Which of the following statements about carrying passengers are true?
- It will take you longer to speed up.
- It will take you longer to make a turn.
- Your stopping distance will increase.
- All of the above statements are true. ✓
Answer: D. All of the above statements are true.
All of the above statements are true: carrying a passenger makes the motorcycle take longer to speed up, longer to turn, and longer to slow down, so stopping distance increases.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says that a passenger's extra weight makes the motorcycle respond more slowly. It specifically lists speeding up, slowing down and turning as taking more time, and notes that a heavier passenger makes the response slower. Since slowing down takes longer, stopping distance increases too. The first three statements are each part of that same effect, so the all-of-the-above choice is correct.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. It will take you longer to speed up. — Taking longer to accelerate is true, but it is only one of the listed effects and ignores the slower turning and slowing.
- B. It will take you longer to make a turn. — Taking longer to turn is true, but it is only one of the listed effects and ignores the slower acceleration and slowing.
- C. Your stopping distance will increase. — Increased stopping distance is true, but it is only one of the listed effects and ignores the slower acceleration and turning.
Remember it
Extra weight means extra time: acceleration, turning and slowing all lag.
Official handbook: Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook, Carrying passengers