New Hampshire Motorcycle Permit

Learning to ride and ride well requires what physical traits?

Fitness, strength, coordination

What are the three basic motorcycle types?

1-street,
2-dual-purpose
3-off-highway

What is important to know about a convex mirror?

They provide a wider view but make objects look farther away. They also reduce the size of blind spot areas but do not eliminate them

List the five steps of the engine pre-start routine (Fine C)

1-fuel,
2-ignition,
3-neutral,
4-engine cut-off switch
5-choke/clutch

What must you do if you start to lose control of the motorcycle?

Squeeze the clutch lever in fully and use the brakes as needed

What are the other elements of proper riding posture?

1. Back straight,
2. head & eyes up,
3. feet on footrests near the controls,
4. knees & elbows in,
5. arms relaxed and bent,
6. fingers around the throttle,
7. cover the clutch lever

How do you initiate motorcycle lean at speeds higher than walking speed?

To turn a motorcycle at slow speed, the most crucial element is to turn the handlebar in the direction you want to go. This is called pro-steering. We are actually turning the wheel, via the handlebar, into the direction of the turn.

What are the four action steps for making a basic turn?

1-slow,
2-look,
3-press, and
4-roll

What is the three-step strategy for curves?

Search - Setup - Smooth

In what type of turn does counterweighting help?

Slow, tight turns like a U-turn in a parking lot

What is the benefit of squaring the handlebars when coming to a stop?

The motorcycle is easier to hold up

How do you stop in a curve?

1. Gradually apply both brakes as you straighten up the motorcycle.
2. The motorcycle should be straight up and the handlebars should be square before you come to a complete stop.
3. Be sure to downshift and keep the clutch lever squeezed in

List the four preparations.

1-your motorcycle is a good fit;
2-your motorcycle is inspected before each ride;
3-you are using proper protective gear, and
4-you have a good mental attitude with safety as your priority

What is T-CLOCS and what does each letter stand for?

A pre-ride inspection routine.

T-tires and wheels;
C-controls;
L-lights and mirrors;
O-oil and other fluids;
C-chassis;
S-stands

List the three primary purposes of riding gear.

1-helps keep you comfortable and focused;
2-helps keep your body protected, and
3-may help you be much more visible in traffic

What stickers are likely to indicate a well-made helmet?

DOT and possibly ECE or Snell

What is the value of motorcycle-specific clothing?

1. Designed to fit while in a riding position;
2. flaps help seal out the wind;
3. zippers for ventilation;
4. extra padding (armor) provides more protection

What does it mean to have a good mental attitude?

Safety is your #1 priority

Name three reasons why riding a motorcycle involves more risk than driving a car or truck.

1-you are less stable;
2-you are more vulnerable;
3-you are less visible

List the three key safety margins.

1-having riding skill and motorcycle maneuverability beyond what is actually needed;
2-having traction beyond what is actually needed, and
3-having time and space beyond what is actually needed

What are five characteristics of a rider who manages risk properly?

Has knowledge, skills, attitude, values, and habits to be a safe and responsible rider

What does it mean to have a good lane choice?

You do not have to change lanes a lot and can see ahead while being visible to others

What is the purpose of using three different positions within a lane?

To avoid road hazards, to avoid bad road conditions, and to see and be seen

What is the start position?

Left third of the lane

What are the 3 visual lead times of RiderRadar?

2-second following time and distance;
4-second urgent time and distance;
12-second anticipation time and distance

Why is the 2-second following distance considered minimum?

Conditions must be ideal and you have to be paying close attention

What are the three action steps of Execute?

1-adjusting speed,
2-adjusting position,
3-communicating intentions

What is the proper technique for lane changes?

1. Check the space you want to use is clear (mirror check);
2. signal in advance;
3. head check;
4. cancel signal when in
new lane

What are the three curve types?

1-constant radius,
2-increasing radius, and
3-decreasing radius

What are the three curve parts?

1-entry,
2-apex
3-exit

What are the three lane positions used for curves?

1-outside,
2-middle
3-inside

Why should you have good basic skills before riding in a group?

There is more to think about than when riding alone

When would you use staggered, side-by-side, or single-file riding formations?

1. Ride staggered unless there is a need for single-file;
2. avoid side-by-side;
3. use single-file in curves, when there is poor visibility, if there are poor road surfaces, when entering or leaving roadways, or in other situations when an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed

What are some things to avoid when riding with others?

1. Do not just do what riders ahead of you do;
2. avoid group/peer pressure
4. avoid engine braking;
5. avoid target fixation

What complicates an emergency stop in a curve?

Some traction is used for cornering

What are two methods of braking in a curve and when might you use each?

1-straighten up first and make a quick stop in a straight line - used if road and traffic conditions permit;
2-apply brake pressure while the motorcycle is leaned; as lean angle decreases, increase brake pressure - used
when you cannot straighten, then brake

What should you do if the rear tire skids from too much brake pressure?

Keep pressure on the rear brake pedal so the wheel continues to skid; 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

What is your body position during a swerve?

Independent of the motorcycle lean;
torso upright, knees against the tank, feet on the footrests

How can you adjust for the effects of surface hazards and/or reduced traction?

Have a mental strategy as well as physical skills;
reduce speed; minimize lean; use good lane position;
give yourself time and space to adjust your path;
adjust lane position; keep steering relaxed and avoid quick actions; keep speed under control

What are some tips for your passenger while riding?

Hold waist or hips or passenger hand-holds;
keep feet on footrests at all times, including when stopped; keep hands and feet away from hot or moving parts; look over the rider's shoulder in the direction of a turn or curve; avoid leaning too much or turning around;
when crossing an obstacle, rise slightly off the seat

What are some tips for carrying cargo?

Keep low & close to center; keep items balanced from side to side; do not overload saddlebags or tank bag;
do not strap items to the handlebars, front forks, or front fender; do not block lights or moving parts; keep
items away from mufflers; be sure the cargo is secure

Where might you encounter wind, wind gusts, or turbulent air conditions?

Open areas or mountains, around large vehicles, when passing or being passed

How should you adjust for windy conditions?

Adjust hand grip pressure as needed; be prepared

What is a good strategy to get by a dog that might chase you?

Slow, downshift, then accelerate past the dog

What are some maintenance issues that could lead to an emergency?

Tire failure, Stuck throttle, Clutch cable failure, Weave, Wobble, Drivetrain problems, Engine seizure

What are the first abilities affected by alcohol?

Judgment and vision

What other abilities are affected by alcohol and drugs?

1. perception
2. thinking
3. coordination
4. reaction time

How much beverage alcohol equals one drink?

A 12-ounce beer, a mixed drink with 1.5oz of distilled liquor, or a 5-ounce glass of wine

What besides alcohol and drugs can affect riding safely?

1. Distraction
2. fatigue
3. emotions
4. aging
5. riding at the limit

What are some factors that contribute to distraction and/or inattention?

1. Cell phones
2. mobile devices
3. eating
4. talking to passengers
5. medication

What contributes to fatigue or drowsiness, and what affects does fatigue have on riding?

Poor sleep; hard day at work. Senses are not as sharp.

What problems may be caused by over- or under-confidence?

Overconfidence may lead to aggressive riding & could put yourself in situations that require more skill or more
performance than your bike can provide.

Under-confidence can delay decisions

How can rider performance be affected by aging or health problems?

Vision, reaction time, skill, and perception can be affected; may have difficulty riding the way you used to

What is rider character?

Choosing safe and responsible actions instead of risky moves

The majority of motorcycle crashes occur at what speed?

Less than 30 mph

One of the reasons motorcycling is much more involved than driving a car is...?

Motorcycles respond more quickly to rider input than cars

What percentage of serious injuries and fatal injuries to motorcyclists are caused by head and neck injuries?

50%+

What makes your riding gear the 'right' gear?

If it protects you in a crash

A T-CLOCS inspection should be conducted...?

Before every ride

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you are 3 times more likely to be killed if...?

You're not wearing a helmet

What type of trip are you most likely to be involved in a crash?

Short Commute

What is counter steering on a motorbike?

Counter steering is used by single-track vehicle operators, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, to initiate a turn toward a given direction by momentarily steering counter to the desired direction ("steer left to turn right").

What percentage of crashes involve riders with less than 5 months experience on their machines?

50%+

What percentage of motorcycle riders involved in crashes suffer head or neck injuries?

20%

The best place to position yourself to make a driver aware of your presence is...?

In their rearview mirror

You give yourself the best chance of avoiding being involved in a crash with a car if you ensure you are...?

Highly visible

You're following a fire truck and its back end passes a garbage can at the side of the road. You shouldn't reach that garbage can for at least...

2 seconds

What way best describes the way you should use your brakes?

Squeeze front, press rear

For safety and control, as you ride your feet should be...?

Level

As you ride through a turn, your eyes should be...?

Level with the horizon

Once you set off, your feet should be back on the pegs...?

Immediately

You are waiting at a railroad crossing for a train to pass. What gear should you be in?

1st

As you go through a maximum straight-line braking maneuver, you should...?

Increase front brake pressure and decrease rear brake pressure

Keeping a cushion of space all around you will help...?

1. Give you more time to respond
2. Give you more room to maneuver
3. Give you a better choice of escape routes

You can help your motorcycle to remain stable through a curve by...?

Rolling on the throttle

In the majority of car/motorcycle crashes, who is to blame?

Both participants

You're following a car round a curve when it suddenly starts to slow unexpectedly. Your first priority before braking should be...?

To get your motorcycle upright

The majority of riders who get themselves into difficulty with curves do so because...?

They went in too fast

When you're riding, your arms should be supporting your weight/steering in a ratio of...?

1:9

The best way of searching for traffic at a blind intersection is...?

To stop and lean forward

Before you make a pass, you should...?

1. Check your mirrors
2. Make a head check
3. Use your turn signal

What is the SEE strategy?

1. Search
2. Execute
3. Evaluate

At night it is more difficult to assess...?

1. Trajectory
2. Speed
3. Distance

The most likely place for conflict between yourself and other traffic is...?

An intersection

At intersections, always work on the basis that...?

A driver has not seen you

If your rear wheel locks you can leave it locked until you have come to a stop, provided...?

1. The motorcycle is upright
2. You're going in a straight line
3. The road surface is good

1. When executing a strategy to avoid a hazard, you should...?

1. Adjust your speed
2. Communicate your presence
3. Adjust your position

Using the 'RiderRadar' system, anything is considered immediate if it is within...?

4 seconds of you

When applying maximum straight line braking, the best place to look is...?

Well ahead

It's particularly important to use your mirrors when...?

1. When stopped at an intersection
2. Before you change lanes
3. Before you slow down

You can reduce your reaction time in busy areas by riding...?

With the clutch and both brakes covered

Your biggest concern when approaching a parked car should be...?

That it will pull a U-turn across you

In busy areas you should be particularly focusing your search strategy on...?

Potential escape routes

The best place to be to avoid being dangerously affected by wind blast from an oncoming vehicle is...?

In the center of the lane

Before passing a vehicle, you should position yourself...?

Well back off their left side

If you're planning to stop somewhere where it may not be expected, e.g. the middle of a block, you should warn other drivers by...?

Flashing your brake light

The signals on your motorcycle are similar to those on a car, but using them is...?

More important

When choosing clothing for visibility, you should remember that most motorcycle crashes happen...?

In broad daylight

Head checks should be used...?

As part of your normal scanning routine

A highside crash is caused when a locked rear wheel is released with...?

The wheels out of alignment