Chapter 3: Knowing Your Motorcycle

The “Knowing Your Motorcycle” chapter in the Alberta motorcycle practice test is designed to familiarize riders with their bike’s mechanics and features.

Alberta Motorcycle Test - Chapter 3: Knowing Your Motorcycle

1 / 30

The brake light must:

Be activated easily by both the foot and hand brake controls

Work only with the hand brake

Work only with the foot brake

Be checked only at night

2 / 30

When inspecting tire tread, you should look for:

Only the colour of the rubber

Only the brand name on the sidewall

Adequate tread depth and signs of uneven or worn tread

Tread that is completely smooth

3 / 30

When inspecting lights and electrical components, you must ensure:

Only the signal lights are working

All lights and reflectors are clean, securely mounted, undamaged, and working

Only the tail light is working

Only the headlight is working

4 / 30

Tire pressure should be checked to ensure:

It matches the pressure recommended in the owner’s manual

It is as high as the tire will allow

It is whatever was in the tire last ride

It is lower than recommended for comfort

5 / 30

For a liquid-cooled engine, you must:

Check coolant only in hot weather

Check coolant is at the recommended level and that hoses are not leaking or cracked

Ignore small hose cracks

Overfill the coolant reservoir

6 / 30

Before riding on the road, you should be familiar with:

The location, operation, and function of all controls and gauges

Only the horn and turn signals

Only the fuel valve and starter button

Only the throttle and front brake

7 / 30

When checking fluids, engine oil should be:

Dark black to show it has been used

At the recommended level, with colour yellow (good) rather than black or dark

Never changed if the level is correct

Above the maximum mark for safety

8 / 30

While sitting on the motorcycle, which of the following indicates a proper fit?

Both feet must be flat on the ground at all times

Only your toes can touch the ground on both sides

You can place one foot flat on the ground while the other is on the brake

You should not be able to touch the ground at all

9 / 30

If you find nails, metal, or glass that have punctured a tire, you must:

Push it in deeper so it doesn’t fall out

Remove the object and repair the tire

Only let out some air and continue riding

Ignore it if the tire is still holding air

10 / 30

When choosing a motorcycle, what is the most important overall consideration?

That it is the newest model available

That it matches the colour of your riding gear

That you can handle it at your level of experience and skill

That it has the largest possible engine

11 / 30

Why is a pre-trip inspection important before every ride?

Problems with tires, lights, or brakes can lead to collisions causing injury or death

It is required only to keep the motorcycle clean

It is only necessary once a year

It is mainly to make the motorcycle look newer

12 / 30

For the drive system, depending on type, you should:

Check chain or belt for lubrication/wear and proper tension, and shaft for oil leaks

Ignore small oil leaks from the shaft

Over-tighten the belt so it cannot move

Never lubricate the chain

13 / 30

Before starting the engine, you should practice gear changes by:

Using only the rear brake and ignoring the clutch

Squeezing and releasing the clutch lever while operating the gear selector

Revving the engine and shifting without the clutch

Pushing the bike in neutral only

14 / 30

Your posture on the motorcycle should allow you to:

Lean far forward to reach the controls

Reach and operate all controls without straining or stretching

Keep your arms fully locked straight at all times

Stretch to reach the hand grips

15 / 30

The battery inspection should confirm that:

The battery is loose so it can move freely

The connections are hanging slightly free

The terminals are covered in corrosion

The battery is secure, terminals are clean, and connections are tight

16 / 30

When checking the general condition of the tires, you should look for:

Cuts, bulges, cracks, and sidewall damage

Only small stones on the surface

Only the age printed on the tire

The brightest shine after cleaning

17 / 30

The engine cut-off switch must be checked to ensure it:

Activates the horn

Locks the steering

Changes the headlight beam

Stops the engine when used

18 / 30

When storing your motorcycle for winter, you should:

Leave it outside without any preparation

Protect the tires, handle remaining fuel, remove the battery, protect from weather, and address storage concerns

Store it with a full tank and battery connected, with no other steps

Only wash it and then ignore it until spring

19 / 30

The throttle should be checked to ensure that it:

Moves freely and returns to the closed position easily without assistance

Only works when the engine is off

Feels sticky and hard to move

Stays open when released

20 / 30

A proper mirror inspection includes:

Ignoring mirror adjustment if you can turn your head

Ensuring mirrors are clean, properly adjusted, and securely fastened

Folding mirrors in for better aerodynamics

Aiming mirrors at the ground

21 / 30

Proper wheel condition includes:

Cracks in the rim to save weight

Loose bearings so the wheel turns more freely

No damaged or cracked wheels/rims and properly lubricated bearings

Rusted bearings to hold grease better

22 / 30

The exhaust system inspection should include:

Removing any muffler baffles to increase noise

Ignoring small holes in the muffler

Making sure the exhaust is as loud as possible

Checking that the muffler is in good condition and securely attached

23 / 30

When using a motorcycle you are not familiar with, you should first:

Ride at low speed in traffic until you figure out the controls

Assume all motorcycles have identical controls

Read the owner’s manual and learn where all the controls and gauges are

Only check where the ignition key goes

24 / 30

Objects stuck in the tire tread, such as rocks, should be:

Left in place to improve traction

Removed during the inspection

Ignored unless the tire goes flat

Painted so they are more visible

25 / 30

When checking the clutch lever and cable, you should confirm that:

The lever is very loose with no resistance

The hydraulic reservoir is empty

The cable is rusted and stiff

The cable moves freely and feels tight, and hydraulic fluid (if equipped) is at the recommended level

26 / 30

To test the brakes during inspection, you should:

Test only the front brake

Apply front and rear brakes separately to ensure each holds the motorcycle still when pushed

Test only the rear brake

Test the brakes only while riding at high speed

27 / 30

To coordinate throttle and clutch before riding, you should:

Only practice shifting into first gear

Go through the motions of rotating and releasing the throttle with the clutch and gear selector, without moving the throttle

Practice only with the engine running at high speed

Fully open the throttle with the engine off

28 / 30

The licence plate must be:

Removable while riding

Mounted on the front wheel

Hidden under the seat

Securely attached, clearly visible at the rear, with its light working and clean (if equipped)

29 / 30

To become familiar with the brakes before riding, you should:

Use only the rear brake at all times

Use only the front brake at all times

Lock both wheels immediately to see how it feels

Move the motorcycle slightly and use front, then rear, then both brakes to stop

30 / 30

During a wheel and rim inspection, you should:

Only check the colour of the rim

Spin the wheel as fast as possible with the engine

Check for loose, damaged, missing, or broken spokes

Add grease to the tire sidewalls

Your score is

It underscores the importance of understanding the motorcycle’s controls, such as brakes, throttle, and clutch, ensuring smooth operation. This chapter teaches riders how to perform routine maintenance checks, including inspecting tires, brakes, and fluid levels. It also highlights the significance of adjusting mirrors and seat positions for optimal comfort and visibility. By mastering these aspects, riders can enhance their safety, efficiency, and confidence on the road, laying a strong foundation for responsible motorcycle operation.