Question 1

Three-Second Following Distance

Accepted Answer

A guideline stating a motorcyclist should stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle directly in front.

Question 2

Countersteering

Accepted Answer

The technique used to initiate a turn on a motorcycle, where the rider momentarily steers the handlebars in the opposite direction of the intended turn.

Question 3

Lane Positioning

Accepted Answer

The strategic placement of a motorcycle within a lane to increase visibility and avoid hazards.

Question 4

Group Riding

Accepted Answer

Riding with other motorcyclists in a staggered formation to maintain safe distance and better visibility.

Question 5

Engine Braking

Accepted Answer

The act of reducing throttle to slow down the motorcycle using engine resistance.

Question 6

Blind Spots

Accepted Answer

Areas around a vehicle that are not visible to the driver either directly or via mirrors.

Question 7

Safety Check

Accepted Answer

An inspection of a motorcycle's critical systems like brakes, tires, lights, horn, mirrors, and fuel before riding.

Question 8

Intersections

Accepted Answer

The area where two or more roadways cross or meet; often high-risk areas for motorcyclists.

Question 9

Lane Splitting

Accepted Answer

The controversial practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.

Question 10

Protective Gear

Accepted Answer

Items such as helmets, gloves, jackets, boots, and eye protection designed to protect riders from injury.

Question 11

Clutch Control

Accepted Answer

The manipulation of the clutch to manage power delivery from the engine to the transmission.

Question 12

Threshold Braking

Accepted Answer

Applying the brakes to the point just before wheel lock-up to achieve maximum deceleration.

Question 13

Contact Patch

Accepted Answer

The part of the tire that is in actual contact with the road surface.

Question 14

Emergency Stop

Accepted Answer

A rapid, controlled deceleration to avoid a potential collision.

Question 15

Friction Zone

Accepted Answer

The area in the clutch lever movement that begins to transmit power to the rear wheel.

Question 16

T-CLOCS

Accepted Answer

Acronym for Tires & Wheels, Controls, Lights & Electrics, Oil & Fluids, Chassis, and Stands; pre-ride inspection checklist.

Question 17

Twisties

Accepted Answer

Slang term for a stretch of road with a series of curves, typically a favorite among motorcyclists.

Question 18

Target Fixation

Accepted Answer

The psychological tendency to steer in the direction of an observed object, often a hazard.

Question 19

Hydroplaning

Accepted Answer

Loss of traction that occurs when a vehicle's tires encounter more water than they can scatter, causing them to slide on the surface of the water.

Question 20

Counterbalancing

Accepted Answer

Shifting the rider's weight in the opposite direction of a lean during slow-speed maneuvers.

Question 21

Apex

Accepted Answer

The innermost point of a curve or turn on the road, often used as a reference point when cornering.

Question 22

Collision Avoidance

Accepted Answer

Techniques like swerving and emergency braking employed to prevent a collision.

Question 23

Road Rash

Accepted Answer

Skin abrasions resulting from sliding on the pavement during a motorcycle fall or crash.

Question 24

SMIDSY

Accepted Answer

Acronym for "Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You", often used in the context of car drivers not noticing motorcyclists.

Question 25

MSF

Accepted Answer

Motorcycle Safety Foundation, an internationally recognized developer of comprehensive, research-based rider education and training.

Question 26

Squid

Accepted Answer

Derogatory term for reckless and irresponsible motorcyclists who often ride without proper gear.

Question 27

Road Captains

Accepted Answer

The leaders of a group ride, responsible for route planning and maintaining group integrity.

Question 28

Weaving

Accepted Answer

Moving from side to side within a lane, often as a visibility technique.

Question 29

Chopping the Throttle

Accepted Answer

Suddenly closing the throttle, causing abrupt deceleration.

Question 30

Lifesaver Look

Accepted Answer

A final over-the-shoulder check before changing lanes or direction, particularly important on a motorcycle.

Question 31

Emergency Flares

Accepted Answer

Devices used to alert traffic of a breakdown or accident ahead.

Question 32

Armored Clothing

Accepted Answer

Protective gear that incorporates built-in armor or padding to protect against impact and abrasion.

Question 33

Controlled Braking

Accepted Answer

The process of using both brakes simultaneously for the most effective braking.

Question 34

Helmet Standards

Accepted Answer

Safety regulations for motorcycle helmets, such as DOT, SNELL, and ECE.

Question 35

Modulating Headlight

Accepted Answer

A headlight that fluctuates in intensity to increase a motorcycle's visibility to other motorists.

Question 36

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Accepted Answer

A system that prevents the wheels from locking up (or skidding) while braking.

Question 37

Traction Control

Accepted Answer

A motorcycle safety feature that helps prevent the bike's wheels from spinning uncontrollably.

Question 38

High Side Crash

Accepted Answer

A type of motorcycle accident where the bike flips over the rider due to rear wheel skid and sudden regain of traction.

Question 39

Low Side Crash

Accepted Answer

A type of motorcycle accident where the bike slides out from under the rider, typically occurring during a turn.

Question 40

Defensive Riding

Accepted Answer

The practice of riding to anticipate potential hazards and not assuming other drivers see you.

Question 41

Body Steering

Accepted Answer

The use of body weight and position to help steer a motorcycle.

Question 42

Two-Second Rule

Accepted Answer

A safety guideline that recommends maintaining a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead.

Question 43

Late Apexing

Accepted Answer

The practice of entering a corner wide and clipping the apex late, to increase visibility and exit speed.

Question 44

Rolling on the Throttle

Accepted Answer

Gradually increasing throttle to ensure smooth acceleration.

Question 45

Stoppie

Accepted Answer

A maneuver where the rear wheel lifts off the ground while the bike is stopping; often a result of abrupt braking.

Question 46

Riding in the Rain

Accepted Answer

Increased hazards due to reduced traction and visibility when riding a motorcycle in wet conditions.

Question 47

Ride Within Your Limits

Accepted Answer

Concept that a rider should not exceed their skill level or comfort zone while riding.

Question 48

Backing it in

Accepted Answer

A riding technique where the rear wheel is slid into a corner, often used in racing.

Question 49

Overtaking

Accepted Answer

The act of passing another vehicle on the road.

Question 50

Shoulder Check

Accepted Answer

The act of looking over one's shoulder to check for vehicles in the blind spot before changing lanes or turning.

Question 51

Motorcycle Maintenance

Accepted Answer

Regular checks and services to keep a motorcycle in optimum condition, including oil changes, brake checks, and tire inspections.

Question 52

Tire Pressure

Accepted Answer

The amount of air in the motorcycle's tires, crucial for optimal handling and safety.

Question 53

Box Position

Accepted Answer

An ideal parking position for motorcycles, oriented for an easy exit.

Question 54

Pre-lean

Accepted Answer

The act of moving your body into the lean before initiating a turn, allowing for smoother and quicker cornering.

US Maine Motorcycle License Advanced Knowledge Flashcards