Red Seal Motorcycle Technician Practice Exam

What can be a consequence of not adjusting the drive belt tension?

1. Loss of acceleration

2. Increased fuel efficiency

3. Enhanced tire grip

4. Reduced engine noise

The correct answer is: Loss of acceleration

Not adjusting the drive belt tension can indeed lead to a loss of acceleration. The drive belt is a critical component in the transmission system of a motorcycle, transferring power from the engine to the wheels. If the tension is too loose, the belt can slip, which means it won’t effectively transfer the engine's power to propel the motorcycle forward. This slippage can result in poor acceleration response since the engine power is not effectively utilized. In contrast, the other options imply either a benefit or improvement that does not directly relate to the consequences of incorrect belt tension. Increased fuel efficiency and enhanced tire grip would typically be associated with optimal performance and correct adjustments throughout the motorcycle’s systems. Reduced engine noise can be a characteristic of a well-maintained engine, but it does not directly correlate with drive belt tension. Therefore, loss of acceleration is the most accurate consequence of not properly adjusting the drive belt tension.