Instructing Passengers. ↗
Where should cargo be positioned to reduce its effect on motorcycle handling?
Correct answer: Low and as far forward as practical, securely supported.
Keep loads low and forward. Placing weight high or far behind the rear axle changes balance and can adversely affect steering and handling.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 16 (printed 14); Carrying Loads. ↗
The lead rider in your group has passed a slow vehicle. What should the next rider do before passing?
Correct answer: Check for their own safe opportunity and pass one at a time.
A leader’s successful pass does not establish that the gap remains safe for everyone. Pass individually, checking your own visibility, clearance and legal opportunity.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook, DR 2336 (03/27/18), physical PDF page 17 (printed 15); Group Riding — Passing in Formation. ↗
