A tire suddenly loses air while you are riding straight. Which initial response best preserves control?
Correct answer: Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle and keep a straight course.
A flat can change steering or make the rear sway. Maintain balance and direction while slowing, then move aside and stop to check the tires.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Tire Failure (continues on printed 50 / physical 56); printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
Your motorcycle's rear tire is flat, and you are certain the front tire is still sound. If braking is needed while you slow, which use of the brakes matches the guide?
Correct answer: Gradually apply the front brake, which acts on the tire that is not flat.
The guide permits gradual use of the brake on the tire that is not flat when you are sure which tire failed. It does not advise indiscriminately grabbing both brakes.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Tire Failure, braking qualification; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
A dog begins chasing your motorcycle from the roadside. The roadway ahead is clear enough to change speed safely. Which response helps change its interception timing without sacrificing control?
Correct answer: Slow and downshift, then accelerate away as the dog approaches.
Changing speed can disrupt a dog's approach. Keep control and look toward your intended path; kicking at the animal makes motorcycle control more difficult.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Animals; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
A deer is standing partly in your lane ahead, and you have enough distance to stop. What is the most reliable response?
Correct answer: Stop before reaching it and wait for it to move away.
Large animals can move unpredictably. When stopping room is available, stop before the animal instead of gambling on a close pass or a predicted movement.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Motorcycles and Deer; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
Wind gusts on an exposed road are becoming too strong for you to maintain safe control. Which decision follows the guide?
Correct answer: Find a safe place to park and wait for conditions to improve.
Strong wind and large-vehicle turbulence can upset a motorcycle. If the wind becomes too dangerous, more effort or a cramped position beside a truck is not a substitute for stopping safely.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Wind; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
