JK's Motorcycle Training

(Q) Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

(A) Identify where to check level, i.e. dipstick or sight glass. 

(A) Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking.

(Q) Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only).

(A) Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

(Q) Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

(A) Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

(Q) Show me how you would check that the lights & brake lights and reflectors are clean and working.

(A) Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.

(Q) Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.

(A) Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.

(Q) Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.

(A) Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts.

(Q) Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

(A) Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner's manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least ¾ of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.

(Q) Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine.

(A) Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake.

(Q) Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine.

(A) Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess.

(Q) Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.

(A) Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

(Q) Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch.

(A) Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary),

Pillion Questions

(Q) What must your motorcycle have to make it legal to carry a passenger.

(A) Foot rests and a suitable seat for the passenger.

(Q) What should you tell your pillion passenger before you head off .

(A) The passenger must wear a legal motorcycle helmet at all times and be properly dressed for riding on a motorcycle. 

(A) passenger must only get on or off the motorcycle when instructed to do so by the Rider. 

(A) passenger must straddle the bike facing forwards with their feet on the foot rests. 

(A) must hold firmly onto the grab rails or around the rider's body. 

(A) passenger must lean follow the rider's lead and lean with the bike when cornering, otherwise the bike will become unstable. 

(A) passenger must not look around behind them or make signals to the rider or passing vehicles.

(Q) What would you check and adjust on your motorcycle if you are carrying a passenger or additional load?

(A) You may need to increase the tyre pressure according to the motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations. 

(A)The preload setting of the rear shock may need to be increased. 

(A) The headlight and mirrors will point higher with a passenger on the pillion, so they may need to be adjusted to compensate.

(Q) How will a passenger on the pillion affect the motorcycle?

(A) The motorbike's acceleration will be slower while the braking distance will increase 

(A) The passenger will push against the rider during braking, especially when braking strongly and this could affect the rider's stability. 

(A) Balance around corners, in bends and at slow speeds will be affected due to the passenger's weight e.g. the bike may lean more heavily in a corner than the rider is used to.