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i
MOTORCYCLEOPERATOR
MANUAL
A N M S F M A N U A L
With Supplementary Information
for Three-Wheel Motorcycles
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Dear Motorcyclist:
We at the Arizona Department of Transportations Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) are
pleased to provide this comprehensive Motorcycle Operator Manual to convey the
essentials of safe riding information to operate a motorcycle on Arizona streets and
roadways and crash avoidance.
To ensure that the information contained in the manual achieves the most current
and nationally recognized standard, we have reprinted, with permission, the
Sixteenth Revision of the Motorcycle Operator Manual provided by the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation. For your convenience, Arizona licensing information is also
provided.
Funding for this manual is provided by the Governors Office of Highway Safety and
Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council through the Motorcycle Safety Fund
A.R.S. 28-2010(C).
Motorcycling can be an enjoyable and safe experience. To make it even safer, follow
these guidelines:
Enroll in a basic or experienced rider course
Check your motorcycle before riding
Avoid alcohol and other drugs when riding
Wear protective clothing, including a helmet and eye protection
Ride with your headlights on
Wear bright colored clothing
Arizona continues to experience growth in the number of motorcycle enthusiasts.Whether you ride your motorcycle for pleasure or basic transportation, rider/driver
safety is very important. With your help, we can make motorcycles a safer form of
transportation.
We look forward to providing you with outstanding customer service: by phone, in
an MVD customer service center, and online at www.azdot.gov.
Stacey K. Stanton, Director
Arizona Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Division
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ARIZONA LICENSING INFORMATION
Operating a motorcycle requires
special skills in addition to a thorough
knowledge of traffic laws, registration
and licensing requirements. This manualsupplements information contained in
theArizona Driver License Manual and
Customer Service Guide and provides
useful information for all motorcyclists
regardless of riding experience. It
presents safe driving practices and
techniques developed by the National
Motorcycle Safety Foundation and
provides information to help you obtainan Arizona driver license. It is not
intended as an official reference.
TheArizona Driver License Manual and
Customer Service Guideis available online
at www.azdot.gov or may be requested
by phone:
Phoenix: (602) 255-0072
Tucson: (520) 629-9808elsewhere in AZ: (800) 251-5866
TDD Hearing and Speech Impaired:
(602) 712-3222.
Changes may have been made to the
information contained in this publication
since it was last revised. Please check
the Motor Vehicle Division's What's New
page atwww.azdot.gov for updates.
Arizona's Driver LicenseArizona issues a driver license that
does not expire until age 65. However,
your photo and eye test will need to be
updated every 12 years. Drivers 60 and
over will receive a 5-year license.
Temporary residents such as out-of-state
students and their family members,
or military personnel and their family
members may apply for a 5-year license
regardless of age.
Types of LicensesLicenses are issued by "class": M for
motorcycle, G for graduated, D for operator,
and A, B, C for commercial. If the class Mlicense is combined with any other class of
license, it will be added as an "endorsement"
on the back of the current license.
Instruction PermitsIf you are at least 15 years and 6 monthsof age, you may be issued a motorcycleinstruction permit.
With a permit you are prohibited fromcarrying passengers and operating amotorcycle on freeways or interstatehighways or between sunset and sunrise,or at any time when there is not enoughlight to clearly see persons or vehicles at adistance of 500 feet. A motorcycle permit isvalid for 6 months and can be renewed onlyone time within a 24-month period. You will
be required to retake the written test whenrenewing an expired motorcycle permit.
Class MA motorcycle license or endorsementis required to operate a motorcycle ormotor-driven cycle. You must be at least16 years of age to apply for a motorcyclelicense or endorsement.
An applicant for a motorcycle license or
endorsement who is under 18 must have
held an Arizona instruction permit for atleast 6 months. The permit must be valid
at the time of application. An applicantmust also have satisfactorily completed a
motorcycle driver education program that isapproved by MVD, or the parent or guardian
must certify in writing that the applicant has
completed at least 30 hours of motorcycle
driving practice.
An applicant holding an out-of-statemotorcycle license or endorsement
is exempt from the driver education/
driving practice and instruction permitrequirements.
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Class G with an EndorsementA graduated driver license with a
motorcycle endorsement is issued to an
applicant who is at least 16, but less than
18 years of age and is valid to operate
any vehicle that does not require acommercial license.
The applicant must have held both an
Arizona graduated instruction permit
and an Arizona motorcycle instruction
permit for at least 6 months. The permits
must be valid at the time of application.
An applicant must also have satisfactorily
completed both a graduated and a
motorcycle driver education program
approved by MVD or the parent or
guardian must certify in writing that
the applicant has completed at least 30
hours of supervised driving practice, or
have successfully completed a certified
motorcycle safety course.
Class D with an EndorsementAn operator license with a motorcycle
endorsement allows you to drive
any vehicle that does not require a
commercial license. You must be at least
18 years of age to apply for an operator
license.
Class A, B or C with an
EndorsementA commercial license (CDL), with a
motorcycle endorsement allows you to
drive heavy-weight vehicles, 26,001 lbs.
or more gross vehicle weight (GVW),
vehicles capable of carrying 16 or more
passengers (including the driver), or
vehicles required to be placarded for
hazardous material. The minimum age
for a commercial driver license is 21. If
you are at least 18, you may apply for anintrastate commercial driver license that
is valid only in Arizona.
For additional information, see the
Commercial Driver License Manual,
available online at www.azdot.gov.
RestrictionsIf you test with a 100cc or less
motorcycle, you will receive a J
restriction. You must test with a
motorcycle greater than 100cc to obtain
an unrestricted license.
TestsMVD is responsible for screening and
testing driver license applicants. This
helps the ensure that Arizona drivers
have the necessary knowledge and
ability to safely handle the vehicles they
will be driving.
Medical ScreeningAssisted by the Arizona Medical Advisory
Board, MVD has established medical
standards for driver licensing. Several
questions regarding your medical
condition are included on the driver
license application.
You must report to MVD any medical
conditions that develop or worsen that
may affect your ability to safely operate
a motor vehicle. This must be done
within five days of a change or as soon
as the condition allows. The written
report must include: full name, address,
date of birth, description of condition
and signature. The report must be sent
to: Mail Drop 818Z, Medical Review
Program, PO Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ
85001-2100;
phone: 602.771.2460
fax: 623.925.9323
Vision ScreeningYou may be given a vision exam. If you
wear prescription glasses or contact
lenses for distance vision, be sure to wear
them. You must have uncorrected visionof 20/40 or better in at least one eye in
order to obtain an unrestricted license.
If you cannot meet this requirement
without glasses or contact lenses, you will
be given a license with an A restriction. An
A restriction means you must always wear
your glasses or contact lenses when driving.
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A test of visual field will also be given to
check how far you can see to the side while
keeping your eyes straight ahead.
In addition, drivers who visit an MVD
office for vehicle title and registration
services may be required to update this
vision exam.
Written TestsWhen applying for your first Arizona
driver license or instruction permit with a
motorcycle endorsement, you must pass
a written motorcycle test based on the
information contained in this manual,
and a separate driver license test based
on the information in the Arizona Driver
License Manual and Customer Service
Guide. One application fee allows you 3
attempts to pass the tests in a 12-month
period.
The written motorcycle license
examination is available in English and
Spanish. If you cannot take a written
test, arrangements can be made for
an oral examination. If you need an
interpreter, you must provide one.
Exercises for Two Wheel
MotorcyclesThe motorcycle skills test is a 10-15
minute demonstration of your ridingability that consists of performing
maneuvers on an off-street, 30 x 125
closed track as described in the following
instructions.
If you have a current out-of-state
motorcycle license in your possession,
and the state that issued the license
requires a motorcycle skills test similarto that given by Arizona, then you
normally will not be required to take the
test. However, you may be required to
take a test anytime that you apply for an
Arizona license.
Exercise 1
Cone Weave, Normal Stop:
Ride to the right of the first cone, to the
left of the second, and so on. Weave
past all five cones without touching or
skipping a cone or putting a foot down.
Turn left and ride toward that side of the
course. Make a smooth, non-skidding
stop with your front tire inside the box.
When stopped your front tire must not
touch the painted lines. Remain stopped.
Cones are placed 12 feet apart.
1
3&4
2
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Exercise 2
Turn from a stop, U-Turn:
Make a right turn between the boundary
lines. Do not touch either line or put
a foot down. Diagonally, cross to the
opposite side of the range and make a
left u-turn inside the painted box at the
far end of the range. Do not touch the
solid line (motorcycles 600cc or more) or
the dashed line (motorcycles less than
600cc) or put a foot down. Stop with
your front tire inside that box and wait
for further instructions.
Exercise 3
Quick Stop:
From a full stop, accelerate in a straight
line through the timing zone. Stabilize
your speed between 12-18 mph by the
time you reach the first line. Maintain
a steady speed. When your front tire
crosses the second line, stop as fast as
you safely can. You will not lose points
if you skid. Once stopped, do not
allow your motorcycle to roll in eitherdirection.
Exercise 4
Obstacle Swerve:
From a full stop, ride through the timing
zone at 12-18 mph. When your front tire
passes the second line, swerve right or
left, as instructed. Avoid the obstacle
line but stay inside the boundary line.Do not touch either line. Stop smoothly
and wait for further instructions.
Exercises for Three-Wheel
Motorcycles:
Exercise 1
Left Turn, Normal Stop:Accelerate straight ahead and make
a sharp left turn between the outside
boundary line and the cone marker. Do
not touch the outside line or the cone.
Ride toward the end of the course, as
instructed. Make a smooth, non-skidding
stop with your front tire inside the box.
(Left front tire on vehicles with two front
tires.) When stopped, your front tire
must not touch the painted lines.
Exercise 2
Cone Weave, Turn from a Stop:
Ride to the left of the first cone, to the
right of the second, and to the left of the
third. Weave past all three cones without
touching or skipping any of the cones.
Turn right at the end of the course and
stop at the Start T facing the other
side of the course. Upon signal, make
a right hand turn between the outside
boundary line and the cone. Do not
1
3&4
2
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touch the outside boundary line or the
cone. Make a smooth, non-skidding stop
with your front tire inside the box and
wait for further instructions.
Exercise 3Quick Stop:
From a full stop, accelerate in a straight
line. Stabilize your speed between 12-18
mph by the time you reach the first line.
Maintain a steady speed. When your
front tire/overhang crosses the second
line, stop as fast as you safely can. You
will not lose points if you skid.
Exercise 4
Obstacle Swerve:
From a full stop, accelerate in a straight
line. Stabilize your speed between 12-18
mph by the time you reach the first
line. Maintain a steady speed. When
your front tire/overhang passes the
second line swerve to the (right/left), as
instructed. Avoid the obstacle line andstay to the inside of the sideline. Do not
touch either line. Stop smoothly.
General InstructionsYou have the right to stop the test at
any time. Inform the examiner that you
do not want to continue the test. The
examiner will tell you the conditions for
taking the test at a later date.
The examiner may stop the test if any of
the following occurs:
You fail to demonstrate basic control
skills.
You accumulate more than the
maximum number of points.
You commit an unsafe act.
You fail to understand or follow
directions.
You fall or drop the motorcycle
while on the test track.
Mechanical failure.
Inclement weather, including
temperatures 105 and above.
The motorcycle that you use for this test
must be in good mechanical condition,
be properly registered and have allequipment required by Arizona law.
Protective Gear
Must be worn during testing:
Helmet- U.S. Department of
Transportation (USDOT) approved
motorcycle helmet in good condition
properly fastened (may waive if 18 or
older.)
Gloves - Designed for use when
operating a motorcycle or other gloves
that permit freedom to operate controls.
Clothing- Long pants and a jacket or
long sleeve shirt.
Footwear- Boots or shoes that cover
the ankle made of sturdy materialthat do not interfere with operation of
motorcycle controls.
Eye Protection- Face shield, goggles,
safety glasses or protective windshield.
Testing Locations & HoursFor the nearest testing location, visit
www.azdot.gov/mvd or call:
Phoenix: (602) 255-0072
Tucson: (520) 629-9808
elsewhere in AZ: (800) 251-5866
TDD Hearing and Speech Impaired:
(602) 712-3222
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Safety Equipment
Arizona law requires operators and
passengers under 18 to wear a
helmet that is safely secured.
You are encouraged to use yourheadlight, on high beams, during
the daylight hours to maximize your
visibility. You may use a modulating
headlight during the day, if the light
modulates at least 200 cycles per
minute.
You must have at least one horn
capable of emitting sound for at
least 200 feet. A minimum of one rearview mirror
is required.
Riders are encouraged to equip the
motorcycle with both hand and foot
brakes, but Arizona law requires at
least one brake.
Fuel tanks must be properly closed
by a cap or cover.
Motorcycle operators are required
to wear protective glasses, goggles
or a transparent face shield, unless
the motorcycle is equipped with a
protective windshield. Windscreens
on sport-style motorcycles are not
considered protective windshields.
Seat and footrests are requiredfor motorcycle operators. Seat,
footrests and handrails are required
for the passenger. Passengers must
be able to rest their feet on the foot
pegs.
Handlebars must be positioned so
that the hands of the operator are
not above the operators shoulder
height, when the operator is sittingastride the seat and the operators
hands are on the handlebar grip.
Motorcycle Safety CoursesAs an alternative to the motorcycle
skills test, you may take a Motorcycle
Rider Courseoffered by MVD authorized
schools at several locations throughout
Arizona. The Certificate of Completionyou will receive when you successfully
complete the course eliminates the
requirement to take the knowledge and
skills tests at MVD.
Beginning Riders
Motorcycle Rider Course-Riding and
Street Skills: For beginning riders of
all ages. This is a hands on trainingprogram in a controlled, off-street
environment. Each instructor is certified
by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
and MVD. The course is approximately 20
hours long and most often scheduled on
weekends. The course fee includes the
costs of motorcycle rental, helmet rental,
insurance and classroom materials.
Experienced Riders
Experienced Rider Course-This course
gives participants an opportunity to
increase their riding skills on their own
motorcycle while examining defensive
driving strategies. Advanced riding
techniques in cornering, braking and
swerving are presented and practiced.
Emphasis is placed on accident
avoidance techniques.
Locate a Course
Locate the motorcycle safety course
nearest you online at
www.azdot.gov/mvd, click on Driver
Services
________________________________
Funding for this manual provided by
the Governors Office of Highway Safety
and Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory
Council Fund, A.R.S. 28-2010(C).
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PREFACE
Operating a motorcycle safelyin traffic requires special skills andknowledge. The Motorcycle SafetyFoundation (MSF) has made this manualavailable to help novice motorcyclistsreduce their risk of having a crash. Themanual conveys essential safe ridinginformation and has been designedfor use in licensing programs. Whiledesigned for the novice, all motorcyclistscan benefit from the information this
manual contains.
The original Motorcycle OperatorManual was developed by the NationalPublic Services Research Institute (NPSRI)under contract to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)and within the terms of a cooperativeagreement between NHTSA and the
MSF. The manual and related testswere used in a multi-year study ofimproved motorcycle operator licensingprocedures, conducted by the CaliforniaDepartment of Motor Vehicles undercontract to NHTSA.
The purpose of this manual is toeducate the reader to help avoid crasheswhile safely operating a motorcycle. For
this edition, the MSF has updated andexpanded the content of the originalmanual.
These revisions reflect:
The latest nding of motorcycle-safety research.
Comments and guidance providedby the motorcycling, licensing andtraffic safety communities.
Supplementary information forThree-Wheel vehicles
In promoting improved licensing
programs, the MSF works closely withstate licensing agencies. The Foundationhas helped more than half the statesin the nation adopt the MotorcycleOperator Manual for use in theirlicensing systems.
Improved licensing, along with high-quality motorcycle rider education andincreased public awareness, has the
potential to reduce crashes. Staff at theFoundation are available to assist state,private and governmental agencies inefforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Tim BuchePresident,Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner, Suite 150Irvine, CA 92618-3806
www.msf-usa.org
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CONTENTS 3
CONTENTS
PREPARING TO RIDE
Wear the Right Gear ............................4
Know Your Motorcycle ........................6
Know Your Responsibilities .................9
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
Basic Vehicle Control ..........................10
Keeping Your Distance .......................12
SEE .......................................................17
Intersections .......................................18
Increasing Conspicuity .......................21Crash Avoidance .................................24
Handling Dangerous Surfaces ...........27
Mechanical Problems .........................30
Animals ...............................................31
Flying Objects .....................................32
Getting Off the Road .........................32
Carrying Passengersand Cargo .......................................32
Group Riding .......................................34
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Why This Information IsImportant .......................................36
Alcohol and Other Drugs inMotorcycle Operation ....................36
Alcohol in the Body ............................37
Alcohol and the Law ..........................38
Minimize the Risks .............................38
Step in to Protect Friends ..................39
Fatigue ................................................39
EARNING YOUR LICENSE 40
THREE-WHEEL SUPPLEMENT
Supplementary Informationfor Three-Wheel Vehicles ...............42
Know Your Vehicle ..............................42
Basic Vehicle Control ...........................44
Carrying Passengers and Cargo ..........47
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What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determiningwhether or not youll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off onany trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
1. Wear the right gear.
2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.
3. Check the motorcycle equipment.
4. Be a responsible rider.
4 PREPARING TO RIDE
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride, your gear is right
if it protects you. In any crash, you havea far better chance of avoiding seriousinjury if you wear:
A DOT compliant helmet.
Face or eye protection.
Protective clothing.
Helmet Use
Crashes can occur particularlyamong untrained, beginning riders.And one out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neck injuries.Head injuries are just as severe as neckinjuries and far more common. Crashanalyses show that head and neckinjuries account for a majority of seriousand fatal injuries to motorcyclists.
Research also shows that, with fewexceptions, head and neck injuries arereduced by properly wearing a qualityhelmet.
Some riders dont wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides. Others wearhelmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds. But, here are
some facts to consider:
A DOT compliant helmetletsyou see as far to the sides asnecessary. A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes, where40% of the riders wore helmets,did not find even one case in whicha helmet kept a rider from spottingdanger.
Most crashes happenon shorttrips (less than five miles long), justa few minutes after starting out.
Most ridersare riding slower than30 mph when a crash occurs. Atthese speeds, helmets can cut boththe number and the severity of headinjuries by half.
No matter what the speed, helmetedriders are three times more likely tosurvive head injuries than those notwearing helmets at the time of thecrash. The single most important thing
you can do to improve your chances ofsurviving a crash is to wear a securely-fastened, quality helmet.
Helmet Selection
There are two primary types ofhelmets, providing two different levelsof coverage: three-quarter and full face.
Whichever style you choose, you canget the most protection by making surethat the helmet:
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Is designed to meet U.S.Department of Transportation(DOT) and state standards. Helmetswith a label from the Snell MemorialFoundation also give you anassurance of quality.
Fits snugly,all the way around. Has no obvious defects such as
cracks, loose padding or frayedstraps.
Whatever helmet you decide on, keepit securely fastened on your head whenyou ride. Otherwise, if you are involvedin a crash, its likely to fly off your headbefore it gets a chance to protect you.
Eye and Face Protection
A plastic shatter-resistant faceshieldcan help protect your whole face in acrash. It also protects you from wind,dust, dirt, rain, insects and pebblesthrown up from cars ahead. Theseproblems are distracting and can bepainful. If you have to deal with them,you cant devote your full attention tothe road.
Goggles protect your eyes, thoughthey wont protect the rest of your facelike a faceshield does. A windshieldis not a substitute for a faceshield orgoggles. Most windshields will notprotect your eyes from the wind. Neither
will eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasseswont keep your eyes from watering,and they might blow off when you turnyour head while riding.
To be effective, eye or faceshieldprotection must:
Be freeof scratches.
Be resistantto penetration.
Give a clear viewto either side.
Fasten securely,so it does notblow off.
Permit airto pass through, toreduce fogging.
Permit enough roomforeyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.
Tinted eye protection should not beworn at night or any other time whenlittle light is available.
HELMETS
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6 PREPARING TO RIDE
Clothing
The right clothing protects you ina collision. It also provides comfort,
as well as protection from heat, cold,debris and hot and moving parts of themotorcycle. It can also make you morevisible to others.
Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. Theyshould fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping in the wind, yetloosely enough to move freely.Leather offers the most protection.Sturdy synthetic material providesa lot of protection as well. Weara jacket even in warm weather toprevent dehydration. Many aredesigned to protect without gettingyou overheated, even on summerdays.
Boots or shoesshould be highand sturdy enough to cover yourankles and give them support. Solesshould be made of hard, durable,slip-resistant material. Keep heelsshort so they do not catch on roughsurfaces. Tuck in laces so they wontcatch on your motorcycle.
Glovesallow a better grip and help
protect your hands in a crash. Yourgloves should be made of leather orsimilar durable material.
In cold or wet weather, your clothesshould keep you warm and dry, aswell as protect you from injury. Youcannot control a motorcycle well ifyou are numb. Riding for long periodsin cold weather can cause severe chilland fatigue. A winter jacket shouldresist wind and fit snugly at the neck,wrists and waist. Good-quality rainsuitsdesigned for motorcycle riding resisttearing apart or ballooning up at highspeeds.
KNOW YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you trouble.Your motorcycle should not be oneof them. To make sure that yourmotorcycle wont let you down:
Readthe owners manual first.
Startwith the right motorcycle foryou.
Be familiarwith the motorcyclecontrols.
Checkthe motorcycle before everyride.
Keepit in safe riding conditionbetween rides.
Avoidadd-ons and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harder
to handle.
The Right Motorcycle For You
First, make sure your motorcycle isright for you. It should fit you. Yourfeet should reach the ground whileyou are seated on the motorcycle, andthe controls should be easy to operate.Smaller motorcycles are usually easier
for beginners to operate.
A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield:
A. Is not necessary if you have awindshield.
B. Only protects your eyes.
C. Helps protect your whole face.
D. Does not protect your face as wellas goggles.
TEST YOURSELF 1
Answer - page 41
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7
At a minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle should have:
Headlight, taillight and
brakelight.
Front and rear brakes.
Turn signals.
Horn.
Two mirrors.
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles,beware. Crashes are fairly commonamong beginning riders especiallyin the first months of riding. Ridingan unfamiliar motorcycle adds to theproblem. If you borrow a motorcycle,get familiar with it in a controlled area.And if you lend your motorcycle tofriends, make sure they are licensed and
know how to ride before allowing themout into traffic.
No matter how experienced you
may be, ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle thats new or unfamiliarto you. More than half of all crashesinvolve riders with less than five monthsof experience on their motorcycle.
Get Familiar with theMotorcycle Controls
Make sure you are completely familiar
with the motorcycle before you takeit out on the street. Be sure to reviewthe owners manual. This is particularlyimportant if you are riding a borrowedmotorcycle.
If you are going to use an unfamiliarmotorcycle:
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Light Switch (high/low)
Choke (varies)
Turn-SignalSwitch
Ignition Key(varies)
Engine Cut-OffSwitch
Horn Button
Clutch LeverSpeedometer& Odometer
Fuel Supply Valve(if equipped)
Gear-Change Lever
Throttle
Front Brake Lever
Tachometer(if equipped)
Rear Brake Pedal
Kick Starter(if equipped)
ElectricStartButton
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8 PREPARING TO RIDE
Make all the checksyou would onyour own motorcycle.
Find out where everything is,
particularly the turn signals, horn,headlight switch, fuel-supply valveand engine cut-off switch. Find andoperate these items without havingto look for them.
Know the gear pattern.Work thethrottle, clutch and brakes a fewtimes before you start riding. Allcontrols react a little differently.
Ride very cautiouslyand be awareof surroundings. Accelerate gently,take turns more slowly and leaveextra room for stopping.
Check Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle needs more frequentattention than a car. A minor technical
failure in a car seldom leads to anythingmore than an inconvenience for thedriver.
If somethings wrong with themotorcycle, youll want to find outabout it before you get in traffic. Makea complete check of your motorcyclebefore every ride.
Before mounting the motorcycle,make the following checks:
Tires Check the air pressure,general wear and tread.
Fluids Oil and fluid levels. At aminimum, check hydraulic fluidsand coolants weekly. Look underthe motorcycle for signs of an oil orgas leak.
Headlights and Taillight Checkthem both. Test your switch tomake sure both high and lowbeams are working.
Turn Signals Turn on both rightand left turn signals. Make sure all
lights are working properly.
Brake Light Try both brakecontrols, and make sure each one
turns on the brake light.
Once you have mounted themotorcycle, complete the followingchecks before starting out:
Clutch and Throttle Make surethey work smoothly. The throttleshould snap back when you let go.The clutch should feel tight andsmooth.
Mirrors Clean and adjust bothmirrors before starting. Its difficultto ride with one hand while youtry to adjust a mirror. Adjust eachmirror so you can see the lanebehind and as much as possible ofthe lane next to you. When properlyadjusted, a mirror may show theedge of your arm or shoulderbut
its the road behind and to the sidethats most important.
Brakes Try the front and rearbrake levers one at a time. Makesure each one feels firm and holdsthe motorcycle when the brake isfully applied.
Horn Try the horn. Make sure itworks.
Fuel Supply Valve Make surethe valve is open. Your motorcyclemay start with fuel still in the lines,but it will stall once the lines areempty.
In addition to the checks you shouldmake before every trip, check thefollowing items at least once a week:Wheels, cables, fasteners and fluid
levels. Follow your owners manual toget recommendations.
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KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
Accident implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without anyones faultor negligence. Most often in traffic, thatis not the case. In fact, most peopleinvolved in a crash can usually claimsome responsibility for what takes place.
Consider a situation where someonedecides to try to squeeze through anintersection on a yellow light turning
red. Your light turns green. You pull intothe intersection without checking forpossible latecomers. That is all it takesfor the two of you to tangle. It was thedrivers responsibility to stop. And it wasyour responsibility to look before pullingout. Neither of you held up your endof the deal. Just because someone elseis the first to start the chain of events
leading to a crash, it doesnt leave anyof us free of responsibility.
As a rider you cant be sure that otheroperators will see you or yield the rightof way. To lessen your chances of acrash occurring:
Be visible wear proper clothing,use your headlight, ride in the bestlane position to see and be seen.
Communicate your intentionsuse the proper signals, brake lightand lane position.
Maintain an adequate spacecushion when following, beingfollowed, lane sharing, passing andbeing passed.
Search your pathof travel 12
seconds ahead. Identify and separatemultiple
hazards.
Be prepared to act remain alertand know how to carry out propercrash-avoidance skills.
Blame doesnt matter when someoneis injured in a crash. There is rarely a
single cause of any crash. The ability toride aware, make critical decisions andcarry them out separates responsibleriders from all the rest. Remember, it isup to you to keep from being the causeof, or an unprepared participant in, anycrash.
More than half of all crashes:
A. Occur at speeds greater than 35 mph.
B. Happen at night.
C. Are caused by worn tires.
D. Involve riders who have less thanfive months of experience on theirmotorcycle.
TEST YOURSELF 2
Answer - page 41
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This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.Thats something you can learn only through practice, preferably in a formalcourse of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse.But control begins with knowing
your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rulesof the road.
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL
Body Position
To control a motorcycle well:
Posture Sit so you can use yourarms to steer the motorcycle ratherthan to hold yourself up.
Seat Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent whenyou hold the handlegrips. Bendingyour arms permits you to press onthe handlebars without having tostretch.
Hands Hold the handgrips
firmly to keep your grip over roughsurfaces. Start with your rightwrist flat. This will help you keepfrom accidentally using too muchthrottle. Also, adjust the handlebarsso your hands are even with orbelow your elbows. This permitsyou to use the proper muscles forprecision steering.
HOLDING HANDGRIPS
RIGHT
WRONG
Knees Keep your knees againstthe gas tank to help you keep yourbalance as the motorcycle turns.
Feet Keep your feet firmly on thefootrests to maintain balance. Dontdrag your feet. If your foot catches
on something, you could be injuredand it could affect your control ofthe motorcycle. Keep your feet nearthe controls so you can get to themfast if needed. Also, dont let yourtoes point downward they mayget caught between the road andthe footrests.
Shifting GearsThere is more to shifting gears than
simply getting the motorcycle to pickup speed smoothly. Learning to use thegears when downshifting, turning orstarting on hills is important for safemotorcycle operation.
Shift down through the gears withthe clutch as you slow or stop. Remainin first gear while you are stopped sothat you can move out quickly if youneed to.
Make certain you are riding slowlyenough when you shift into a lowergear. If not, the motorcycle will lurch,and the rear wheel may skid. Whenriding downhill or shifting into first gear
you may need to use the brakes to slowenough before downshifting safely.Work toward a smooth, even clutchrelease, especially when downshifting.
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It is best to change gears beforeentering a turn. However, sometimesshifting while in the turn is necessary.
If so, remember to do so smoothly. Asudden change in power to the rearwheel can cause a skid.
Braking
Your motorcycle has two brakes: oneeach for the front and rear wheel. Useboth of them at the same time. Thefront brake is more powerful and canprovide at least three-quartersof yourtotal stopping power. The front brake issafe to use if you use it properly.
Remember:
Use both brakesevery time youslow or stop. Using both brakes foreven normal stops will permityou to develop the proper habit orskill of using both brakes properly
in an emergency. Squeeze thefront brake and press down on therear. Grabbing at the front brakeor jamming down on the rear cancause the brakes to lock, resulting incontrol problems.
If you know the technique,using both brakes in a turn is
possible, although it should be donevery carefully. When leaning themotorcycle some of the traction isused for cornering. Less tractionis available for stopping. A skidcan occur if you apply too muchbrake. Also, using the front brakeincorrectly on a slippery surfacemay be hazardous. Use cautionand squeezethe brake lever, nevergrab.
Some motorcycleshave integratedbraking systems that activate thefront and rear brakes together
when applying the rear brakepedal. (Consult the owners manualfor a detailed explanation on theoperation and effective use of thesesystems.)
Turning
Riders often try to take curves or turnstoo fast. When they cant hold the turn,they end up crossing into another laneof traffic or going off the road. Or, theyoverreact and brake too hard, causing askid and loss of control. Approach turnsand curves with caution.
Use four steps for better control:
SLOW Reduce speed before theturn by closing the throttle and, ifnecessary, applying both brakes.
LOOK Look through the turnto where you want to go. Turnjust your head, not your shoulders,and keep your eyes level with thehorizon.
PRESS To turn, the motorcyclemust lean. To lean the motor-cycle, press on the handgrip in
the direction of the turn. Press lefthandgrip lean left go left.Press right handgrip lean right go right. The higher the speed in aturn, the greater the lean angle.
ROLL Roll on the throttle tomaintain or slightly increase speed.This helps stabilize the motorcycle.
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In normal turns, the rider and themotorcycle should lean together at thesame angle.
SLOW, TIGHT TURNS
When riding, you should:
A. Turn your head and shouldersto look through turns.
B. Keep your arms straight.
C. Keep your knees away fromthe gas tank.
D. Turn just your head and eyesto look where you are going.
TEST YOURSELF 3
Answer - page 41
NORMAL TURNS
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
The best protection you can have isdistance a cushion of space allaround your motorcycle. If someone elsemakes a mistake, distance permits you:
Time to react.
Space to maneuver.
Lane Positions
In some ways the size of themotorcycle can work to your advantage.Each traffic lane gives a motorcyclethree paths of travel, as indicated in theillustration.
Your lane position should:
Increaseyour ability to see and beseen.
Avoidothers blind spots.
Avoid surface hazards.
Protectyour lane from otherdrivers.
Communicateyour intentions.
Avoidwind blast from othervehicles.
Providean escape route.
Select the appropriate path tomaximize your space cushion and makeyourself more easily seen by others onthe road.
In slow, tight turns, counterbalance byleaning the motorcycle only and keepingyour body straight.
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In general, there is no single bestposition for riders to be seen and tomaintain a space cushion around the
motorcycle. No portion of the lane needbe avoided including the center.
Position yourself in the portion ofthe lane where you are most likely tobe seen and you can maintain a spacecushion around you. Change positionas traffic situations change. Ride in path2 or 3 if vehicles and other potentialproblems are on your left only. Remain
in path 1 or 2 if hazards are on yourright only. If vehicles are being operatedon both sides of you, the center of thelane, path 2, is usually your best option.
The oily strip in the center portionthat collects drippings from cars isusually no more than two feet wide.Unless the road is wet, the averagecenter strip permits adequate tractionto ride on safely. You can operate to
the left or right of the grease strip andstill be within the center portion of thetraffic lane. Avoid riding on big buildupsof oil and grease usually found at busyintersections or toll booths.
Following Another Vehicle
Following too closely could be a
factor in crashes involving motorcyclists.In traffic, motorcycles need as muchdistance to stop as cars. Normally, aminimum of two secondsdistanceshould be maintained behind the vehicleahead.
To gauge your following distance:
Pick out a marker,such as apavement marking or lamppost, on
or near the road ahead. When the rear bumperof the
vehicle ahead passes the marker,count off the seconds: one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.
If you reach the markerbeforeyou reach two, you are followingtoo closely.
A two-second following distance
leaves a minimum amount of space tostop or swerve if the driver ahead stopssuddenly. It also permits a better view ofpotholes and other hazards in the road.
A larger cushion of space is neededif your motorcycle will take longer
LANE POSITIONS
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than normal to stop. If the pavementis slippery, if you cannot see throughthe vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy
and someone may squeeze in front ofyou, open up a three-second or morefollowing distance.
Keep well behind the vehicle aheadeven when you are stopped. This willmake it easier to get out of the wayif someone bears down on you frombehind. It will also give you a cushion ofspace if the vehicle ahead starts to back
up for some reason.When behind a car, ride where the
driver can see you in the rearview mirror.Riding in the center portion of the laneshould put your image in the middle ofthe rearview mirror where a driver ismost likely to see you.
Riding at the far side of a lane maypermit a driver to see you in a sideviewmirror. But remember that most driversdont look at their sideview mirrorsnearly as often as they check therearview mirror. If the traffic situationallows, the center portion of the lane isusually the best place for you to be seenby the drivers ahead and to prevent lanesharing by others.
Being Followed
Speeding up to lose someone
following too closely only ends up withsomeone tailgating you at a higherspeed.
A better way to handle tailgatersis to get them in front of you. Whensomeone is following too closely,change lanes and let them pass. If youcant do this, slow down and open upextra space ahead of you to allow roomfor both you and the tailgater to stop.
This will also encourage them to pass.If they dont pass, you will have givenyourself and the tailgater more time andspace to react in case an emergencydoes develop ahead.
Passing and Being Passed
Passing and being passed by anothervehicle is not much different than with acar. However, visibility is more critical. Besure other drivers see you, and that yousee potential hazards.
FOLLOWING
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Passing
1. Ride in the left portionof thelane at a safe following distance
to increase your line of sight andmake you more visible. Signaland check for oncoming traffic.Use your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind.
2. When safe,move into the leftlane and accelerate. Select a laneposition that doesnt crowd thecar you are passing and providesspace to avoid hazards in yourlane.
3. Ride through the blind spotasquickly as possible.
4. Signal again,and completemirror and headchecks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel the signal.
Remember, passes must be
completed within posted speedlimits, and only where permitted.Know your signs and road markings!
Being Passed
When you are being passed frombehind or by an oncoming vehicle,
stay in the center portion of your lane.Riding any closer to them could put youin a hazardous situation.
Avoid being hit by:
The other vehicle A slightmistake by you or the passing drivercould cause a sideswipe.
Extended mirrors Some driversforget that their mirrors hang outfarther than their fenders.
Objects thrown from windows Even if the driver knows yourethere, a passenger may not see youand might toss something on you orthe road ahead of you.
Blasts of wind from largervehicles They can affect yourcontrol. You have more room for
error if you are in the middle portionwhen hit by this blast than if youare on either side ofthe lane.
Do notmove into the portion of thelane farthest from the passing vehicle. Itmight invite the other driver to cut backinto your lane too early.
PASSING BEING PASSED
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Lane Sharing
Cars and motorcycles need a full laneto operate safely. Lane sharing is usually
prohibited.
Riding between rows of stopped ormoving cars in the same lane can leaveyou vulnerable to the unexpected. Ahand could come out of a window;a door could open; a car could turnsuddenly. Discourage lane sharing byothers. Keep a center-portion positionwhenever drivers might be temptedto squeeze by you. Drivers are mosttempted to do this:
In heavy,bumper-to-bumpertraffic.
When theywant to pass you.
When youare preparing to turn atan intersection.
When youare moving into an exitlane or leaving a highway.
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp maynot see you on the highway. Give them
plenty of room. Change to another laneif one is open. If there is no room for alane change, adjust speed to open up
space for the merging driver.Cars Alongside
Do not ride next to cars or trucks inother lanes if you do not have to. Youmight be in the blind spot of a car in thenext lane, which could switch into yourlane without warning. Cars in the nextlane also block your escape if you comeupon danger in your own lane. Speedup or drop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides.
MERGING
BLIND SPOTS
Usually, a good way to handletailgaters is to:
A. Change lanes and let them pass.
B. Use your horn and makeobscene gestures.
C. Speed up to put distancebetween you and the tailgater.
D. Ignore them.
TEST YOURSELF 4
Answer - page 41
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SEE
Good experienced riders remainaware of what is going on around them.
They improve their riding strategy byusing MSFs SEESMstrategy, a three-step process used to make appropriatejudgments, and apply them correctly indifferent traffic situations:
Search
Evaluate
Execute
Lets examine each of these steps.
Search
Search aggressively ahead, to thesides and behind to avoid potentialhazards even before they arise. Howassertively you search, and how muchtime and space you have, can eliminateor reduce harm. Focus even more onfinding potential escape routes in oraround intersections, shopping areasand school and construction zones.
Search for factors such as:
Oncoming trafcthat may turnleft in front of you.
Trafc coming from the left andright.
Trafcapproaching from behind.
Hazardousroad conditions.
Be especially alert in areas with limitedvisibility. Visually busy surroundingscould hide you and your motorcyclefrom others.
Evaluate
Think about how hazards can interactto create risks for you. Anticipatepotential problems and have a plan toreduce risks.
Road and surface characteristics Potholes, guardrails, bridges,telephone poles and trees wont
move into your path but mayinfluence your riding strategy.
Trafc control devices Look fortraffic signals, including regulatorysigns, warning signs, and pavementmarkings, to help you evaluatecircumstances ahead.
Vehicles and other trafc Maymove into your path and increase
the likelihood of a crash.
Think about your time and spacerequirements in order to maintaina margin of safety. You must leaveyourself time to react if an emergencyarises.
Execute
Carry out your decision.To create more space and minimize
harm from any hazard:
Communicateyour presence withlights and/or horn.
Adjust your speedby accelerating,stopping or slowing.
Adjust your positionand/or
direction.
Apply the old adage one step at atime to handle two or more hazards.Adjust speed to permit two hazardsto separate. Then deal with them oneat a time as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more complex withthree or more hazards. Evaluate theconsequences of each and give equaldistance to the hazards.
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INTERSECTIONS
The greatest potential for conflictbetween you and other traffic is at
intersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or ata driveway on a residential street anywhere traffic may cross your path oftravel. Over one-half of motorcycle/carcrashes are caused by drivers entering ariders right-of-way. Cars that turn left infront of you, including cars turning leftfrom the lane to your right, and cars on
side streets that pull into your lane, arethe biggest dangers. Your use of SEE[p. 17] at intersections is critical.
There are no guarantees thatothers see you. Never count on eyecontact as a sign that a driver willyield. Too often, a driver looks right at amotorcyclist and still fails to see himor her. The only eyes that you can counton are your own. If a car can enter yourpath, assume that it will. Good ridersare always looking for trouble notto get into it, but to stay out of it.
Increase your chances of beingseen at intersections. Ride with yourheadlight on and in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncoming
traffic. Provide a space cushion aroundthe motorcycle that permits you to takeevasive action.
To reduce your reaction time, youshould:
A. Ride slower than the speedlimit.
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes.
C. Shift into neutral when slowing.
D. Pull in the clutch when turning.
In potential high-risk areas, such asintersections, shopping areas and schooland construction zones, cover the clutch
and both brakes to reduce the time youneed to react.
TEST YOURSELF 5
SMALL INTERSECTIONS
Answer - page 41
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When approaching an intersectionwhere a vehicle driver is preparing tocross your path, slow down and selecta lane position to increase your visibiityto that driver. Cover the clutch lever andboth brakes to reduce reaction time. Asyou enter the intersection, move awayfrom the vehicle. Do not change speed
or position radically, as drivers mightthink you are preparing to turn. Beprepared to brake hard and hold yourposition if an oncoming vehicle turns infront of you, especially if there is othertraffic around you. This strategy shouldalso be used whenever a vehicle in theoncoming lane of traffic is signaling fora left turn, whether at an intersection
or not.Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind intersection,move to the portion of the lane that willbring you into another drivers field ofvision at the earliest possible moment.
In this picture, the rider has moved tothe left portion of the lane awayfrom the parked car so the driver onthe cross street can see him as soon aspossible.
Remember, the key is to see as muchas possible and remain visible to otherswhile protecting your space.
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
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If you have a stop sign or stop line,stop there first. Then edge forwardand stop again, just short of where thecross-traffic lane meets your lane. Fromthat position, lean your body forwardand look around buildings, parked carsor bushes to see if anything is coming.Just make sure your front wheel staysout of the cross lane of travel while
youre looking.
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars, staytoward the left of your lane. Youcan avoid problems caused by doorsopening, drivers getting out of carsor people stepping from betweencars. If oncoming traffic is present, it
is usually best to remain in the center-lane position to maximize your spacecushion.
A bigger problem can occur if thedriver pulls away from the curb without
checking for traffic behind. Even if hedoes look, he may fail to see you.
In either event, the driver might cutinto your path. Slow down or changelanes to make room for someonecutting in.
Cars making a sudden U-turn arethe most dangerous. They may cutyou off entirely, blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with no
place to go. Since you cant tell what adriver will do, slow down and get thedrivers attention. Sound your horn andcontinue with caution.
Parking at the Roadside
If parking in a parallel parking spacenext to a curb, position the motorcycleat an angle with the rear wheel to the
curb. (Note: Some cities have ordinancesthat require motorcycles to park parallelto the curb.)
Making eye contact with other
drivers:A. Is a good sign they see you.
B. Is not worth the effort it takes.
C. Doesnt mean that the driver will yield.
D. Guarantees that the other driver willyield to you.
TEST YOURSELF 6
STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS
PARKING AT CURBS
Answer - page 41
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INCREASING
CONSPICUITY
In crashes with motorcyclists, driversoften say that they never saw themotorcycle. From ahead or behind, amotorcycles outline is much smallerthan a cars. Also, its hard to seesomething you are not looking for,and most drivers are not looking formotorcycles. More likely, they arelooking through the skinny, two-wheeled silhouette in search of cars thatmay pose a problem to them.
Even if a driver does see you coming,you arent necessarily safe. Smallervehicles appear farther away and seemto be traveling slower than they actuallyare. It is common for drivers to pull outin front of motorcyclists, thinking theyhave plenty of time. Too often, they are
wrong.However, you can do many things to
make it easier for others to recognizeyou and your motorcycle.
Clothing
Most crashes occur in broad daylight.Wear bright-colored clothing to increaseyour chances of being seen. Remember,
your body is half of the visible surfacearea of the rider/motorcycle unit.
Bright orange, red, yellow or greenjackets or vests are your best bets forbeing seen. Your helmet can do morethan protect you in a crash. Brightlycolored helmets can also help others seeyou.
Any bright color is better than drabor dark colors. Reflective, bright-coloredclothing (helmet and jacket or vest) isbest.
Reflective material on a vest and onthe sides of the helmet will help drivers
coming from the side to spot you.Reflective material can also be a big helpfor drivers coming toward you or from
behind.Headlight
The best way to help others see yourmotorcycle is to keep the headlight on at all times(new motorcycles soldin the USA since 1978 automaticallyhave the headlights on when running).Studies show that, during the day, amotorcycle with its light on is twice aslikely to be noticed. Use low beam atnight and in fog.
Signals
The signals on a motorcycle are similarto those on a car. They tell others whatyou plan to do.
SIGNALING
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However, due to a riders addedvulnerability, signals are even moreimportant. Use them anytime you plan
to change lanes or turn. Use them evenwhen you think no one else is around.Its the car you dont see thats going togive you the most trouble. Your signallights also make you easier to spot.Thats why its a good idea to use yourturn signals even when what you planto do is obvious.
When you enter a freeway, drivers
approaching from behind are more likelyto see your signal blinking and makeroom for you.
Turning your signal light on beforeeach turn reduces confusion andfrustration for the traffic around you.Once you turn, make sure your signal isoff or a driver may pull directly into yourpath, thinking you plan to turn again.
Use your signals at every turn so driverscan react accordingly. Dont make themguess what you intend to do.
Brake Light
Your motorcycles brake light is usuallynot as noticeable as the brake lights ona car particularly when your taillightis on. (It goes on with the headlight.)
If the situation will permit, help othersnotice you by flashing your brake lightbefore you slow down. It is especiallyimportant to flash your brake lightbefore:
You slow more quicklythanothers might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway).
You slow whereothers may notexpect it (in the middle of a block orat an alley).
If you are being followed closely, itsa good idea to flash your brake lightbefore you slow. The tailgater may bewatching you and not see somethingahead that will make you slow down.This will hopefully discourage them fromtailgating and warn them of hazardsahead they may not see.
Using Your MirrorsWhile its most important to keep
track of whats happening ahead, youcant afford to ignore situations behind.Traffic conditions change quickly.Knowing whats going on behind isessential for you to make a safe decisionabout how to handle trouble ahead.
Frequent mirror checks should be part
of your normal searching routine. Makea special point of using your mirrors:
When you are stoppedat anintersection. Watch cars coming upfrom behind. If the drivers arentpaying attention, they could be ontop of you before they see you.
Before you change lanes.Make
sure no one is about to pass you.
Before you slow down. The driverbehind may not expect you to slow,or may be unsure about where youwill slow. For example, you signal aturn and the driver thinks you planto turn at a distant intersection,rather than at a nearer driveway.
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Some motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These provide a widerview of the road behind than do flatmirrors. They also make cars seemfarther away than they really are. Ifyou are not used to convex mirrors,get familiar with them. (While you arestopped, pick out a parked car in your
mirror. Form a mental image of howfar away it is. Then, turn around andlook at it to see how close you came.)Practice with your mirrors until youbecome a good judge of distance. Eventhen, allow extra distance before youchange lanes.
USING MIRRORSHead Checks
Checking your mirrors is not enough.Motorcycles have blind spots like
cars. Before you change lanes, turn yourhead, and look to the side for othervehicles.
On a road with several lanes, checkthe far lane and the one next to you. Adriver in the distant lane may head forthe same space you plan to take.
Frequent head checks should be
your normal scanning routine, also.Only by knowing what is happeningall aroundyou are you fully preparedto deal with it.
Horn
Be ready to use your horn to getsomeones attention quickly.
It is a good idea to give a quick beep
before passing anyone that may moveinto your lane.
Here are some situations:
A driverin the lane next to youis driving too closely to the vehicleahead and may want to pass.
A parked carhas someone in thedrivers seat.
Someone is in the street,riding abicycle or walking.
In an emergency, press the hornbutton loud and long. Be ready to stopor swerve away from the danger.
Keep in mind that a motorcycles hornisnt as loud as a cars therefore, useit, but dont rely on it. Other strategies,like having time and space to maneuver,may be appropriate along with thehorn.
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Riding at Night
At night it is harder for you to seeand be seen. Picking your headlight
or taillight out of the car lights aroundyou is not easy for other drivers. Tocompensate, you should:
Reduce Your Speed Ride evenslower than you would during theday particularly on roads youdont know well. This will increaseyour chances of avoiding a hazard.
Increase Distance Distances
are harder to judge at night thanduring the day. Your eyes rely uponshadows and light contrasts todetermine how far away an objectis and how fast it is coming. Thesecontrasts are missing or distortedunder artificial lights at night.Open up a three-second followingdistance or more. And allow moredistance to pass and be passed.
Use the Car Ahead Theheadlights of the car ahead can giveyou a better view of the road thaneven your high beam can. Taillightsbouncing up and down can alertyou to bumps or rough pavement.
Use Your High Beam Get all thelight you can. Use your high beamwhenever you are not following
or meeting a car. Be visible: Wearreflective materials when riding atnight.
Be Flexible About Lane Position.Change to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see, beseen and keep an adequate spacecushion.
CRASH AVOIDANCE
No matter how careful you are, therewill be times when you find yourself in a
tight spot. Your chances of getting outsafely depend on your ability to reactquickly and properly. Often, a crashoccurs because a rider is not prepared orskilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.
Know when and how to stop orswerve, two skills critical in avoidinga crash. It is not always desirable orpossible to stop quickly to avoid an
obstacle. Riders must also be able toswerve around an obstacle. Deter-mining which skill is necessary for thesituation is important as well.
Studies show that most crash-involved riders:
Underbrakethe front tire andoverbrake the rear.
Did notseparate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate.
The following information offerssome good advice.
Quick Stops
To stop quickly, apply both brakesat the same time. Dont be shy about
using the front brake, but dont grabit, either. Squeeze the brake leverfirmly and progressively. If the frontwheel locks, release the front brakeimmediately then reapply it firmly. Atthe same time, press down on therear brake. If you accidentally lock therear brake on a good traction surface,you can keep it locked until you have
completely stopped; but, even with alocked rear wheel, you can control themotorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line.
Reflective clothing should:
A. Be worn at night.
B. Be worn during the day.
C. Not be worn.
D. Be worn day and night
TEST YOURSELF 7
Answer - page 41
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Always use both brakes at the sametime to stop. The front brake canprovide 70% or more of the potentialstopping power.
If you must stop quickly while turningor riding a curve, the best technique isto straighten the bike upright first andthen brake. However, it may not alwaysbe possible to straighten the motorcycle
and then stop. If you must brake whileleaning, apply light brakes and reducethe throttle. As you slow, you canreduce your lean angle and apply morebrake pressure until the motorcycle is
straight and maximum brake pressureis possible. You should straightenthe handlebars in the last few feet ofstopping. The motorcycle should then
be straight up and in balance.
Swerving or Turning Quickly
Sometimes you may not have enoughroom to stop, even if you use bothbrakes properly. An object might appearsuddenly in your path. Or the car aheadmight squeal to a stop. The only way toavoid a crash may be to turn quickly, or
swerve around it.
A swerve is any sudden change indirection. It can be two quick turns, ora rapid shift to the side. Apply a smallamount of pressure to the handgriplocated on the side of your intendeddirection of escape. This will cause themotorcycle to lean quickly. The sharperthe turn(s), the more the motorcyclemust lean.
Keep your body upright and allowthe motorcycle to lean in the directionof the turn while keeping your knees
STOPPING DISTANCE
SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE
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against the tank and your feet solidly onthe footrests. Let the motorcycle moveunderneath you. Make your escape
route the target of your vision. Presson the opposite handgrip once youclear the obstacle to return you to youroriginal direction of travel. To swerve tothe left, press the left handgrip, thenpress the right to recover. To swerve tothe right, press right, then left.
IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, SEPARATEIT FROM SWERVING. Brake before or
after never while swerving.
Cornering
A primary cause of single-vehiclecrashes is motorcyclists running wide in
a curve or turn and colliding with theroadway or a fixed object.
Every curve is different. Be alert towhether a curve remains constant,gradually widens, gets tighter orinvolves multiple turns.
Ride within your skill level and postedspeed limits.
Your best path may not always followthe curve of the road.
CONSTANT CURVES
DECREASING CURVES(TIGHTER TURNS)
MULTIPLE CURVES
WIDENING CURVES
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Change lane position depending ontraffic, road conditions and curve ofthe road. If no traffic is present, start at
the outside of a curve to increase yourline of sight and the effective radius ofthe turn. As you turn, move toward theinside of the curve, and as you pass thecenter, move to the outside to exit.
Another alternative is to move to thecenter of your lane before entering acurve and stay there until you exit.This permits you to spot approaching
traffic as soon as possible. You can alsoadjust for traffic crowding the centerline, or debris blocking part of your lane.
HANDLING DANGEROUS
SURFACES
Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increases wheneveryou ride across:
Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
Slippery surfaces.
Railroad tracks.
Grooves and gratings.
Uneven Surfaces andObstacles
Watch for uneven surfaces such asbumps, broken pavement, potholes orsmall pieces of highway trash.
Try to avoid obstacles by slowing orgoing around them. If you must goover the obstacle, first determine if it ispossible. Approach it at as close to a 90
angle as possible. Look where you wantto go to control your path of travel. Ifyou have to ride over the obstacle, youshould:
Slow downas much as possiblebefore contact.
Make surethe motorcycle isstraight.
OBSTACLES
The best way to stop quickly is to:
A. Use the front brake only.
B. Use the rear brake first.
C. Throttle down and use the frontbrake.
D. Use both brakes at the same time.
TEST YOURSELF 8
Answer - page 41
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Rise slightlyoff the seat with yourweight on the footrests to absorbthe shock with your knees andelbows, and avoid being thrown off
the motorcycle.
Just before contact,roll on thethrottle slightly to lighten the frontend.
If you ride over an object on thestreet, pull off the road and check yourtires and rims for damage before ridingany farther.
Slippery SurfacesMotorcycles handle better when
ridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction. Surfaces that provide poortraction include:
Wet pavement,particularly justafter it starts to rain and beforesurface oil washes to the side of the
road. Gravel roads,or where sand and
gravel collect.
Mud, leaves, snow, and ice.
Lane markings (painted lines),steel plates and manhole covers,especially when wet.
To ride safely on slippery surfaces:
Reduce Speed Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding. Your motorcycle needsmore distance to stop. And it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves.
Avoid Sudden Moves Anysudden change in speed or directioncan cause a skid. Be as smooth aspossible when you speed up, shiftgears, turn or brake.
Use Both Brakes The frontbrake is still effective, even on aslippery surface. Squeeze the brake
lever gradually to avoid locking thefront wheel. Remember, gentlepressure on the rear brake.
The center of a lanecan behazardous when wet. When it startsto rain, ride in the tire tracks left bycars. Often, the left tire track willbe the best position, depending ontraffic and other road conditions aswell.
Watch for oil spotswhen you putyour foot down to stop or park. Youmay slip and fall.
Dirt and gravelcollect along thesides of the road especially oncurves and ramps leading to andfrom highways. Be aware of whatson the edge of the road, particularlywhen making sharp turns andgetting on or off freeways at highspeeds.
Rain dries and snow melts faster
on some sections of a road thanon others. Patches of ice tend todevelop in low or shaded areas andon bridges and overpasses. Wetsurfaces or wet leaves are just asslippery. Ride on the least slipperyportion of the lane and reducespeed.
Cautious riders steer clear of roads
covered with ice or snow. If you cantavoid a slippery surface, keep yourmotorcycle straight up and proceedasslowlyas possible. If you encountera large surface so slippery that youmust coast, or travel at a walking pace,consider letting your feet skim alongthe surface. If the motorcycle starts tofall, you can catch yourself. Be sure to
keep off the brakes. If possible, squeezethe clutch and coast. Attempting thismaneuver at anything other thanthe slowest of speeds could provehazardous.
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Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracksand Pavement Seams
Usually it is safer to ride straight withinyour lane to cross tracks. Turning to taketracks head-on (at a 90 angle) can bemore dangerous your path may carryyou into another lane of traffic.
CROSSTRACKSRIGHT
CROSSTRACKSWRONG
PARALLEL TRACKSRIGHT
GRATE CROSSINGSRIGHT
PARALLEL TRACKSWRONG
GRATE CROSSINGSWRONG
For track and road seams that runparallel to your course, move far enoughaway from tracks, ruts, or pavementseams to cross at an angle of at least
45. Then, make a deliberate turn.Edging across could catch your tires andthrow you off balance.
Grooves and GratingsRiding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle toweave. The uneasy, wandering feeling isgenerally not hazardous. Relax, maintaina steady speed and ride straight across.
Crossing at an angle forces riders tozigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag isfar more hazardous than the wanderingfeeling.
When it starts to rain it is usually
best to:A. Ride in the center of the lane.
B. Pull off to the side until the rainstops.
C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
D. Increase your speed.
TEST YOURSELF 9
Answer - page 41
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MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
You can find yourself in an emergencythe moment something goes wrong
with your motorcycle. In dealing withany mechanical problem, take intoaccount the road and traffic conditionsyou face. Here are some guidelinesthat can help you handle mechanicalproblems safely.
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat.
If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently, it may be a tire failure. Thiscan be dangerous. You must be able totell from the way the motorcycle reacts.If one of your tires suddenly loses air,react quickly to keep your balance. Pulloff and check the tires.
If the front tire goes flat, the steeringwill feel heavy. A front-wheel flat isparticularly hazardous because it affectsyour steering. You have to steer well tokeep your balance.
If the rear tire goes flat, the back ofthe motorcycle may jerk or sway fromside to side.
If either tire goes flat while riding:
Hold handgripsfirmly, ease off thethrottle, and keep a straight course.
If braking is required,however,gradually apply the brake of the tirethat isnt flat, if you are sure whichone it is.
When the motorcycle slows,edge to the side of the road,squeeze the clutch and stop.
Stuck Throttle
Twist the throttle back and forthseveral times. If the throttle cable is
stuck, this may free it. If the throttlestays stuck, immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in theclutch at the same time. This will removepower from the rear wheel, thoughengine sound may not immediatelydecline. Once the motorcycle is undercontrol, pull off and stop.
After you have stopped, check thethrottle cable carefully to find the sourceof the trouble. Make certain the throttleworks freely before you start to rideagain.
Wobble
A wobble occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly startto shake from side to side at anyspeed. Most wobbles can be traced toimproper loading, unsuitable accessoriesor incorrect tire pressure. If you arecarrying a heavy load, lighten it. If youcant, shift it. Center the weight lowerand farther forward on the motorcycle.Make sure tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks and dampers are at thesettings recommended for that much
weight. Make sure windshields andfairings are mounted properly.
Check for poorly adjusted steering;worn steering parts; a front wheel thatis bent, misaligned, or out of balance;loose wheel bearings or spokes; andworn swingarm bearings. If none ofthese is determined to be the cause,
have the motorcycle checked outthoroughly by a qualified professional.
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Trying to accelerate out of awobble will only make the motorcyclemore unstable. Instead:
Grip the handlebars rmly,butdont fight the wobble.
Close the throttle graduallyto slow down. Do not apply thebrakes; braking could make thewobble worse.
Move your weightas far forwardand down as possible.
Pull off the roadas soon as you
can to fix the problem.
If your motorcycle starts to wobble:
A. Accelerate out of the wobble.
B. Use the brakes gradually.
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually.
D. Downshift.
TEST YOURSELF 10
Drive Train Problems
The drive train for a motorcycle useseither a chain, belt, or drive shaft totransfer power from the engine tothe rear wheel. Routine inspection,
adjustment, and maintenance makesfailure a rare occurrence. A chain or beltthat slips or breaks while youre ridingcould lock the rear wheel and causeyour motorcycle to skid.
If the chain or belt breaks, youllnotice an instant loss of power to therear wheel. Close the throttle and braketo a stop in a safe area.
On models with a drive shaft, loss ofoil in the rear differential can cause therear wheel to lock, and you may not beable to prevent a skid.
Engine Seizure
When the engine locks orfreezes it is usually low on oil. The
engines moving parts cant movesmoothly against each other, and theengine overheats. The first sign may bea loss of engine power or a change inthe engines sound. Squeeze the clutchlever to disengage the engine from therear wheel. Pull off the road and stop.Check the oil. If needed, oil should beadded as soon as possible or the engine
will seize. When this happens, the effectis the same as a locked rear wheel. Letthe engine cool before restarting.
ANIMALS
Naturally, you should do everythingyou safely can to avoid hitting ananimal. If you are in traffic, however,remain in your lane. Hitting something
small is less dangerous to you thanhitting something big like a car.
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. Ifyou are chased, downshift and approachthe animal slowly. As you approach it,accelerate away and leave the animalbehind. Dont kick at an animal. Keepcontrol of your motorcycle and look towhere you want to go.
For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle)brake and prepare to stop they areunpredictable.
Answer - page 41
If you are chased by a dog:
A. Kick it away.
B. Stop until the animal loses interest.C. Swerve around the animal.
D. Approach the animal slowly, thenspeed up.
TEST YOURSELF 11
Answer - page 41
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FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are struckby insects, cigarettes thrown from cars
or pebbles kicked up by the tires ofthe vehicle ahead. If you are wearingface protection, it might get smearedor cracked, making it difficult to see.Without face protection, an objectcould hit you in the eye, face or mouth.Whatever happens, keep your eyeson the road and your hands on thehandlebars. When safe, pull off the road
and repair the damage.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD
If you need to leave the road to checkthe motorcycle (or just to rest for awhile), be sure you:
Check the roadside Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on. If it is soft grass,
loose sand or if youre just not sureabout it, slow way down before youturn onto it.
Signal Drivers behind might notexpect you to slow down. Give aclear signal that you will be slowingdown and changing direction.Check your mirror and make a headcheck before you take any action.
Pull off the road Get as far offthe road as you can. It can be veryhard to spot a motorcycle by theside of the road. You dont wantsomeone else pulling off at thesame place you are.
Park carefully Loose and slopedshoulders can make setting the sideor center stand difficult.
CARRYING PASSENGERS
AND CARGO
Only experienced riders should carrypassengers or large loads. The extraweight changes the way the motorcyclehandles, balances, speeds up and slowsdown. Before taking a passenger or aheavy load on the street, practice awayfrom traffic.
Equipment
To carry passengers safely:
Equip and adjust your motorcycleto carry passengers.
Instruct the passenger before youstart.
Adjust your ridingtechnique forthe added weight.
Equipment should include:
A proper seat large enough tohold both of you without crowding.You should not sit any fartherforward than you usually do.
Footrests for the passenger.Firm footing prevents yourpassenger from falling off andpulling you off, too.
Protective equipment the same
protective gear recommended foroperators.
Adjust the suspension to handle theadditional weight. You will probablyneed to add a few pounds of pressureto the tires if you carry a passenger.(Check your owners manual forappropriate settings.) While yourpassenger sits on the seat with you,
adjust the mirrors and headlightaccording to the change in themotorcycles angle.
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Instructing Passengers
Even if your passenger is a motorcyclerider, provide complete instructions
before you start. Tell your passenger to: Get onthe motorcycle only after
you have started the engine.
Sit as far forwardas possiblewithout crowding you.
Hold rmlyto your waist, hips,belt, or to the bikes passengerhandholds.
Keep both feeton the footrests,even when stopped.
Keep legs awayfrom themuffler(s), chains or moving parts.
Stay directly behind you,leaningas you lean.
Avoid unnecessarytalk or motion.
Also, tell your passenger to tighten his
or her hold when you: Approachsurface problems.
Are about to startfrom a stop.
Warn that youwill make a suddenmove.
Riding With Passengers
Your motorcycle will respond more
slowly with a passenger on board. Theheavier your passenger, the longer itmay take to slow down and speed up especially on a light motorcycle.
Passengers should:
A. Lean as you lean.
B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat.C. Sit as far back as possible.
D. Never hold onto you.
TEST YOURSELF 12
Answer - page 41
Ride a little slower,especiallywhen taking curves, corners orbumps.
Start slowing earlieras youapproach a stop.
Open up a larger cushionofspace ahead and to the sides.
Wait for larger gapsto cross,enter or merge in traffic.
Warn your passenger of specialconditions when you will pull out,stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over abump. Turn your head slightly to makeyourself understood, but keep your eyeson the road ahead.
Carrying Loads
Most motorcycles are not designedto carry much cargo. Small loads can becarried safely if positioned and fastenedproperly.
Keep the Load Low Fastenloads securely, or put them insaddlebags. Piling loads against asissybar or frame on the back of theseat raises the motorcycles centerof gravity and disturbs its balance.
Keep the Load Forward Placethe load over, or in front of, the rearaxle. Tankbags keep loads forward,
but use caution when loading hardor sharp objects. Make sure thetankbag does not interfere withhandlebars or controls. Mountingloads behind the rear axle can affecthow the motorcycle turns andbrakes. It can also cause a wobble.
Distribute the Load EvenlyLoad saddlebags with about the
same weight. An uneven load cancause the motorcycle to drift to oneside.
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Secure the Load Fasten the loadsecurely with elastic cords (bungeecords or nets). Elastic cords withmore than one attachment point
per side are more secure. A tightload wont catch in the wheel orchain, causing it to lock up and skid.Rope tends to stretch and knotscome loose, permitting the load toshift or fall.
Check the Load Stop and checkthe load every so often to makesure it has not worked loose or
moved.
GROUP RIDING
If you ride with others, do it in away that promotes safety and doesntinterfere with the flow of traffic.
Keep the Group Small
Small groups make it easier and saferfor car drivers who need to get around
them. A small number isnt separatedas easily by traffic or red lights. Riderswont always be hurrying to catch up.If your group is larger than four or fiveriders, divide it up into two or moresmaller groups.
Keep the Group Together
Plan The leader should lookahead for changes and signal earlyso the word gets back in plentyof time. Start lane changes early topermit everyone to complete thechange.
Put Beginners Up Front Placeinexperienced riders just behindthe leader. That way the moreexperienced riders can watch themfrom the back.
Follow Those Behind Letthe tailender set the pace. Useyour mirrors to keep an eye onthe person behind. If a rider fallsbehind, everyone should slow downa little to stay with the tailender.