CBR Motorcycle Theory A flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Inverted red triangle sign

A give-way sign: the rider must yield to traffic on the crossing road and must not proceed unless the way is clear. It is not a full stop sign.

Red octagon STOP sign

Requires a complete stop at the stop line, then yielding to all traffic on the crossed road before proceeding. Rolling through is an offence even when the road looks empty.

Zone 30 sign

Sets a 30 km/h limit for the whole zone until an end-of-zone sign appears. The limit applies to every street inside the zone, not only the street where the sign stands.

Motorway minimum speed

On Belgian motorways the minimum speed is 70 km/h and only vehicles capable of more than 60 km/h may enter. Slower vehicles must use ordinary roads instead.

Priority from the right

At an intersection without signs or lights, the rider must yield to traffic approaching from the right. This default rule applies in Belgium unless a sign or light overrides it.

Turning left across traffic

A rider turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road being entered. Wait for a safe gap.

Roundabout lane choice

Use the right lane for the first exit and the left lane for later exits. Change to the right lane only after passing the exit before yours, and yield to circulating traffic on entry.

Tram priority

Trams have priority over other traffic unless a sign or signal states otherwise. Never overtake a tram stopped at a stop where passengers are boarding or alighting.

Countersteering

Above about 20 km/h, pushing the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward makes the motorcycle lean and turn that way. It is the normal way to initiate a bend.

Lifesaver shoulder check

A glance over the shoulder before a lane change, overtake or junction entry. Mirrors leave blind spots, and a shoulder check confirms the space is genuinely clear.

Emergency braking technique

Apply both brakes progressively with the bike upright and the front wheel straight. On ABS-equipped bikes, brake firmly and let the system prevent wheel lock.

Cornering sequence

Brake before the bend, set entry speed, look through the corner, hold a steady throttle to the apex and accelerate gently on exit. Braking mid-corner reduces grip.

Wet road hazards

Painted markings, tram rails, manhole covers and wet leaves lose grip when wet. Cross them upright, avoid braking on them and reduce speed before reaching them.

Dooring risk

Ride at least one metre from parked cars and watch for occupants, brake lights and front wheels turning. A suddenly opened door can cause a serious crash.

Truck blind spots

Never ride alongside a truck cab or behind its trailer. If you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you; overtake decisively and move clear.

Fatigue on long rides

Take a break after about two hours of riding. Micro-sleeps cause loss of control and are a leading cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes on long journeys.

Two-second rule

Pick a fixed point and count two seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it. Increase to four seconds in rain and six or more in ice or fog.

Braking distance versus speed

Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed quadruples the distance. At 50 km/h it is about 13 metres on dry asphalt; at 100 km/h about 52 metres.

Thinking distance

The distance travelled during reaction time before the brakes bite. At 50 km/h with a one-second reaction time it is about 14 metres, added to the braking distance.

Wet and icy braking

Wet asphalt roughly doubles braking distance and ice can increase it fivefold or more. Reduce speed and increase following distance well before conditions deteriorate.

Motorway breakdown procedure

Stop on the hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights and place the warning triangle at least 100 metres behind the vehicle. Wait behind the barrier, away from traffic.

Helmet approval standard

A CE-approved helmet meeting EN 22.05 or ECE 22.06 is mandatory for rider and passenger in Belgium. The chin strap must be fastened while riding.

Motorcycle tyre tread depth

The legal minimum tread depth for motorcycles over 50 cc is 1 mm. Check pressure weekly when cold; under-inflation harms handling and overheats the tyre.

Chain slack and lubrication

Check chain slack against the manufacturer's figure, typically 20-30 mm, and lubricate every 500-600 km, more often in rain. A worn chain must be replaced.

Daytime lighting requirement

Belgian motorcycles must run a low beam or approved daytime running light while riding. A dipped headlight is also required when visibility drops below 200 metres.

POWDER pre-ride check

Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics and Rubber. A two-minute check before every ride catches low fluids, tyre problems and failed lights before they cause trouble.

Brake pad replacement point

Replace brake pads when friction material falls below about 1-2 mm. Also check discs for scoring, warping and minimum thickness, and replace brake fluid every two years.

Chain and sprocket wear

A chain with tight spots or hooked sprocket teeth is worn out. Replace chain and sprockets as a set, because a new chain on worn sprockets wears out quickly.

Low oil pressure warning

If the oil pressure warning light comes on while riding, stop the engine immediately and check the oil level. Continuing to ride can destroy the engine.

Protecting an accident scene

Switch on hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest and place the warning triangle at least 30 metres behind the accident on ordinary roads and 100 metres on motorways.

Emergency call 112

The European emergency number. Give the location, number of casualties, hazards and your name, and stay on the line until the operator ends the call.

Helmet removal after a crash

Do not remove an injured rider's helmet unless the airway is blocked and cannot be cleared otherwise. Removal can worsen a spinal injury; leave it to trained responders.