MSF Basic eCourse Special Riding
Situations Exam Questions and
Answers9
Road Surfaces - ANSWERS-Motorcycles are designed to travel across a wide variety of road
surfaces, but may handle differently on each. Part of being a good rider is understanding and
compensating for different road surfaces.
Rain-slick surface - ANSWERS-Roads are 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.
Reduce speed and minimize lean. Metal covers, bridge gratings, train tracks, painted or taped
lines, leaves, and wood can be very slick when wet.
When you ride in the rain, use the tire tracks left by cars to help prevent hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up under the tire contact patch and results in loss of
traction. Maintaining proper tire pressure will help keep the grooves in your tread open and
able to channel water away for better traction.
Worn pavement - ANSWERS-Ruts can form in areas of heavy traffic. They can make handling
your motorcycle difficult and may even cause damage if you hit them hard. Also, rain builds up
in these areas and increases the chance of hydroplaning. Avoid these ruts when possible.
Loose Surfaces and Debris - ANSWERS-Be aware of sand, gravel, rocks, and trash. The same is
true for liquids such as fuel, oil or engine coolant. Look out for shiny or damp pavement. Watch
for items that might cause tire damage such as nails or sharp metal objects.
Use a good lane position, especially in curves, to give yourself time and space to adjust your
path of travel. Avoid following vehicles such as trucks or trailers that are hauling debris, as items
could come loose and fall into your path.
, Crack Sealant and Tar Strips - ANSWERS-Crack sealant and tar strips can be slick, especially in
wet or hot weather. Notice them early and adjust lane position. Avoid too much lean.
Ice or Snow Patches; Mud, Moss, Algae - ANSWERS-These areas can be very slick. Identify them
early and reduce speed. When crossing slick patches, you may want to keep the clutch lever
squeezed and avoid leaning. Use your feet as outriggers as needed, remembering they may slip
too. Brake use must be gentle.
Crowned and Off-Camber Roads - ANSWERS-A crowned road is one that is high in the middle to
drain water. Off-camber roads slope away from the direction of the curve. Use caution in left
curves because ground clearance may be less than on a flat road.
Rain grooves and grated bridge deck - ANSWERS-These cause the tires to feel loose, but they
pose no serious threat. Keep steering relaxed and avoid quick actions.
Bumps, Cracks and Railroad Tracks - ANSWERS-These are like obstacles, so cross them at close
to a 90-degree angle. Keep speed under control and maintain momentum. Rise off the seat and
keep your weight evenly distributed. For angled railroad tracks, it is usually safe to ride straight
across them. For tracks or road seams that run in the same direction as your path, move far
away enough so you can steer to cross them at 45 degrees or more.
Carrying Passengers - ANSWERS-You should be a skilled rider before you carry a passenger or
extra weight because it affects the way your motorcycle handles. Starting from a stop is more
difficult and it takes longer to get up to speed. More time will be required for passing. More
brake pressure will be needed for stopping. The motorcycle will handle differently. The
suspension and tire pressure will need to be adjusted per the owner's manual.
When you carry a passenger:
The motorcycle should be equipped to carry a passenger, which includes proper seating behind
the operator and passenger footrests. A passenger should be tall enough to reach the footrests
and strong enough to hold onto the operator or passenger hand-holds.
Situations Exam Questions and
Answers9
Road Surfaces - ANSWERS-Motorcycles are designed to travel across a wide variety of road
surfaces, but may handle differently on each. Part of being a good rider is understanding and
compensating for different road surfaces.
Rain-slick surface - ANSWERS-Roads are 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.
Reduce speed and minimize lean. Metal covers, bridge gratings, train tracks, painted or taped
lines, leaves, and wood can be very slick when wet.
When you ride in the rain, use the tire tracks left by cars to help prevent hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up under the tire contact patch and results in loss of
traction. Maintaining proper tire pressure will help keep the grooves in your tread open and
able to channel water away for better traction.
Worn pavement - ANSWERS-Ruts can form in areas of heavy traffic. They can make handling
your motorcycle difficult and may even cause damage if you hit them hard. Also, rain builds up
in these areas and increases the chance of hydroplaning. Avoid these ruts when possible.
Loose Surfaces and Debris - ANSWERS-Be aware of sand, gravel, rocks, and trash. The same is
true for liquids such as fuel, oil or engine coolant. Look out for shiny or damp pavement. Watch
for items that might cause tire damage such as nails or sharp metal objects.
Use a good lane position, especially in curves, to give yourself time and space to adjust your
path of travel. Avoid following vehicles such as trucks or trailers that are hauling debris, as items
could come loose and fall into your path.
, Crack Sealant and Tar Strips - ANSWERS-Crack sealant and tar strips can be slick, especially in
wet or hot weather. Notice them early and adjust lane position. Avoid too much lean.
Ice or Snow Patches; Mud, Moss, Algae - ANSWERS-These areas can be very slick. Identify them
early and reduce speed. When crossing slick patches, you may want to keep the clutch lever
squeezed and avoid leaning. Use your feet as outriggers as needed, remembering they may slip
too. Brake use must be gentle.
Crowned and Off-Camber Roads - ANSWERS-A crowned road is one that is high in the middle to
drain water. Off-camber roads slope away from the direction of the curve. Use caution in left
curves because ground clearance may be less than on a flat road.
Rain grooves and grated bridge deck - ANSWERS-These cause the tires to feel loose, but they
pose no serious threat. Keep steering relaxed and avoid quick actions.
Bumps, Cracks and Railroad Tracks - ANSWERS-These are like obstacles, so cross them at close
to a 90-degree angle. Keep speed under control and maintain momentum. Rise off the seat and
keep your weight evenly distributed. For angled railroad tracks, it is usually safe to ride straight
across them. For tracks or road seams that run in the same direction as your path, move far
away enough so you can steer to cross them at 45 degrees or more.
Carrying Passengers - ANSWERS-You should be a skilled rider before you carry a passenger or
extra weight because it affects the way your motorcycle handles. Starting from a stop is more
difficult and it takes longer to get up to speed. More time will be required for passing. More
brake pressure will be needed for stopping. The motorcycle will handle differently. The
suspension and tire pressure will need to be adjusted per the owner's manual.
When you carry a passenger:
The motorcycle should be equipped to carry a passenger, which includes proper seating behind
the operator and passenger footrests. A passenger should be tall enough to reach the footrests
and strong enough to hold onto the operator or passenger hand-holds.
