After a dry stretch, you see wet, slippery pavement ahead on a straight road. How should you prepare before reaching it?
Correct answer: Reduce speed early and keep changes in speed and direction smooth.
Slowing before the traction change reduces the demand on the tires. Smooth inputs and more following space help avoid a skid and allow for a longer stop.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Speed Management > Slippery Surfaces; printed page 43, physical PDF page 49. ↗
Rain has left a metal utility cover and painted lane markings wet. What should a rider expect when choosing a path?
Correct answer: They can be especially slippery, so avoid abrupt inputs over them.
Wet metal, markings, leaves and similar surfaces may offer much less traction. Recognizing the change helps you choose a safer line and avoid sudden demands on the tires.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Slippery Surfaces > Shiny surfaces; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
Most of a road has thawed, but a shaded bridge still looks icy. Which riding plan is safest?
Correct answer: Avoid the icy section instead of assuming the thawed approach makes it safe.
Thawing is uneven, and ice can remain in shade, low places, bridges and overpasses. The older guide recommends avoiding snow- and ice-covered surfaces.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Slippery Surfaces > Ice or snow covered surfaces; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
Railroad tracks cross your lane at a slight angle. Making a perfect right-angle crossing would put you into an occupied adjacent lane. Which path is safer?
Correct answer: Continue straight within your own lane instead of chasing a 90-degree angle.
A rider should not create a traffic conflict merely to cross ordinary tracks at a right angle. The guide says riding straight within the lane is usually safer.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
A deep pavement seam runs alongside your path. You have checked that there is safe room within your lane to cross it. How should you avoid catching a tire along the seam?
Correct answer: Position for a crossing angle of at least 45 degrees rather than edging across.
When a seam runs parallel to travel, a deliberate crossing angle helps keep the tire from being trapped along it. Establish a safe path first; the advice is not permission to enter other traffic.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
Your motorcycle develops a mild weaving sensation while crossing a bridge grating. There is no other hazard ahead. How should you respond?
Correct answer: Maintain a steady speed and a straight path across the grating.
Grooves and gratings can produce this sensation. A steady straight crossing avoids the added control demands and lane wandering caused by zigzagging.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Grooves and Gratings; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
You spot a small raised road obstruction too late to avoid it safely, but have time to reduce speed. What body adjustment helps absorb the motorcycle's reaction as you cross?
Correct answer: Rise slightly off the seat and let your legs absorb the movement.
Avoid obstacles when possible. When crossing cannot safely be avoided, adjust speed and use your legs to absorb the motorcycle's reaction instead of sitting rigidly.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Obstacles; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
In a work zone, the next lane has been repaved and is noticeably higher. What is the main reason to avoid crossing that edge quickly at a very shallow angle?
Correct answer: The edge can upset control; scan for a smoother path and cross slowly and carefully.
A height difference between lanes can destabilize a motorcycle, especially at high speed and a narrow crossing angle. Scan ahead and choose a controlled, careful path.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Work Zones > Rippled and uneven temporary pavement; printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
A long stretch of loose gravel covers a work-zone lane. After slowing before it, which approach is most appropriate?
Correct answer: Use an appropriate lower gear, keep speed steady and avoid sudden turns.
Loose material reduces grip. The guide advises slowing, avoiding sudden turns, braking lightly in a straight line when necessary, and using a lower gear with steady speed on a long stretch.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Work Zones > Sand or gravel on pavement; printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
The road is noticeably higher in the middle than along its sides. Why should a rider allow extra caution and lower speed?
Correct answer: Ground clearance and the available lean angle may be less than on a flat road.
A pronounced road crown changes the surface beneath the motorcycle. Reduced clearance limits the lean available, so flat-road assumptions may not be safe.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Crowned Roads; printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
As you come to a stop, you notice an oily patch where you were about to put your boot down. Why should you choose secure footing?
Correct answer: A slipping supporting foot can cause you to lose balance and drop the motorcycle.
At a stop, the rider's footing helps support the motorcycle. An oily surface can let that foot slip even though the wheels are no longer moving.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Slippery Surfaces > Oil spots; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
