Basic Ridercourse Flashcards
What are the 5 Types of Street Motorcycles?
Standard Sport Cruiser Touring Scooter
What type of motorcycle has the following categories:
- All around capabilities
- Sometimes called a naked bike
- Straight-up seating position
- Various engine sizes
Standard
What are the three types of Off-Highway motorcycles?
Motorcross
Enduro
Trials
What are the 6 primary controls and it’s location?
- Handle Bars- Both Hands
- Front Brake Lever- Right Hand
- Throttle- Right Hand
- Rear Break Pedal- Right Foot
- Gearshift Lever- Left Foot
- Clutch Lever- In Front of the Left Handgrip
When you want to increase speed, you should
Twist the throttle towards you (roll on).
What does the Clutch Lever do?
The clutch mechanism connects power from the engine to the rear wheel. The lever is squeezed to disconnect and eased to connect.
When you want to switch to a higher gear, you should
Pull the clutch lever with the left hand and pull the gearshift lever with the left foot.
When you want to go to 1st gear, you should
Pull the clutch lever with the left hand and push the gearshift lever.
Describe the shift pattern
The 1st gear is at the bottom (push lever) of the shift pattern, neutral is between 1st and 2nd, and 2-5th gear is above the shift patter (pull gearshift lever)
Where is the fuel supply valve located?
Usually under the fuel tank
What does it do when you select the Reserve position of the Fuel Supply valve?
Reserve allows access to a small amount of fuel after the main supply is depleted.
Do all motorcycle have a fuel supply valve?
No, some motorcycles do not have a fuel supply valve because the engine is fuel-injected, the gasoline only flows when the ignition switch is On and the engine is running.
What are the three positions of the ignition switch?
On, Off, and Lock. Some include a Park position as well.
What does the Lock and Park position of the ignition switch do?
The lock and park positions engage the steering lock and allow the key to be removed.
Where is the chock control located?
On the handlebars or near the engine.
Do all motorcycles have a choke control?
No, fuel-injected motorcycles do not.
What does the choke control do?
It provides an enriched fuel mixture to help start a cold engine. It also raises the idle to permit the engine to warm up quickly. It should be turned off as soon it is no longer needed.
Where is the engine cut-off switch located?
Right hand-grip and operated with the thumb.
Where is the turn signal switch located?
Usually located near the left hand-grip and operated with the thumb.
Where is the horn button located?
Near the left hand-grip and operated with the thumb.
Describe the difference between a speedometer, odometer, and tachometer.
- Speedometer- Shows road speed.
- Odometer- Shows miles ridden.
- Tachometer- Indicates engine speed and rpm’s.
Motorcycles have a ___ mirror that are curved to provide a ___ view but make objects look ___.
convex
wider
farther
Where is the side stand located?
Left hand side
A procedure called ___ is used as an engine pre-start routine. What does it stand for?
FINE-C Fuel Ignition Neutral Engine Engine Cut-Off Switch Choke/ Clutch
Go over the engine start-up procedure.
- Fuel- Turn fuel supply valve on
- Ignition- Turn ignition switch on
- Neutral- Make sure the motorcycle is in neutral position. You can roll the motorcycle forward and backward with the clutch lever, front brake lever and rear break pedal released.
- Engine- Put the switch on the On position
Engine Cut-Off Switch - Choke/ Clutch- Set the choke as needed
True or False: When you start the engine, apply at least one of the breaks, squeeze the clutch lever fully, and press the started button.
True
What is the procedure term for shutting the motorcycle off?
Thumb-Key-Valve
Describe the procedure for shutting the motorcycle off.
- Thumb- Move the engine cut-off switch to Off with your right thumb (same in case of an emergency)
- Key- Turn the ignition switch off
- Valve- Turn the fuel supply valve off
What is the friction zone?
The friction zone is a small area in the travel of the clutch lever that controls the connection between the engine and the rear wheel.
What is a good wrist riding posture?
When it’s flat
When riding motorcycles at very low speed, change direction by …
leaning the motorcycle and turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go.
When riding motorcycles at higher speeds, change direction by
Countersteering.
What is countersteeting?
When the handlebars are initially moved opposite the direction of the turn.
What is the procedure when turning?
Slow-Look-Press-Roll.
For slow, tight turns like a U-Turn in a parking lot, you can
lean independently from the motorcycle (counterweighting). Putting more pressure on the outside footrest can also help.
When breaking to a stop, you should
- Roll off the throttle
2. Squeeze in the clutch lever and the front brake lever while pressing on the rear break pedal.
You should be in ___ gear by the time you stop. It is important to square the handlebars so the motorcycle is easier to hold up.
First
When breaking to a stop in a curve,
gradually apply both brakes as you straighten the motorcycle.
The front brake provides ___ % or more of the stopping power. This is because forward weight shift pushes the front tire down onto the road surface, giving it more grip than the rear tire
70
True or False: Full braking power is not required for normal, planned stops.
True. But you should always use both brakes to develop the habit and properly use in case of an emergency.
What is a three step process to shift to a higher gear?
- Roll off the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever
- Lift the shift lever firmly as far as it will go, then release it to allow it to reset
- Ease out the clutch lever and roll on the throttle smoothly to match engine and road speed.
What is a three step process to shift to a lower gear?
- Roll off the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever
- Press down the shift lever firmly, then release it to allow it to reset
- Ease out the clutch lever as you roll on the throttle.
What is engine breaking?
Shifting to a lower gear and easing out the lever has an effect similar to using the brakes.
What are the two primarily features of a good motorcycle fit?
Seat Height
Overall Motorcycle Size
What is the pre-ride inspection method?
T-CLOCS
What does T-CLOCS stand for?
- Tires- Air pressure, Tread, Cracked?
- Controls- Levers, Pedals, Cables, Hoses, Throttle
- Lights and Mirrors
- Oil and Other Fluids- Levels, Leaks
- Chassis- Suspension, Chain
- Stands
You should always ___ as part of your pre-ride inspection.
Read the O&M Manual
What does ATGATT stand for?
All the gear all the time
Helmets are required to allow ___ of peripheral vision to each side. Proper helmet use has been shown to reduce the risk of brain injury by ___% and the risk of death by ___%.
105 degrees
67%
37%
What are the 4 basic parts of the helmet?
- Outer Shell
- Impact-Absorbing Liner
- Comfort Padding
- Retention system
What standard does the helmet must meet?
- US Dept of Transportation
Economic Community of Europe
Snell Memorial Foundation
True or False: You may wear sunglasses as a substitute for an impact-resistant face shield or goggles to protect your eyes.
False
True or False: Riding at highway speeds and riding for extended distances without using hearing protection can result in hearing loss.
True
Mental attitude means that safety is your #1 priority.
True
Managing risk requires the driver to have three safety margins:
- Having riding skills and motorcycle ,manoeuvrability beyond what is actually needed.
- Having traction beyond what is actually needed
- Having time and space beyond what is actually needed.
On freeways with two lanes, keep right except to pass.
True
On freeways with more than two lanes, keep right except to pass.
False. Avoid the right lane to reduce conflicts at entrance and exit points.
Use the left third (LP1) position when: (8)
- Start position to see and be seen
- To see a car backing out of a driveway ahead on the right
- To keep drivers on your left from sharing your lane
- To see better when approaching a right-hand curve
- To increase your line of sight down the road
- To avoid doors opening from parked cars.
- To be more visible at an intersection with a limited view to the right.
- To avoid the dark strip of oil, debris, or manhole covers often found in the middle of the lane
Use the middle (LP2) position when: (4)
- To helps with hazards on both sides, such as cars parked on the right and traffic in the other lane
- To see and be seen at the crest of the hill
- To be visible at an intersection with a limited view on both sides
- To provide space on both sides of the lane for curves
Use the right third (LP3) position when: (5)
- To avoid windblast from an oncoming truck
- To see and be seen when there is a line of oncoming cars
- To see better when approaching a left-hand curve
- To be visible at an intersection with a limited view to the left
- To avoid a dark strip of oil often found in the middle of the lane.
Besides using a good lane position, other ways to be seen includes:
- Clothing
- Headlight
- Turn Signals
- Brake light
- Horn
- Add-Ons
Rider Radar: More than ___ of the factors that affect a rider are between the ___ o’clock positions on a clock face but maintain ___ awareness.
3/4
11 and 1
360 deg
Three visual lead times and distances make up RiderRadar:
- 2-sec following time and distance- Min requirement. When conditions are ideal and you are paying close attention ahead.
- 4-sec urgent time and distance- Helps you react properly to conditions whether approaching an intersection, rounding a curve, riding in the rain, or following another vehicle.
- 12-sec anticipation time and distance- The idea is to have a big picture of the entire environment and to be aware of the overall traffic flow.
How do you measure a time and distance?
Pick a fixed point ahead. As the vehicle passes, start counting “one-motorcycle-one, one-motorcycle-two, …” at normal talking phase until you reach the fixed point.
The three parts of a total stopping distance are:
- Perception Distance
- Reaction Distance
- Braking Distance
What is the process to use when riding?
SEE
What does SEE stand for?
- Search
- Evaluate
- Execute
What does Search include?
- 360 awareness
- checking mirrors, blind spots, and instruments
- Using your eyes and mind when searching for risks
- Having an escape path
It is best to have more than ___ escape path open so you don’t get trapped.
One
The greatest potential for a conflict between you and other traffic is at ___.
Intersections
True or False: Shifting to neutral has the same effect as keeping the clutch lever fully squeezed.
True
When approaching an intersection, have ___ in case someone makes a mistake.
Escape Path
The ___ refers to blind spots around large trucks. These blind spots are on the sides, in the rear, and in the front.
No-Zone
___ mirrors make objects look ___ away than they are.
Convex
Farther
What are the three general curve types?
- Constant radius
- Increasing radius
- Decreasing radius
What are the two main strategies when taking a curve?
- Middle-Middle- Middle
- Outside- Inside- Outside (performance type strategy)
What are the benefits and challenges of a performance type strategy when taking a curve?
Reduces the lean required and allows you see further through the curve but gets you closer to the center line and the shoulder.
How do you start on a hill?
- Apply one of the breaks to prevent rolling backwards
- If you need to keep both feet on the ground, use the front brake lever while easing out the clutch lever until you can apply some throttle.
What are the two strategies when making an emergency stop in a curve?
- Straighten the bike and then stop
2. Apply some small amount of the break while leaning and increase brake pressure as the bike straightens up.
How do you produce a front wheel skid? What should you do to correct it?
Too much front brake pressure.
You should release the front brake lever to get the front wheel running again and then apply the brake again smoothly if needed.
How do you produce a rear wheel skid? What should you do to correct it?
When you apply too much pressure while breaking.
If the bike moves sideways, keep pressure on the rear break pedal so the wheel continues to skid, and maintain balance to stay upright. If the rear wheel is nearly in line with the front wheel, you can release the rear brake pedal and then reapply it as needed. Do not release the rear break pedal when the rear wheel is not in line, if so, you may have a high-side fall or crash.
What is swerving?
Emergency procedure where you change direction quickly to the right or left, whether you are going straight or in a curve.
The surface is most slick during the first few minutes of rain because oil and dirt mix with the water. It may be best to stop in a safe area and wait out the situation. If you do ride, you should …
use the tire tracks left by cars to help prevent hydroplaning.
What are some road surfaces that you must always be in the look out?
Rain-Slick Surface Worn Pavement Loose surfaces and debris Crack sealant and tar strips Ice or snow patches and mud, moss, and glass Crowned and off-camber roads Rain grooves and granted bridge decks Bumps, cracks, and railroad tracks
When approaching a crosstrack that are diagonal in your lane, you should
continue in your lane and cross them rather than change direction and cross them perpendicular (there may be another car in the opposite lane).
You should be a skilled rider before you carry a passenger or cargo because…
it affects the way your motorcycle handles.
What are some of the rules when you carry a passenger?
- The motorcycle should be equipped to carry a passenger
- The passenger must wear all of the protective gear
- While the passenger mounts and dismounts, keep both feet on the front and the front brake lever applied.
- Be extra smooth and go easy on lean angles
What should you do when you approach a small animal (i.e. dog)?
Slow, downshift, then accelerate past the dog.
What should you do when you approach a large animal (i.e. deer)?
Stop before reaching it and wait until it leaves.
Whats should you do when a tire fails while riding?
Hold the handle-grip firmly without fighting the steering. Avoid shifting and braking until speed is under control.
What should you do if the throttle gets stuck?
Twist the throttle back and forth several times. If the throttle remains stuck, immediately squeeze the clutch level and operate the engine cut-off switch.
What should you do if it starts to weave or wobble?
Keep a firm hold on the handle-grips without locking your arms or fighting the steering. Ease off the throttle. DO not apply the brakes, and do not accelerate.
Research shows that around ___% of fatally injured riders had a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of ___%.
30%
0.08%
The adult male body is able to get rid of alcohol at a rate of ___. For females, it is ___.
1 drink / hour
.75 drink / hour
Safety required riders to be ___, ___, and ___.
Predictable
Courteous
Cooperative
What is Entry Speed?
The speed at the beginning of the curve that allows you to maintain or increase speed while in turn or curve.
What is an Escape Path?
An open area in front, to the right, or to the left. An open area behind is good too so there is room to slow.
What is Open Up the View?
To be in a position when stopped at an intersection to see and be seen.
What is Presentation?
To use a lane position to be seen by opposing traffic.
What is the difference between Respond vs React?
To take action ahead of time (respond) instead of having to instantly react to an emergency.
What does it mean to Ride Your Own Ride?
To honestly self-assess and ride within personal, motorcycle, situational, and legal limits, unaffected by what others may think.
What is Risk Offset?
The difference between a rider’s skill and the risks taken; good offset is when skill exceeds risk.
What is Rider Character?
To choose to do the right (safe, responsible) thing.
What is Separate?
To adjust speed and/or lane position to meet potential hazards at different points in time.
What is Space Cushion?
To keep space around you open.
What is Trap?
To not have a space cushion or escape path.
What is ABS?
Anti-lock braking system (ABS). It’s a type of braking system that automatically releases braking pressure to prevent skidding.
What is Apex?
The middle or sharpest point in your path around a curve.
What is Braking Distance?
Space travelled between brake application and completed stop.
What is Contact Patch?
Portion of tire that touches the road surface.
What are Convex Mirrors?
Mirrors designed with an outwardly curved surface; shows more are but objects are closer than they appear in the mirror.
What is Countersteer?
A momentary steering deflection away from the intended direction of travel caused by pressing on the hand-grip in the direction of the turn; used to produce a lean and turn in the desired direction; press right hand-grip, lean right, go right; press left hand-grip, lean left, go left.
What is Counterweight?
Used primarily in slow, tight turns; rider shifts weight opposite to the lean of the motorcycle.
What is Crowned Road?
Road surface that is higher in the middle for rain runoff.
What is Decreasing Radius?
Refers to a turn or curve that becomes progressively tighter.
What are Factors?
Refers to elements that affect your speed, lane position, or path of travel.
What is FINE-C?
Acronym for the engine pre-start checklist: Fuel valve, Ignition Switch, Neutral, Engine cut-off switch, Clutch/ Choke.
What is the Friction Zone?
Small area of clutch lever movement where power begins to be transmitted to the rear wheel; used to get under way from a stop, to control speed when riding slowly, and to ensure smooth downshifts when engine braking.
What is Gauntlets?
Refers to the protective part of gloves that extend past the wrist.
What is High-Side Fall?
Fall in which the rider loses control and is thrown to ground in front of the motorcycle’s path.
What is Hydroplaning?
Water buildup under the tires resulting in loss of traction.
What are Integrated Brakes?
Braking system where use of the rear brake applies partial front brake pressure.
What are the Lane positions?
A lane can be divided into three general positions: tHe left third of a lane (LP1), the middle third of a lane (LP2), and the right third of a lane (LP3).
What is Linked Brakes?
System that applies brake pressure to both brakes when either brake control is applied.
What is Lugging?
Rough or jerking operation due to using a gear that is to high for current speed.
What is the No-Zone?
The area around a truck or other vehicles that i a blind spot.
What does it mean to Override the Headlight?
Riding at a speed at night where total stopping distance exceeds the sight distance of headlight illumination.
What is the Perception Distance?
Distance travelled from when a hazard is present to when it is first noticed.
What is the Red Line?
The line on a tachometer that indicates maximum safe engine speed.
What is Rider Radar?
Refers to searching around you and selecting a lead-time (i.e. 2 second lead time).
What is T-CLOCS?
An acronym for the motorcycle pre-ride inspection checklist (tires and wheels; controls; lights and mirrors; oil and other fluids; chassis; stands)
What is Tailgating?
Following a distance less than 2 seconds.
What is Threshold Braking?
Using the brakes fully without producing a skid.
What is Total Stopping Distance?
refers to the combined distances of perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance.
What is Tread?
The pattern moulded into the face of a tire to help displace water.
What is Wear Bar?
A tread indication moulded into the tire to show when a tire is worn out.
What is Weave?
A relatively slow oscillation of the rear of the motorcycle.
What is Wobble?
A rapid oscillation of the front wheel and steering components usually due to a mechanical problem.
