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Motorcycle study notes

Safety and Your Motorcycle

Pre-ride checks, tyres, lights, protective clothing and reporting defects.

What this topic covers

Pre-ride checks, tyres, lights, protective clothing and reporting defects. The full Motorcycle Theory Test app contains 77 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Fault detection, Defects and their effect on safety, Use of safety equipment, Emissions, Noise, Vehicle security.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

What should you do when you leave your motorcycle parked?

A. Leave the parking lights on
B. Use the steering lock ✓ correct
C. Pull it onto the kerb
D. Remove the battery lead

Explanation: You should always use the steering lock when leaving your motorcycle. Also consider using additional locking devices, such as a U-lock, disc lock or chain. If possible, fasten the motorcycle to an immovable post or similar anchored structure.

Example 2

How would under-inflated tyres affect your vehicle?

A. The vehicle's headlights would aim high
B. The vehicle's gear change mechanism would become stiff
C. The flash rate of the vehicle's indicators would increase
D. The vehicle's stopping distance would increase ✓ correct

Explanation: Your tyres are your only contact with the road. To prevent problems with braking and steering, keep your tyres free from defects; they must have sufficient tread depth and be correctly inflated. Correct tyre pressures help reduce the risk of skidding and provide a safer and more comfortable drive or ride.

Example 3

When should tyre pressures be checked?

A. When tyres are cold ✓ correct
B. When tyres are hot
C. After travelling at high speed
D. After any lengthy journey

Explanation: Check the tyre pressures when the tyres are cold. This will give you a more accurate reading. The heat generated on a long journey will raise the pressure inside the tyre.

Example 4

What must you check on both the front and rear motorcycle tyres?

A. That they're the same make
B. That they're the same size
C. That they're correctly inflated ✓ correct
D. That they're the same tread pattern

Explanation: Your safety and that of others depends on the condition of your tyres. Before every trip, make sure they * are correctly inflated * have at least the minimum legal depth of tread * have no cuts or bulges. Do these checks as part of a routine before every journey.

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More Motorcycle study notes

Get all 77 questions on this topic in the Motorcycle Theory Test app.