Why should a rider keep both feet firmly on the footrests while moving?
Correct answer: To maintain balance and avoid catching a foot on the road
Dragging the feet can upset balance or trap a foot between the road and the motorcycle.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 9 (physical PDF page 11) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Basic Vehicle Control > Body Position > Feet ↗
On a manual motorcycle, when is it generally best to finish selecting a gear for a turn?
Correct answer: Before entering the turn
Choose the gear before entering when possible. If a shift in the turn is necessary, make it smooth; a sudden change in rear-wheel power can cause a skid.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 (physical PDF page 12) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Basic Vehicle Control > Shifting Gears (continued) ↗
For a normal stop on a manual motorcycle with separate brake controls, which technique is recommended?
Correct answer: Use both brakes smoothly and downshift as you slow
Practice coordinated use of both brakes during normal stops. Downshift smoothly as you slow so you are prepared to move again; follow the owner's instructions for the motorcycle's braking system.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 (physical PDF page 12) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Basic Vehicle Control > Braking; Shifting Gears, printed 9-10 / physical 11-12 ↗
Which statement about abruptly grabbing the front brake is correct for a motorcycle without ABS?
Correct answer: It can lock the front wheel and reduce control
An abrupt brake input can lock a wheel. Apply the brakes smoothly and progressively instead of grabbing or stamping on the controls.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 (physical PDF page 12) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Basic Vehicle Control > Braking ↗
What is the correct first step before entering a motorcycle curve?
Correct answer: Reduce speed before entering the turn
Set a controlled entry speed before the turn. Pennsylvania's manual describes slowing, looking through the turn, pressing the handgrip and rolling on the throttle smoothly.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 (physical PDF page 12) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Basic Vehicle Control > Turning > SLOW ↗
To initiate a normal left turn at speed, what should the rider do?
Correct answer: Press the left handlegrip to initiate a left lean
Pressing the handlegrip in the direction of the turn causes the motorcycle to lean and turn that way.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 (physical PDF page 12) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Basic Vehicle Control > Turning > PRESS ↗
How should throttle be managed through a normal turn?
Correct answer: Maintain speed or increase it slightly and smoothly
Through a normal turn, a steady or gently increasing throttle helps stabilize the motorcycle. Avoid sudden changes that disturb the bike.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 11 (physical PDF page 13) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Basic Vehicle Control > Turning > ROLL ↗
On a motorcycle without ABS, which technique is best for a quick stop while traveling straight on good pavement?
Correct answer: Stay upright and apply both brakes progressively without locking
Keep the motorcycle upright and straight while squeezing the front brake firmly and progressively and pressing the rear brake. Avoid abrupt inputs that can lock a wheel.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 23 (physical PDF page 25) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Crash Avoidance > Quick Stops, continued on printed 24 / physical 26 ↗
If both braking and swerving are required to avoid an obstacle, how should the actions be combined?
Correct answer: Brake before or after the swerve, not during it
Separating braking from the swerve preserves traction and reduces the chance of a fall.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 25 (physical PDF page 27) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Crash Avoidance > Swerving or Turning Quickly (continued), separate braking from swerving ↗
At normal road speed, you have a clear escape path to the right of an obstacle. Which grip input begins a quick rightward swerve?
Correct answer: Press the right handlegrip first
Pressure on the right handlegrip initiates the rightward lean. Look toward the escape route; after clearing the obstacle, opposite-grip pressure helps return to the original direction.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 24 (physical PDF page 26) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Crash Avoidance > Swerving or Turning Quickly, continued on printed 25 / physical 27 ↗
How should you initially position your right wrist on the throttle?
Correct answer: Flat, to reduce unintended throttle input
A neutral wrist and slightly bent arms support precise control.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 9 / physical PDF page 11 > Basic Vehicle Control > Body Position > Hands ↗
Why should a rider generally remain in first gear at a traffic stop?
Correct answer: To be ready to move out of danger if necessary
A ready gear can reduce delay when an escape becomes necessary; keep watching surrounding traffic.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 9 / physical PDF page 11 > Shifting Gears ↗
What can happen if you select a much lower gear while still traveling too fast?
Correct answer: The rear wheel may skid as engine braking increases
Match road speed to the lower gear and release the clutch smoothly.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 / physical PDF page 12 > Shifting Gears ↗
In a slow, tight turn, how does the recommended body position differ from a normal-speed curve?
Correct answer: Keep the body more upright while leaning the motorcycle
Slow-turn counterbalancing differs from leaning together through an ordinary curve.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 11 / physical PDF page 13 > Turning > Slow, tight turns ↗
Why inspect the surface before leaving a motorcycle on its side stand?
Correct answer: Soft or sloping ground may not support it securely
Choose firm support and a stable position so the parked motorcycle does not fall.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 31 / physical PDF page 33 > Getting Off the Road > Park carefully ↗
A rider enters a curve too fast and cannot keep the motorcycle on its intended path. What serious single-vehicle crash pattern can result?
Correct answer: Running wide and leaving the roadway or striking an object
Choose an entry speed within your skill and the conditions; running wide is a major cornering hazard.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 / physical PDF page 12 > Turning ↗
You normally select a gear before a curve, but a gear change becomes necessary during this turn. How should you make it?
Correct answer: Shift smoothly without an abrupt change in rear-wheel power
Abrupt power changes can cause a skid. Planning the gear before turning is preferable, but a necessary change must remain smooth.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 10 / physical PDF page 12 > Shifting Gears ↗
On a two-wheel motorcycle without ABS and with separate brakes, you must slow to a stop in a curve, but immediately straightening would carry you out of your lane. What technique does the manual describe?
Correct answer: Brake gently, then reduce lean and increase braking as you slow
When straightening first is not feasible, smooth lighter braking while leaned preserves traction. As lean decreases, more braking is available; finish upright with the handlebars straight. Practice with qualified instruction.
Source: PennDOT PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 24 / physical PDF page 26 > Crash Avoidance > Quick Stops continuation ↗
