MSF Basic eCourse: Preparing to Ride
Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
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
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,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.
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, 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.
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Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
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
©C0PYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,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.
©C0PYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, 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.
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