How Much of a Motorcycle Expert Are You?

AUTO

By: Annette

5 Min Quiz

Image: YouTube

About This Quiz

Oh, the thrill of speed! If you're a motorcycle fan, then you know that nothing will get in the way of you and a good ride. In this quiz we're going to test your knowledge of the basic and not-so-basic facts of motorcycling​ and its history. So, buckle up - or rather, put on a helmet - and let's go for a ride!

Today, bikes are constructed by all of these methods EXCEPT _____________?

So far, bikes are not constructed telepathically, but that would be pretty cool.

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An inventor from what country is credited with coining the word "motorcycle​"?

British inventor Edward Butler came up with the word. We thank him for it.

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What does a kill switch do?

If your bike won't start, check the kill switch. On the other hand, if you crash or tip over, hit the kill switch to kill the engine.

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What is the most famous motorcycle movie ever made?

No question. If you've never seen this film, then you are not a motorcycle rider. Truly.

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In motorcycle terminology, what does R mean?

Race Replica it is. But shouldn't it be RR?

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The word "vespa" means what in Italian?

Vespa means "wasp." It makes sense, when you see those little suckers buzzing around Italy!

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What is countersteering?

If you want to turn left, turn the handlebars to the right, then lean to the left and make a left turn. Are you surprised?

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Motorcycles took the role of what in WWI?

Motorcycles, in some cases, actually took the place of horses in WWI. That's pretty friggin' awesome.

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What bike did Marlon Brando ride in "The Wild One"?

Classic bike. Classic movie. Everyone wants to be Marlon Brando. Except in his later years...

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Of course they make motorcycles, but which of these does Yamaha NOT produce?

Yamaha makes a great bike. But they also make practically everything else!

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The gearshift lever was invented in what year?

Invented by Harold Willis, this replaced the antiquated foot clutch and hand lever system.

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Which of these is NOT a major cause of motorcycle accidents on the road?

Although riding drunk on a bike would be a serious problem, it's not a major cause of motorcycle accidents, because it rarely happens. People aren't THAT stupid.

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Along with motorcycles, what does the brand Triumph also make?

Triumph also makes golf balls! Hopefully, the balls are just as fast as the bikes!

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Which company made the first successful motorcyle in 1901?

The Indian motorcycle was made in Springfield, Massachusetts. Did you know that motorcycles were a piece of Americana?

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What country did motocross come from?

Thank the British for motocross! It's an incredibly demanding sport, and riders drink tea before competing. J/k.

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Where is the throttle?

The throttle, located on the right handlebar grip, controls speed. Don't get it confused!

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When a bike is being manufactured, what step of the process​ takes place first?

A bike is born with welding. The frame is assembled, and the magic takes place after that.

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What is injection molding?

This process creates the plastic body trim parts of the bike.

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Which of these is NOT a motorcycle part?

Motorcycles don't have a rear bumper. Those are for cars. Well, okay, there is such a thing as a rear fender bumper, but that's different.

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What did the first Harley use for a carburator?

It used a tomato can. But it should have used a beer can, right?

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Which of these was NOT a motorcycle manufacturer at one time or another?

Wow. That's kind of scary.

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When taking a corner, how much of the grip comes from the front tire?

Wow. Say a prayer for that front tire! It's doing a lot of work - both lateral grip and direction control.

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Ducati got its start making what product?

This was before WWII. They went on to become a tremendous motorcycle manufacturer!

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The Suzuki Hayabusa is named after what?

This tremendous bike is name after a fighter plane, and the peregrine falcon.

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Which was the first company to advertise motorcyle speeds of over 100 mph?

This was in 1927! Did cars even go that fast then?

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How did Michio Suzuki get his start?

These looms led the way to making not only superior motorcycles but also a number of other amazing motorized and electronic products.

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Which of these does Yamaha NOT make?

But shouldn't they, though? I mean, that would be some serious ice cream!

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How many episodes of "Street Hawk" were there?

Only 13! The injustice... The show aired in 1985 on ABC.

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Some polycarbonate helmets are made from what?

Talk about recycling! But at least they keep your head protected.

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On a motorcycle, which brake is most important?

The front and rear brake are usually used in tandem, but the front brake has the most stopping power. Don't just use the rear brake.

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Which of these is true about front tires, as compared to rear tires?

Front tires actually disperse water about three times faster. That seems like a good thing.

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Cucciolo, the name of the first Ducati, means what?

Such a cute name for such a speedy piece of equipment. Leave it to the Italians.

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Steve McQueen's motorcycle from the final scene of "The Great Escape" was also used by who?

Can you believe it? That bike was ridden by The Fonz!

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What is the most stolen motorcycle?

People assume it's Harley, but it's not. Honda is the most stolen.

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What did HOG originally stand for?

Now it just refers to any generic large bike. But Harley did try to trademark it.

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