MSF Basic eCourse: Preparing to Ride with all Correct &
100% Verified Answers |Latest Version |Already
Graded A+
Motorcycle Fit ✔Correct Answer-Your motorcycle should be one you can handle well. Two primary
features to consider are Seat Height and overall Motorcycle Size.
The seat should be low enough so your feet can reach the ground and support the motorcycle.
Overall motorcycle size generally refers to engine size, which is referred to in cubic centimeters (cc's),
or cubic inches. Motorcycles with larger engines are generally heavier and more powerful than those
with smaller engines. Pick a size that is right for your strength and skill level so you can handle it well.
Additionally, you may be able to adjust the controls or change the seat to fit you better.
Pre-Ride Inspection ✔Correct Answer-A pre-ride inspection only takes a few minutes, and should
be as routine as brushing your teeth. It's easy to check important parts, but each item should be
checked before every ride. This helps you find problems before they become serious. Your best
source of information is the motorcycle owner's manual. A good inspection method is called T-
CLOCS. It stands for Tires and Wheels, Controls, Lights and Electrics, Oil and other Fluids, Chassis, and
Stands.
Tires and Wheels ✔Correct Answer-Is your bike ready to ride? Will it perform the way it should? If
not, it might leave you stranded, your repair or maintenance costs might go way up, or it might not
even be safe to ride.
Do a pre-ride check. We call it T-CLOCS.
T, for tires and wheels.
Your tires provide the grip you need for accelerating, braking, and cornering. And because
motorcycles lean, the tires experience tremendous stresses. Tires are very important parts of your
motorcycle and you really need to maintain them to stay safe.
So, check the condition of your tires, inspecting tread depth and looking for uneven wear, and seeing
if there's anything that could cause a flat.
Ideally, check air pressure before every ride.
Check the pressure when cool, before you ride, and set it to the numbers listed in your owner's
manual or on the side of the bike, usually between 30 and 40 PSI.
Don't use the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall, which is probably not the correct
pressure for your motorcycle. Having the incorrect tire pressure can cause a blowout, can cause poor
handling and ride, and can even cost you money with bad fuel economy and shorter tire life.
Your wheels are important, too.
If your bike has spokes, make sure they're in good shape and properly tightened with a spoke
wrench. You should hear a ping when you tap each one, not a thud.
Whichever type of wheels you have, look for any damage and spin them to see if they're bent in any
way. You might need to visit a wheel-straightening service recommended by the manufacturer or a
dealership.
Check the wheel seals for cracks or excessive grease. And make certain the bearings don't have free-
play. First, make sure the bike is stable, then grab the top and bottom of the tire and flex it back and
forth. If you feel any free-play, take it in for service.
Next, check the brakes with a good squ
, Controls ✔Correct Answer-C, for controls.
The controls on your motorcycle are important for steering, accelerating, shifting, and braking.
Making the motorcycle do what you want it to do.
Check the condition of your handlebars, making sure they're on tight, that they're straight, turn
freely, and that the handgrips are secure. Operate all the levers and pedals, making sure they work
smoothly. Adjust the position for the most comfort and control.
Check the cables for any fraying, and lubricate them, as recommended, for smooth action. Look at
any hydraulic hoses for any cracks, leaks, bulges, or signs of age. Make sure the cables and hoses
don't have any bad kinks or sharp angles.
It's very important to make sure the throttle moves freely and snaps fully closed, with the handlebar
in any position. If it doesn't, there might be a problem with the throttle grip or the cable routing,
which could lead to your throttle getting stuck in the wide-open position. Not fun, and certainly not
safe.
Lights and Electrics ✔Correct Answer-L, for lights and electrics.
On many motorcycles, electrical wiring and parts are more out in the open, not undercover like with
a car, and therefore, they're more likely to suffer from wear, tear and rust.
So, inspect the battery terminals to make sure they're clean. If you don't have a sealed battery, check
the electrolyte levels and add distilled water as needed.
Every so often, check the wiring for any fraying, chafing, or missing insulation. Wires shouldn't be
pinched. Connectors should be tight and clean.
Check that your headlight, high-beam/low-beam, tail light, and brake light all work as they should.
Same for the turn signals and the engine cut-off switch. You might want to carry spare fuses for an
easy road-side fix. And make sure your headlight is aimed correctly to give you the best view of the
road at night. Not too high or low. Your owner's manual or a professional can help with this. Your
motorcycle lights help others see you. Make sure that you can easily see all around by checking that
the mirrors are clean, tight, and properly adjusted.
Oil and Other Fluids ✔Correct Answer-O, for oil and other fluids.
Some of the oils and fluids in your motorcycle are responsible for making the engine, and other parts
of the drivetrain, run smooth and cool, by reducing friction and heat. Special fluids are used if your
bike has a hydraulic braking system.
Always make sure there's enough oil in the engine before starting it, or you could cost yourself a lot
of money. Check the level, as directed in the owner's manual, usually when the engine is warm with
the dipstick or sight glass, with the bike upright, and add oil as needed.
Make sure to change the oil and the filter, on schedule or even more frequently than what your
manual says. Oil is the life-blood of internal combustion engines, and old or low-quality oils can
accelerate engine wear.
Take a glance at your brake fluid levels, too. And follow the owner's manual directions on checking or
replacing any transmission oil or shaft drive fluid.
If you have a liquid-cooled engine, check the coolant level, as directed in the owner's manual. Never
open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
All of these fluids need to be changed periodically, because they deteriorate with age. Fresh fluids do
their job better than old fluids.
And, of course, before and during a ride, you really want to know exactly how much fuel you have on
board so you don't run out, miles from a gas station. Use a quality fuel and check octane
requirements in your owner's manual. You want the freshest possible fuel in your bike, as gasoline
can begin to go bad after several weeks and clog your fuel system.
If you've got an electric motorcycle, make sure it's charged enough for your ride, and know where
the next charging station is if you'll need one on your journey.
100% Verified Answers |Latest Version |Already
Graded A+
Motorcycle Fit ✔Correct Answer-Your motorcycle should be one you can handle well. Two primary
features to consider are Seat Height and overall Motorcycle Size.
The seat should be low enough so your feet can reach the ground and support the motorcycle.
Overall motorcycle size generally refers to engine size, which is referred to in cubic centimeters (cc's),
or cubic inches. Motorcycles with larger engines are generally heavier and more powerful than those
with smaller engines. Pick a size that is right for your strength and skill level so you can handle it well.
Additionally, you may be able to adjust the controls or change the seat to fit you better.
Pre-Ride Inspection ✔Correct Answer-A pre-ride inspection only takes a few minutes, and should
be as routine as brushing your teeth. It's easy to check important parts, but each item should be
checked before every ride. This helps you find problems before they become serious. Your best
source of information is the motorcycle owner's manual. A good inspection method is called T-
CLOCS. It stands for Tires and Wheels, Controls, Lights and Electrics, Oil and other Fluids, Chassis, and
Stands.
Tires and Wheels ✔Correct Answer-Is your bike ready to ride? Will it perform the way it should? If
not, it might leave you stranded, your repair or maintenance costs might go way up, or it might not
even be safe to ride.
Do a pre-ride check. We call it T-CLOCS.
T, for tires and wheels.
Your tires provide the grip you need for accelerating, braking, and cornering. And because
motorcycles lean, the tires experience tremendous stresses. Tires are very important parts of your
motorcycle and you really need to maintain them to stay safe.
So, check the condition of your tires, inspecting tread depth and looking for uneven wear, and seeing
if there's anything that could cause a flat.
Ideally, check air pressure before every ride.
Check the pressure when cool, before you ride, and set it to the numbers listed in your owner's
manual or on the side of the bike, usually between 30 and 40 PSI.
Don't use the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall, which is probably not the correct
pressure for your motorcycle. Having the incorrect tire pressure can cause a blowout, can cause poor
handling and ride, and can even cost you money with bad fuel economy and shorter tire life.
Your wheels are important, too.
If your bike has spokes, make sure they're in good shape and properly tightened with a spoke
wrench. You should hear a ping when you tap each one, not a thud.
Whichever type of wheels you have, look for any damage and spin them to see if they're bent in any
way. You might need to visit a wheel-straightening service recommended by the manufacturer or a
dealership.
Check the wheel seals for cracks or excessive grease. And make certain the bearings don't have free-
play. First, make sure the bike is stable, then grab the top and bottom of the tire and flex it back and
forth. If you feel any free-play, take it in for service.
Next, check the brakes with a good squ
, Controls ✔Correct Answer-C, for controls.
The controls on your motorcycle are important for steering, accelerating, shifting, and braking.
Making the motorcycle do what you want it to do.
Check the condition of your handlebars, making sure they're on tight, that they're straight, turn
freely, and that the handgrips are secure. Operate all the levers and pedals, making sure they work
smoothly. Adjust the position for the most comfort and control.
Check the cables for any fraying, and lubricate them, as recommended, for smooth action. Look at
any hydraulic hoses for any cracks, leaks, bulges, or signs of age. Make sure the cables and hoses
don't have any bad kinks or sharp angles.
It's very important to make sure the throttle moves freely and snaps fully closed, with the handlebar
in any position. If it doesn't, there might be a problem with the throttle grip or the cable routing,
which could lead to your throttle getting stuck in the wide-open position. Not fun, and certainly not
safe.
Lights and Electrics ✔Correct Answer-L, for lights and electrics.
On many motorcycles, electrical wiring and parts are more out in the open, not undercover like with
a car, and therefore, they're more likely to suffer from wear, tear and rust.
So, inspect the battery terminals to make sure they're clean. If you don't have a sealed battery, check
the electrolyte levels and add distilled water as needed.
Every so often, check the wiring for any fraying, chafing, or missing insulation. Wires shouldn't be
pinched. Connectors should be tight and clean.
Check that your headlight, high-beam/low-beam, tail light, and brake light all work as they should.
Same for the turn signals and the engine cut-off switch. You might want to carry spare fuses for an
easy road-side fix. And make sure your headlight is aimed correctly to give you the best view of the
road at night. Not too high or low. Your owner's manual or a professional can help with this. Your
motorcycle lights help others see you. Make sure that you can easily see all around by checking that
the mirrors are clean, tight, and properly adjusted.
Oil and Other Fluids ✔Correct Answer-O, for oil and other fluids.
Some of the oils and fluids in your motorcycle are responsible for making the engine, and other parts
of the drivetrain, run smooth and cool, by reducing friction and heat. Special fluids are used if your
bike has a hydraulic braking system.
Always make sure there's enough oil in the engine before starting it, or you could cost yourself a lot
of money. Check the level, as directed in the owner's manual, usually when the engine is warm with
the dipstick or sight glass, with the bike upright, and add oil as needed.
Make sure to change the oil and the filter, on schedule or even more frequently than what your
manual says. Oil is the life-blood of internal combustion engines, and old or low-quality oils can
accelerate engine wear.
Take a glance at your brake fluid levels, too. And follow the owner's manual directions on checking or
replacing any transmission oil or shaft drive fluid.
If you have a liquid-cooled engine, check the coolant level, as directed in the owner's manual. Never
open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
All of these fluids need to be changed periodically, because they deteriorate with age. Fresh fluids do
their job better than old fluids.
And, of course, before and during a ride, you really want to know exactly how much fuel you have on
board so you don't run out, miles from a gas station. Use a quality fuel and check octane
requirements in your owner's manual. You want the freshest possible fuel in your bike, as gasoline
can begin to go bad after several weeks and clog your fuel system.
If you've got an electric motorcycle, make sure it's charged enough for your ride, and know where
the next charging station is if you'll need one on your journey.
