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Saskatchewan Class 6 overview

Saskatchewan Class 6: Controls and the daily check

The instruments, switches, levers and pedals of a typical motorcycle, what each one does, and the pre-ride check of tires, brakes, lights, fluids and mirrors.

  • 18 questions
  • Topic drill
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Controls and the daily check · Question 1Score 0/0

In which ignition switch positions can you remove the key?

Study reference: SGI Motorcycle Handbook (online edition, Rev. 2026), Ch. 3 Preparing to ride — Know your motorcycle controls, Daily motorcycle check

All 18 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. In which ignition switch positions can you remove the key?

    1. Any position at all
    2. ON or LIGHTS
    3. LIGHTS or PARK
    4. OFF or PARK

  2. What is the choke used for?

    1. Switching from high to low beam
    2. Cooling an overheated engine
    3. Slowing the bike on hills
    4. Starting a cold engine

  3. What should the throttle do when you take your hand off it?

    1. Shut the engine off
    2. Switch to the reserve fuel supply
    3. Stay where you left it
    4. Spring back to idle

  4. When should the fuel supply valve be turned to OFF?

    1. Only while riding on the open highway
    2. Only during the daily inspection
    3. Whenever the motorcycle is not in use
    4. Only when the tank is nearly empty

  5. Where is the clutch lever and what does squeezing it do?

    1. Left handlebar; it disconnects power from the rear wheel
    2. Right handlebar; it applies the front brake and the brake light
    3. Left footrest; it selects the next gear
    4. Right footrest; it applies the rear brake

  6. Which instrument shows engine speed and marks the maximum safe rpm with a red line?

    1. The speedometer
    2. The tachometer
    3. The tripmeter
    4. The odometer

  7. How do you change gears on most motorcycles?

    1. Press a button on the right handlebar
    2. Twist the throttle while pressing the right pedal
    3. Release the clutch, then move the right foot pedal
    4. Squeeze the clutch, then move the left foot pedal

  8. What is the red switch on the right handlebar usually for?

    1. Switching the fuel supply over to the reserve tank
    2. Turning on the four-way hazard lights
    3. Flashing the high beam
    4. Stopping the engine quickly in an emergency

  9. How can you confirm your headlight is on during the day?

    1. Pass your hand in front of the beam
    2. Look for a green light on the dash
    3. Listen for a clicking sound
    4. Check that the horn works

  10. On a switch with a PARK setting, what does PARK turn on?

    1. The turn signals as hazard lights
    2. Only the headlight
    3. The headlight and the tail light
    4. Only the tail light

  11. How should a motorcycle fit you when you sit on it?

    1. You must lean the bike to touch down
    2. Only your toes reach the ground when you are seated
    3. Your knees are above the handlebars
    4. You can put both feet flat on the ground

  12. Which hand operates the throttle?

    1. The left hand
    2. Either hand
    3. The right hand
    4. Neither; it is a foot control

  13. Why is checking the oil level part of the daily check?

    1. Low oil makes the headlight and signals dim
    2. Low oil switches off the turn signals
    3. Low oil can seize the engine and lock the rear wheel
    4. Low oil only affects how much fuel the engine burns

  14. On most motorcycles, how do you apply the front and rear brakes?

    1. Left foot pedal for front, right foot pedal for rear
    2. Right-hand lever for both wheels
    3. Left-hand lever for front, left foot pedal for the rear wheel
    4. Right-hand lever for front, right foot pedal for rear

  15. How should each mirror be adjusted before you ride?

    1. To point at the road just behind the rear tire
    2. To show only the lane beside you
    3. To show half the lane behind and much of the next lane
    4. To show your own shoulders and arms clearly in each mirror

  16. During your daily check, when must a tire be replaced?

    1. Only after a flat tire
    2. When it has been on for one season
    3. When the sidewall looks dusty
    4. When the centre wear bar is showing

  17. Why must you check your turn signal after every turn or lane change?

    1. Most motorcycle signals do not cancel themselves
    2. The signal turns off the headlight
    3. Signals switch to hazard mode after every turn
    4. The signal drains the battery within a few minutes

  18. What colour is the neutral indicator light on most motorcycles?

    1. Red
    2. Blue
    3. Amber
    4. Green

Controls and the daily check: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Know your motorcycle controls

  • You will be tested on where the controls are; you should be able to reach every control without looking.
  • Choose a bike that is not too heavy or large: seated, you should be able to put your feet flat on the ground.
  • Controls are not always in the same place on every motorcycle; check the owner's manual.
  • Tachometer = engine speed in rpm, with a red line marking the safe maximum; odometer = total distance; tripmeter = distance since reset.
  • Neutral indicator light is green; turn signal indicator flashes amber; high beam indicator is red or blue.
  • Ignition key can be removed only in OFF or PARK; PARK turns on only the tail light.
  • On newer motorcycles the headlight and tail light come on automatically when the engine runs.
  • Dimmer, turn signal and horn switches are usually on the left handlebar, worked by the left thumb.
  • Most motorcycle turn signals do not cancel themselves; you must cancel them after each turn or lane change.
  • The brake light comes on when either the front or the rear brake is applied.
  • Fuel supply valve (petcock): OFF when parked, ON to run, RESERVE when the main supply runs dry; you should be able to switch it while riding.
  • Choke is used to start a cold engine and is turned off once the engine warms up.
  • Throttle = right handgrip; twist toward you to speed up; it must snap back to idle when released.
  • Clutch lever = left handlebar; squeeze to disconnect engine power from the rear wheel; squeeze it for every gear change.
  • Front brake = lever on the right handlebar (right hand); rear brake = pedal in front of the right footrest (right foot).
  • Gear selector pedal = left side, worked with the left toe, only with the clutch squeezed; most bikes have four or five gears and neutral.
  • Engine-kill switch = right handlebar, usually red, for stopping the engine quickly in an emergency; the engine will not start with it OFF.
  • Side stand holds the bike leaning; centre stand holds it upright; retract the stand before moving off.

Daily motorcycle check

  • Find problems before you are in traffic.
  • Tires: check pressure (owner's manual), tread and damage; replace the tire once the centre wear bar shows.
  • Brakes: test front and rear separately; each should hold the bike when fully applied.
  • Throttle should snap back when released; cables should have no kinks or broken strands.
  • Check all four turn signals, both headlight beams, and that each brake control turns on the brake light.
  • In daylight, pass your hand in front of the headlight to confirm it is on.
  • Check gas and oil; lack of oil can make the engine seize and lock the rear wheel.
  • Clean and adjust both mirrors before riding: each should show half the lane behind and as much of the next lane as possible.

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