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ENGLISH

2010

California
Motorcycle Handbook

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor


State of California
Dale E. Bonner, Secretary
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
George Valverde, Director
Department of Motor Vehicles
PL A
AC D
EM
EN
T

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taBle oF coNteNts
DisclaiMer ....................................ii Keeping Your Distance ................13
Lane Positions ..........................13
Where to Write ...........................ii
Following Another Vehicle ........14
DMV iNForMatioN .....................1 Being Followed ........................14
Passing and Being Passed ......15
iNtroDUctioN ..........................2
Passing.....................................15
tWo-Wheel Vehicle oPeratioN ...2 Being Passed ...........................15
Motorcycles ...................................2 Lane Sharing ............................16
Motor-Driven Cycles ......................2 Merging Cars ...........................16
Motorized Bicycles ........................3 Cars Alongside .........................16
Motorized Scooter .........................3 Search, Evaluate, and
Execute (SEE) ..........................17
LICE
Search ......................................17
Earning Your License.....................4
Evaluate ....................................17
Basic Rider Course .......................4
Execute.....................................17
Application Requirements —
Intersections ................................18
All Drivers ...................................4
Blind Intersections....................18
Minors’ M1/M2 Permit
Passing Parked Cars ................19
Requirements .............................5
Parking at the Roadside ...........20
Minors’ M1/M2 License
Increasing Visibility ......................20
Requirements .............................5
Clothing ....................................20
Adults’ M1/M2 Permit
Headlight ..................................20
Requirements .............................5
Turn Signals ..............................21
License Requirements —
Brake Light ...............................21
All Drivers ...................................5
Using Your Mirrors ....................22
Motorcycle Skills Test ....................6
Head Checks ...........................22
PrePariNG to riDe ....................7 Horn ..........................................23
Wearing the Right Gear.................7 Riding at Night .........................23
Helmet Use.................................7 Collision Avoidance .....................23
Helmet Selection ........................7 Quick Stops ..............................24
Eye and Face Protection ............8 Swerving or Turning
Clothing ......................................8 Quickly ...................................24
Know Your Motorcycle ...................9 Cornering .................................25
The Right Motorcycle .................9 Handling Dangerous Surfaces.....26
Get Familiar with the Uneven Surfaces and
Motorcycle Controls.................9 Obstacles ..............................26
Check Your Motorcycle .............10 Slippery Surfaces .....................27
Know Your Responsibilities..........10 Railroad or Trolley Tracks and
Pavement Seams...................28
RI
Grooves and Gratings ..............28
Basic Vehicle Control ................... 11
Mechanical Problems ..................28
Body Position ........................... 11
Tire Failure ................................28
Shifting Gears........................... 11
Stuck Throttle ............................29
Braking .....................................12
Wobble .....................................29
Turning ......................................12
Chain Problems ........................30
Engine Seizure .........................30

-i-
Animals .......................................30 BeiNG iN shaPe to riDe ............ 34
Flying Objects..............................30 Blood Alcohol Concentration .......34
Getting Off The Road...................30 Alcohol and the Law ....................35
Carrying Passengers and Minimize the Risks ......................35
Cargo ........................................31 Fatigue ........................................35
Equipment ................................31
MotorcYcle iNsUraNce
Instructing Passengers ............31
Riding With Passengers ...........32
Facts ................................. 35
Carrying Loads .........................32 eVaDiNG a Peace oFFicer .......... 36
Group Riding ...............................32
Keep the Group Small ..............32
treaD liGhtlY! ....................... 36
Keep the Group Together .........33
Keep Your Distance ..................33

Disclaimer
This handbook is only a summary of the laws and regulations. DMV, law
enforcement, and courts follow the full and exact language of the law contained
in the California Vehicle Code. You may buy a copy of the California Vehicle
Code at any DMV office or visit our website at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Where to Write
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication, please
send them to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Customer Communications Section MS H165
PO Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

© Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2010


All rights reserved.
This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyright of this
work. Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted
work; (2) distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation
of derivative works based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the
copyrighted work publicly; or (5) performing the copyrighted work publicly.
All requests for permission to make copies of all or any part of this publication
should be addressed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Legal Office MS C128
PO Box 932382
Sacramento, CA 94232-3820

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dmv
DMV offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and
Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. A few offices offer only driver
license or vehicle registration services. Go online or call the toll-free number
below to find the office locations and service options of an office near you.
Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov for:
• Field office locations, hours, directions, and phone numbers
• Making appointments (except for commercial driving tests)
• Ordering personalized plates
• Driver license and identification card information
• Vehicle/vessel registration information
• Downloadable forms
• Publications—handbooks, brochures, and sample tests
• Senior driver information
• Teen driver information
• Links to other state and federal agencies
• Renew your driver license or vehicle registration with the Renewal
Identification Number (RIN) provided on your renewal notice
• Call 1-800-777-0133 during normal – Renew your vehicle registration
business hours to: using a check, debit card, or credit
– Get driver license and vehicle card. You will need to have the
registration information, forms, Renewal Identification Number
and publications. provided on your billing notice.
– Find office locations and – Make an office appointment.
hours. • TTY
– Make a driving test appoint- – Persons with speech or hearing
ment. impairments can call, toll free,
1-800-368-4327 for assistance
– Speak to a DMV representative.
with DMV services. Only typed
• Call 1-800-777-0133 for automated messages from another TTY are
service 24 hours a day, 7 days a received and responded to at this
week to: number.
– Access DMV’s voice recogni-
tion system.
Advertising sponsorship, instead of your fees, helps defray the printing costs of this
publication. The products and services provided by the advertising sponsors are not
promoted or endorsed by DMV, but the significant contribution by the advertising
sponsors is most appreciated.
If you would like to advertise in this publication, please call the Office of State
Publishing Advertising Department at 1-866-824-0603.

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I T
This handbook supplements the
California Driver Handbook The basic rules of the road
concerning traffic laws, safe contained in the California Vehicle
driving rules, and driver licenses. Code apply to all two-wheel vehicles
Study the California Driver Hand- which include motorcycles, motor-
book as well as this supplement. driven cycles, mopeds, or bicycles
This supplement provides in- with a motor attached. Minibikes,
formation for both novice and tote-goats, trail bikes, and similar
experienced drivers of two-wheel vehicles may fall within the defini-
vehicles. Portions of this handbook tion of motorcycle, motor-driven
which deal with safe driving prac- cycle, or motorized bicycle. If any
tices (rather than traffic laws) were of these vehicles are operated on a
developed initially by the National highway, they must meet applicable
Public Services Research Institute equipment, registration, licensing,
in cooperation with the Motorcycle and operation requirements, if
Safety Foundation (MSF). required. Any person registering a
The MSF, California Highway Pa- motorcycle is required to obtain a
trol (CHP), California Motorcyclist Class M1 or M2 driver license prior
Safety Program (CMSP), various to operating the vehicle.
motorcyclist enthusiast groups, and Do not ride a moped on a freeway,
the Department of Motor Vehicles bicycle path or trail, equestrian
(DMV) all agree that improved (horse) trail, hiking trail, or recre-
licensing, along with quality motor- ational trail unless that path or trail
cycle rider education and increased is on or next to a road or permission
public awareness, has the potential to use the trail or roadway is granted
to reduce the number and severity by local law.
of motorcycle collisions.
M
When using this handbook, remem-
A motorcycle:
ber that it is only a summary of the
laws and regulations. DMV, law • Has a seat or saddle for the rider
enforcement, and courts follow the and is designed to travel on not
full and exact language of the law more than three wheels.
contained in the California Vehicle M
Code (CVC). A motor-driven cycle is:
• A motorcycle with a 149 cc or
less engine size.
NOTE: You may not operate a
motor-driven cycle on a freeway if

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signs are posted to prohibit motor- M
driven cycle operation. A motorized scooter is defined as
M any two-wheeled “device” with:
There are two definitions of motor- • A motor, handlebars, and a
ized bicycle (moped). A motorized floorboard for standing on when
bicycle is: riding, and
• A two- or three-wheeled device, • The options of having:
capable of no more than 30 mph – a driver seat which cannot
on level ground, and equipped interfere with the operator’s
with: ability to stand and ride.
– fully operative pedals for hu- – the ability to be powered by
man propulsion. human propulsion.
– a motor producing less than two NOTE: A motorized scooter may
gross brake horsepower and an be driven with any class driver
automatic transmission. license. A motorized scooter may
– an electric motor, with or not be used to take a Class M1 or
without pedals for human pro- M2 skills test.
pulsion. (CVC §406[a]) The motorized scooter’s exhaust
• A vehicle with pedals and an elec- system must not be modified or
tric motor (not more than 1,000 altered.
watts) which cannot be driven at
speeds of more than 20 mph on LICE
level ground even if assisted by
human power. (CVC §406[b]) California issues the following li-
If you operate a motorized bicycle cense classes for two-wheel vehicle
which meets the definition of operation:
CVC §406(b), you: • Class M1—You may operate
• Must be 16 years of age or any two-wheel motorcycle,
older. motor-driven cycle, or motorized
• Must wear a properly fitted and scooter and all vehicles listed
fastened bicycle helmet. under Class M2.
• Are exempt from the motor NOTE: The permit and license
vehicle financial responsibility, requirements in this handbook
driver license, and moped plate pertain to two-wheel vehicles
requirements. (CVC §12804.9) and are referenced in Section 12804.9
You may ride a moped in a bicycle of the California Vehicle Code.
lane at a reasonable speed. Be careful • Class M2—You may operate any
of bicyclists using the lane. motorized bicycle, moped, or a

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bicycle with an attached motor, several years. The DMV motorcycle
or a motorized scooter. skills test is waived upon comple-
You may obtain a Class M1 or M2 tion of the Basic Rider Course and
license at any DMV office which submission of the Certificate of
provides driver license services. Completion of Motorcycle Training
Motorcycle law tests and skill tests (DL 389). For more information you
are required. may contact CMSP at 1-877-RIDE-
411 or visit www.ca-msp.org.
NOTE: Class C licensees may
operate a motorcycle with a side A
car attached or a three-wheel
motorcycle. These are the requirements if you
E already have a basic class driver
Safe riding requires knowledge license. Refer to the California
and skill. Testing two-wheel vehicle Driver Handbook for basic class
operators is the best measurement driver license requirements.
of the skills necessary to operate To obtain an instruction permit to
safely in traffic because people operate an M1/M2 vehicle on public
often overestimate their own roads, you must:
abilities. DMV’s licensing • Submit a completed DMV appli-
exams are designed to be scored cation form (DL 44 or DL 44C).
objectively. • Pay the required application fee.
To obtain your license, you • Pass an eye exam.
must pass a knowledge test and
an on-cycle skill test. Knowl- • Have your picture taken.
edge test questions are based on • Give a thumb print and signature.
information, practices, and ideas • Pass a test(s) on traffic laws and
from this handbook. The on-cycle signs for the class of license you
skill test is conducted in either an now have unless you have taken
actual traffic environment or in a the test(s) within the prior twelve
controlled off-street area. months.
Basic riDer course • Pass an additional law test on
Motorcycle applicants are encour- motorcycle driving rules.
aged to enroll in the Basic Rider NOTE: The Class M1/M2 permit
Course offered by the California Mo- does not allow you to carry pas-
torcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). sengers and you must ride during
This course offers hands-on motor- daylight hours only and not on a
cycle skill training for novice and freeway.
returning riders. CMSP has trained
thousands of riders over the past

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M A

To obtain a Class M1/M2 permit, To obtain a Class M1/M2 instruction


you must: permit, you must:
• Be 15 ½ years of age and bring • Complete the application require-
proof you have finished both ments.
driver education and driver • Be 18 years of age, or older.
training. (DL 387, DL 388,
DL 388A, OL 237, or L
OL 238).
• Complete the application require- To obtain a Class M1/M2 license,
ments. you must:
• Have your parents’ * signatures • Complete the application and per-
on the application form. mit requirements listed above.
• Pass a DMV skill test or present a
M
Completion of Motorcycle Train-
ing Certificate (DL 389) to waive
To obtain a Class M1/M2 license, the skill test.
you must:
NOTE: If you are 21 years of age
• Complete the requirements listed or older, you can attend a CHP ap-
above. proved motorcycle training course.
• Be at least 16 years old. If you complete this motorcycle
• Provide a Completion of Motor- training course and submit a valid
cycle Training certificate (DL DL 389, your insurance cost may
389) from an approved CHP be reduced. Check with your insur-
motorcycle rider training course. ance company to see if you qualify
Applicants under 21 years of age for a reduced rate. Additionally,
are required by law to provide a the knowledge and skills you learn
DL 389. The skill test is waived for in this motorcycle rider training
any person presenting a valid DL course may help you avoid a seri-
389. Motorcycle training courses ous injury or a fatal collision. This
are located throughout California. motorcycle training course is highly
For more information and to lo- recommended.
cate the nearest training site, call • Pass a road test, if you are apply-
1-877-RIDE-411 or visit www. ing for a Class M1/M2 license
ca-msp.org. only.

* The term parents means both custodial parents unless only one parent has custody, or all legal
guardians unless only one legal guardian has custody.

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M • Serpentine Ride – Beginning
Basic vehicle control skills are in- on the right of the first cone, you
cluded in the motorcycle skills test to will weave through a row of five
determine your ability to maneuver traffic cones. At the end of the
in normal traffic situations. row of cones you will begin the
circle ride.
You will be asked to identify nine
items on your motorcycle before the • Circle Ride – Ride around the
actual riding portion of the test. The circle twice in a clockwise di-
items you will be asked to identify rection keeping the front wheel
are the: within the tracking path, return
to the starting point weaving
• Starter
once more through the row of
• Kill switch five cones.
• Clutch • Slow Ride – Ride slowly between
• Throttle two parallel lines keeping the front
• Gear selector tire within the tracking path. At
• Dimmer switch the end of the tracking path, begin
the circle ride twice in a counter-
• Brakes clockwise direction or by turning
• Turn signals right into the circle tracking path.
• Horn • Gear Shift Ride – Ride in a
The motorcycle skills test allows straight path, shifting gears up,
the rider to demonstrate his/her abil- then down, complete a U-turn
ity to control the motorcycle through and return, shifting gears up, then
several skills tests. The motorcycle down and end in a smooth stop at
skills test is a pass/fail test. You the starting point.
will be asked to demonstrate the
following four skills, which include
tracking paths (the area within and
including the tracking lines):

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PrePariNG to riDe • An approved helmet lets you see
What you do before you start a trip as far to the sides as necessary.
goes a long way toward determining • Most collisions happen on short
whether you’ll get where you want trips (less than five miles long) just
to go safely. Before starting any trip, a few minutes after starting out.
a safe rider makes a point to: • Most riders are riding slower than
• Become familiar with the mo- 30 mph when a collision occurs.
torcycle. At these speeds, helmets can cut
• Check the motorcycle equipment. both the number and the severity
of head injuries by half.
• Wear the right gear.
No matter what your speed in a col-
• Be a responsible rider. lision, if you are wearing a helmet
Wearing the right gear you are three times more likely to
When you ride, your gear is “right” if survive a head injury than if you
it protects you. In any collision, you aren’t wearing one.
have a far better chance of avoiding Helmet Selection
serious injury when you wear: There are two primary types of
• An approved helmet. helmets which provide two differ-
• Face or eye protection. ent levels of coverage: three-quarter
• Protective clothing. and full face.
Whichever style you choose, you
Helmet Use get the most protection by making
Collisions can occur—particularly sure the helmet:
among new riders. Many collisions
• Meets U.S. Department of Trans-
result in head or neck injuries with
portation (DOT) and state safety
head injuries being far more com-
standards.
mon. All operators and passengers
must wear an approved safety helmet Unsafe Helmet Interior

when riding on a motorcycle, motor-


driven cycle, motorized bicycle, or
motorized scooter. Research shows
that head and neck injuries account
for a majority of serious and fatal Safe Helmet Interior
motorcyclist injuries and that with
few exceptions, head and neck inju-
ries are reduced by properly wearing
an approved helmet. Here are some
facts to consider.

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• Has the DOT lettering on the back • Give a clear view to either side.
of the helmet for your safety. • Fasten securely, so it does not
NOTE: The DOT lettering should blow off.
not be a stick-on label or easily • Permit air to pass through, to
removed. reduce fogging.
• Fits snugly, all the way around. • Permit enough room for eye-
• Has no obvious defects such as glasses or sunglasses, if needed.
cracks, loose padding or frayed Tinted eye protection should not be
straps. worn at night or any other time when
Keep your helmet securely fas- little light is available.
tened on your head when you ride.
Clothing
Otherwise, if you are involved in a
collision, it’s likely to fly off your The right clothing protects you in a
head before it gets a chance to pro- collision. It also provides comfort,
tect you. as well as protection from heat, cold,
debris, and the hot and moving parts
Eye and Face Protection of the motorcycle.
A plastic shatter-resistant face shield • Jacket and pants should cover
can help protect your whole face in arms and legs completely. They
a collision. It also protects you from should fit snugly enough to keep
wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and from flapping in the wind, but still
pebbles thrown up from the vehicles allow you to move freely. Leather
ahead. If you don’t have to deal with or a sturdy synthetic material
these types of problems, you can offers the most protection. Wear
devote your full attention to the road. a jacket even in warm weather
Goggles protect your eyes, but they to prevent dehydration. Many
don’t protect the rest of your face as are designed to protect without
a face shield does. A windshield is getting you overheated, even on
not a substitute for a face shield or summer days.
goggles. Most windshields will not • Boots or shoes should be high
protect your eyes from the wind, and sturdy enough to cover your
nor will eyeglasses or sunglasses. ankles and support them. Soles
Glasses won’t keep your eyes from should be made of hard, durable,
watering, and they might blow off slip-resistant material. The heels
when you turn your head. should be short so they do not
To be effective, eye or face shield catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in
protection must: laces so they won’t catch on your
• Be free of scratches. motorcycle.
• Be resistant to punctures.

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• Gloves allow a better grip and The Right Motorcycle
help protect your hands. Your First, make sure your motorcycle
gloves should be made of leather “fits” you. Your feet should reach
or similar durable material. the ground while you are seated on
Riding for long periods in cold the motorcycle.
weather can cause severe chill and At minimum, your street-legal mo-
fatigue. You cannot control a motor- torcycle must have:
cycle well if you are numb. In cold • Tires with sufficient tread for safe
or wet weather, your clothes should operation.
keep you warm and dry, as well as
protect you from injury. A winter • Headlight, taillight, brake light,
jacket should resist wind and fit and turn signals.
snugly at the neck, wrists, and waist. • Front and rear brakes.
Good-quality rain suits designed for • A horn and two mirrors.
motorcycle riding resist tearing apart
or ballooning up at high speeds. Get Familiar with the Motorcycle
Controls
K Be completely familiar with the
There are many things on the high- motorcycle before you take it out
way that can cause you trouble. on the street.
Your motorcycle should not be one If you use an unfamiliar motorcycle:
of them. To make sure that your • Make all the safety and mainte-
motorcycle won’t let you down: nance checks you would on your
• Start with the right motorcycle own motorcycle.
for you. • Find out where everything is,
• Read the owner’s manual first. particularly the turn signals, horn,
• Be familiar with the motorcycle headlight switch, fuel-supply
controls. valve, and engine cut-off switch.
• Check the motorcycle before You should be able to find them
every ride. without having to look for them.
• Keep it in safe riding condition • Know the gear pattern. Work the
between rides. throttle, clutch and brakes a few
times before you start riding. All
• Avoid add-ons and modifications
controls react a little differently.
that make your motorcycle harder
to handle. • Ride very cautiously and be aware
of your surroundings. Accelerate
gently, take turns more slowly, and
leave extra room for stopping.

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Check Your Motorcycle or shoulder—but it’s the road
A motorcycle needs more frequent behind and to the side that is most
attention than a car. If something is important.
wrong with the motorcycle, you’ll • Brakes—Try the front and rear
want to find out about it before you brake levers one at a time. Make
get in traffic. Make the following sure each one feels firm and holds
checks before every ride: the motorcycle when the brake is
• Tires—Check the air pressure, fully applied.
general wear, and tread. • Horn—Make sure the horn
• Fluids—Oil and fluid levels. At a works.
minimum, check hydraulic fluids In addition to the checks before ev-
and coolants weekly. Look under ery trip, check the following items at
the motorcycle for signs of an oil least once a week: Wheels, cables,
or gas leak. fasteners, and fluids. Follow the
• Headlights and Taillight— manufacturer’s recommendations.
Check them both. Test your switch
Collisions are fairly common among
to make sure both high and low
new riders. Riding an unfamiliar
beams work.
motorcycle adds to the problem.
• Turn Signals—Turn on both right Get familiar with any motorcycle
and left turn signals. Make sure that is new to you, preferably in
all lights work properly. a controlled area. (No matter how
• Brake Light—Try both brake experienced you may be, ride
controls and make sure each one extra carefully on any motorcycle
turns on the brake light. that is new or unfamiliar to you.)
Once you are on the motorcycle, Remember that more than half of
complete the following checks be- all collisions occur on motorcycles
fore starting out: ridden by riders with less than six
• Clutch and Throttle—Make sure months experience.
they work smoothly. The throttle K
should snap back when you let “Accident” implies an unforeseen
go. The clutch should feel tight event that occurs without anyone’s
and smooth. fault or negligence. Most often in
• Mirrors—Clean and adjust both traffic, that is not the case. In fact,
mirrors before starting. Adjust most people involved in a collision
each mirror so you can see the can usually claim some responsibil-
lane behind and as much as ity for what takes place.
possible of the lane next to you. Blame doesn’t matter when some-
When properly adjusted, a mirror one is injured in a collision. There
may show the edge of your arm

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is rarely a single cause of any colli- Basic vehicle control
sion. The ability to be aware, make
Body Position
critical decisions, and carry them out
separates responsible riders from all To control a motorcycle well:
the rest. It is up to you to keep from • Posture—Sit so you can use your
being the cause of, or an unprepared arms to steer the motorcycle rather
participant in, any collision. than to hold yourself up.
As a rider, you can’t be sure that • Seat—Sit far enough forward so
others will see you or yield the right your arms are slightly bent when
of way. To reduce the chances of a holding the handlegrips. Bending
collision: your arms permits you to press on
• Be visible. Wear proper clothing, the handlebars without having to
use your headlight, and ride in stretch.
the best lane position to see and • Hands—Hold the handlegrips
be seen. firmly. Start with your right wrist
• Communicate your intentions. flat so you won’t accidentally use
Use the proper signals, brake light, too much throttle. Also, adjust
and lane position. the handlebars so your hands are
even with or below your elbows.
• Maintain an adequate space
This allows you to use the proper
cushion. Allow yourself enough
muscles for precision steering.
space when following, being fol-
lowed, lane sharing, passing, and • Knees—Keep your knees against
being passed. the gas tank to help with your bal-
ance as you turn the motorcycle.
• Scan your path of travel. Look at
least 10 to 15 seconds ahead. • Feet—Keep your feet firmly on
the footpegs for balance. Don’t
• Identify and separate multiple
drag your feet or you could be
hazards.
injured and lose control of the
• Be prepared to act. Remain alert motorcycle. Keep your feet near
and know how to carry out proper the controls. Also, don’t point
collision-avoidance skills. your toes downward—they may
get caught between the road and
RI the footpegs.
Shifting Gears
This handbook cannot teach you
There is more to shifting gears than
how to control direction, speed, or
simply getting the motorcycle to pick
balance. You learn this only through
up speed smoothly. Learning to use
practice and by knowing your abili-
the gears when downshifting, turn-
ties and riding within them.

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ing, or starting on hills is important jamming down on the rear brake
for safe motorcycle operation. can cause the brakes to lock and
Shift down through the gears with the result in control problems.
clutch as you slow or stop. Remain • If you know the technique, using
in first gear while stopped so you can both brakes in a turn is possible,
move out quickly if needed. although it should be done very
Ride slowly enough when you shift carefully. When you lean the
into a lower gear or the motorcycle motorcycle, some of the traction
will lurch and the rear wheel may is used for cornering and less
skid. When riding downhill or shift- traction is available for stopping.
ing into first gear you may need A skid can occur if you apply too
to slow to downshift safely. Work much brake. Also, using the front
toward a smooth, even clutch release brake incorrectly on a slippery
especially when downshifting. surface may be hazardous. Use
caution and squeeze the brake
It is best to change gears before start-
lever, never “grab” it.
ing a turn. However, sometimes you
may need to shift while in the turn. • Some motorcycles have inte-
Remember to shift smoothly because grated braking systems that link
a sudden change in power to the rear the front and rear brakes together
wheel can cause a skid. when you apply the rear brake
pedal. (Consult your owner’s
Braking manual.)
Your motorcycle has two brakes: one
each for the front and rear wheel. Use Turning
both brakes at the same time. The Riders often try to take curves or
front brake is more powerful and turns too fast. When they can’t
can provide at least three-quarters hold the turn, they end up cross-
of your total stopping power. The ing into another lane of traffic or
front brake is safe to use when you going off the road. Or, they overreact
use it properly. and brake too hard causing a skid
and loss of control. Approach turns
REMEMBER:
and curves with caution.
• Use both brakes every time you
Use four steps for better control:
slow or stop. Using both brakes
for “normal” stops permits you 1. Slow—Reduce your speed before
to develop the proper habit and the turn by closing the throttle
skill of using both brakes properly, and, if necessary, applying both
which you may need in an emer- brakes.
gency. Squeeze the front brake 2. Look—Look through the turn to
and press down on the rear brake. where you want to go. Turn only
Grabbing at the front brake or your head, not your shoulders,

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and keep your eyes level with
the horizon. lane positions
3. Press—To turn, the motorcycle
must lean. To lean the motorcycle,
press on the handlegrip in the di-
rection of the turn. Press left—lean
left—go left. Press right—lean
right—go right. Higher speeds
and/or tighter turns require the
motorcycle to lean more.
4. Roll—Roll on the throttle through
the turn to stabilize suspension. Your lane position should:
Maintain steady speed or accel-
• Increase your ability to see and
erate gradually through the turn.
be seen.
This will help keep the motorcycle
stable. • Avoid others’ blind spots.
In normal turns, the rider and the • Protect your lane from other
motorcycle should lean together at drivers.
the same angle. • Communicate your intentions.
In slow tight turns, the rider should • Help you avoid wind blasts from
keep his/her body straight and other vehicles.
only lean the motorcycle. • Provide an escape route.
K Select the appropriate lane position
The best protection you can have is to maximize your space cushion and
distance—a “cushion of space”—all make yourself more visible to others
around your motorcycle. If some- on the road.
one else makes a mistake, distance In general, there is no “best lane
gives you: position” for riders in which to be
• Time to react. seen and to maintain a space cushion
around the motorcycle. Position
• Space to maneuver.
yourself in the lane that allows the
Lane Positions most visibility and space around
In some ways the size of the motor- you. Change your lane position as
cycle can work to your advantage. traffic situations change. Ride in
Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle paths 2 or 3 if vehicles and other
three paths of travel, as indicated in potential problems are on your left
the illustration. side. If vehicles are on both sides of
you, the center of the lane (path 2)
is usually the best option.

- 13 -
The oily strip in the center portion you a better view of potholes and
of the lane is usually no more than other road hazards.
two feet wide. Unless the road is You will need a larger space cushion
wet, the average oily center strip if your motorcycle takes longer than
permits adequate traction on which normal to stop. Open up a three-
to ride safely. You can ride just to second or more following distance
the left or right of the oily strip and when the pavement is slippery, or
still be within the center portion you cannot see through the vehicle
of the traffic lane. Avoid riding on ahead, or traffic is heavy, or someone
oil and grease buildups which are may squeeze in front of you.
usually found at busy intersections
When you are stopped, keep well
or toll booths. Try to travel in the
behind the vehicle ahead of you.
most heavily traveled portion of the
This will make it easier to get out
traffic lane (path 1 or 3) where other
of the way if a driver behind you is
vehicles tires have traveled.
traveling too quickly or the vehicle
Following Another Vehicle ahead starts to back up.
“Following too closely” (tailgat- When behind a vehicle, ride where
ing) could be a factor in collisions the driver can see you in his/her
involving motorcyclists. In traffic, rearview mirror. If you ride in the
motorcycles need as much distance center portion of the lane, your im-
to stop as cars. Normally, you should age should be in the middle of the
maintain a two-second following driver’s rearview mirror—where he/
distance. she is more likely to see you.
To gauge your following distance: If you ride in the left or right portion
• Ahead of you, pick out a marker of the lane, the driver may see you
such as a pavement marking or in his/her side view mirror. But re-
lamp post. member that most drivers don’t look
at their side view mirrors as often
• When the rear bumper of the
as they check the rearview mirror.
vehicle ahead of you passes the
So if the traffic situation allows,
marker, count off the seconds:
the center lane position is usually
“one-thousand-one, one-thou-
the best place for you to be seen by
sand-two.”
the driver ahead and to prevent lane
• If you reach the marker before you sharing by others.
reach “two,” you are following
too closely. Being Followed
A two-second following distance When you speed up to lose a tail-
gives you a minimum amount of gater, you only end up with someone
space to stop or swerve, if the driver tailgating you at a higher speed.
ahead stops suddenly. It also gives

- 14 -
A better way to handle tailgaters is Remember, passing must be com-
to allow them to pass you. If you pleted within posted speed limits,
can’t do this, slow down and open and only where permitted.
up extra space ahead of you which
Being Passed
will allow space for both you and
the tailgater to stop. This will also When you are being passed from
encourage the tailgater to pass. But if behind or by an oncoming vehicle,
the tailgater doesn’t pass, you have at stay in the center portion of your
least given yourself and the tailgater lane. Riding any closer could put
more time and space to react in case you in a hazardous situation.
an emergency develops. Avoid being hit by:
Passing and Being Passed • The other vehicle—A slight mis-
take by you or the passing driver
Passing and being passed by a larger
could cause a sideswipe.
vehicle is not much different than
with a smaller passenger vehicle. • Extended mirrors—Some driv-
However, visibility is more critical. ers forget that their mirrors hang
Be sure other drivers see you and out farther than their fenders.
that you see potential hazards. • Objects thrown from win-
dows—Even if the driver knows
Passing you are there, a passenger may not
1. Ride in the left portion of your see you and might toss something
lane at a safe following distance on you or the road ahead of you.
to increase your line of sight and
• Blasts of wind from larger
make you more visible. Signal and
vehicles—They can affect your
check for oncoming traffic. Use
control. You have more room for
your mirrors and turn your head
error if you are in the middle por-
to look for traffic behind.
tion of the lane when hit by this
2. When safe, move into the left lane blast than if you are on either the
and accelerate. Select a lane posi- left or right portions of the lane.
tion that doesn’t crowd the car you
Do not move into the portion of
are passing and provides space to
the lane farthest from the passing
avoid hazards in your lane.
vehicle. It might invite the other
3. Ride through the driver’s blind driver to move back into your lane
spot as quickly as possible. too early.
4. Signal again and complete mirror
and head checks before returning
to your original lane. Then cancel
your turn signal.

- 15 -
Lane Sharing
merging
Cars and motorcycles each need
a full lane to operate safely. Lane
sharing is not safe.
Riding between rows of stopped or
moving cars in the same lane can
leave you vulnerable. A car could
turn suddenly or change lanes, a
door could open, or a hand could
come out of a window. Discourage
lane sharing by others. Keep a center
position whenever drivers might be
tempted to squeeze by you. Drivers
are most tempted to do this:
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper
traffic.
• When they want to pass you.
Cars Alongside
• When you are preparing to turn
Do not ride next to passenger ve-
at an intersection.
hicles or trucks in other lanes if you
• When you are moving into an exit don’t have to because you might be
lane or leaving a highway. in the driver’s blind spot. The driver
Merging Cars could change lanes without warning.
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway. Give
BlinD spots
them plenty of room. Change to
another lane if one is open. If there
is no room for a lane change, adjust
your speed to open up space for the
merging driver.

- 16 -
Also, vehicles in the next lane can Evaluate
block your escape if you come upon Think about how hazards can create
danger in your own lane. Speed up risks for you. Anticipate potential
or drop back to find a place clear of problems and have a plan to reduce
traffic on both sides. risks.
S • Road and surface characteristics
such as potholes, guardrails,
bridges, telephone poles and
Experienced riders remain aware
trees won’t move into your path
of what is going on around them.
but may influence your riding
They improve their riding strategy
strategy.
by using SEE, a three-step process
for making appropriate judgments • Traffic control devices such as
and applying them correctly in dif- traffic signals, regulatory signs,
ferent traffic situations. SEE stands warning signs, and pavement
for: Search, Evaluate, and Execute. markings will help you evaluate
circumstances ahead.
Search
• Vehicles and other traffic may
Actively search ahead, to the sides, move into your path and increase
and behind to help you avoid poten- the likelihood of a collision.
tial hazards. How you search and
Think about your time and space
how much time and space you have,
requirements in order to maintain
can eliminate or reduce harm. Fo-
a margin of safety. You must leave
cus even more on finding potential
yourself time to react if an emer-
escape routes in or around intersec-
gency arises.
tions, shopping areas, or school and
construction zones. Execute
Search for factors such as: Carry out your decision. To create
• Oncoming traffic that may turn more space and minimize harm from
left in front of you. any hazard:
• Traffic coming from either the • Communicate your presence with
left, right, or behind. lights and/or your horn.
• Hazardous road conditions. • Adjust your speed by accelerating,
stopping, or slowing.
• Adjust your lane position and/
or direction of travel.
Apply the old saying “one step at a
time” to handle two or more hazards.
Adjust your speed so you can deal
with each hazard separately. Then

- 17 -
deal with them one at a time as single contact” as a sign that a driver will
hazards. Decision-making becomes yield to you. Too often, a driver can
more complex with three or more look right at a motorcyclist and still
hazards. Weigh the consequences fail to “see” him/her. The only eyes
of each and give equal distance to that you can count on are your own.
the hazards. If a vehicle can enter your path,
In high-risk areas, such as intersec- assume that it will. Good riders are
tions, shopping areas, or school and always “looking for trouble”—not
construction zones, cover the clutch to get into it, but to stay out of it.
and both brakes to reduce your reac- Increase your chances of being seen
tion time. at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on in a lane position that
I
provides you with the best view of
The greatest potential for conflict oncoming traffic. Maintain a space
between you and other traffic is cushion around your motorcycle that
at intersections. An intersection is permits you to take evasive action.
anywhere traffic may cross your
As you approach an intersection,
path. It can be in the middle of an
select a lane position that increases
urban area or at a driveway on a
your visibility to the driver. Cover
residential street. Over one-half of
the clutch and both brakes to reduce
motorcycle/passenger vehicle colli-
reaction time.
sions are caused by drivers entering
a rider’s right-of-way. Vehicles that Reduce your speed as you
turn left in front of you, including approach an intersection. After en-
those illegally turning left from the tering the intersection, move away
wrong lane, and cars on side streets from vehicles preparing to turn. Do
that pull into your lane, are the big- not change speed or position radi-
gest dangers. Your use of SEE at cally. The driver might think that you
intersections is critical. are preparing to turn.
There are no guarantees that others Blind Intersections
will see you. Never count on “eye When you approach a blind inter-
section, move to the portion of the
large intersections lane that brings you into another
driver’s field of vision at the earliest
possible moment. In this picture the
rider has moved to the left portion
of the lane—away from the parked
car—so the driver on the cross street
can see him/her as soon as possible.
If you have a stop sign or stop line,

- 18 -
stop there first. Then edge forward
and stop again, just short of where
parkeD cars
the cross-traffic lane meets your
lane. From that position, lean your
body forward and look around build-
ings, parked cars, or bushes to see if
anything is coming. Make sure your
front wheel stays out of the cross
lane of travel while you are looking.

BlinD intersection

In either event, the driver might enter


your path. Slow down or change
Passing Parked Cars lanes to make room for someone
When passing parked cars, stay to enter.
toward the left portion of your lane. Vehicles making a sudden U-turn
This way, you can avoid problems are the most dangerous. They may
caused by doors opening, drivers cut you off entirely, blocking the
getting out of cars, or people step- whole roadway and leaving you with
ping from between cars. If oncoming no place to go. Since you can’t tell
traffic is present, it is usually best what a driver will do, slow down
to remain in the center portion of and get the driver’s attention. Sound
the lane to maximize your space your horn and continue with caution.
cushion.
A bigger problem can occur if a
driver pulls away from the curb
without checking for traffic behind.
Even if the driver looks, he/she may
fail to see you.

- 19 -
Parking at the Roadside However, you can do many things to
Park at a 90° angle to the curb with make it easier for others to recognize
the rear wheel touching the curb. you and your motorcycle.
Clothing
I
Most collisions occur in broad day-
light. Wear brightly-colored clothing
to increase your chances of being
seen. Remember, your body is half
of the visible surface area of the
rider/motorcycle unit.
Bright orange, red, yellow, or green
jackets or vests are the best for being
seen. Brightly colored helmets can
also help others see you.
Reflective material on a vest and
on the sides of the helmet will help
drivers see you from the side. Re-
flective material can also be a big
help for drivers coming toward you
In collisions with motorcyclists, or from behind.
drivers often say that they never
saw the motorcycle. From ahead Headlight
or behind, a motorcycle’s outline The best way to help others see
is much smaller than a passenger your motorcycle is to always keep
vehicle’s. Also, it’s hard to see the headlight on. Studies show that
something you are not looking for, during the day, a motorcycle with
and most drivers are not looking for its light on is twice as likely to be
motorcycles. More likely, they are noticed. Using your high beam dur-
looking through the skinny, two- ing the day and at night increases the
wheeled silhouette in search of cars chances that oncoming drivers will
that may pose a problem to them. see you. Use your high beam if it is
Even if a driver does see you coming, legal and safe to do so. When it is
you aren’t necessarily safe. Smaller foggy, use the low beam.
vehicles appear farther away and
seem to be traveling slower than they
actually are. It is common for drivers
to pull out in front of motorcyclists,
thinking they have plenty of time.
Too often, they are wrong.

- 20 -
Turn Signals
signals
The turn signals on a motorcycle are
similar to those on a car. They tell
others what you plan to do.

LEFT RIGHT
TURN TURN

SLOW or
STOP

However, due to a rider’s added


you turn, be sure to turn them off or
vulnerability, turn signals are even
a driver may pull directly into your
more important. Use them anytime
path, thinking you plan to turn again.
you plan to change lanes or turn.
Signal your left or right turn during Brake Light
the last 100 feet before reaching the Your motorcycle’s brake light is
turning point. At highway speeds, it usually not as noticeable as a vehi-
is best to signal at least five seconds cle’s—especially when the taillight
before changing lanes. Use your turn is on. If the situation permits, help
signals even when you think no one others notice you by flashing your
else is around. Your turn signals also brake light before you slow down. It
make you easier to see. If bright is especially important to flash your
sunlight makes your turn signal brake light before you slow:
lights hard to see, use hand signals. • For a tight, fast turn off a high-
When you enter a freeway, drivers speed highway.
approaching from behind are more • Where others may not expect it
likely to see your turn signal blinking (in the middle of a block or at
and make room for you. an alley).
Using your turn signals before each If you are being tailgated, it’s a
turn reduces confusion and frustra- good idea to flash your brake light
tion for the traffic around you. Once before you slow.

- 21 -
Using Your Mirrors • Then, turning around and looking
While it’s most important to know to see how close you came.
what’s happening ahead, you can’t • Practicing with your mirrors
ignore situations behind you. Traffic until you become a good judge
conditions change quickly. In order of distance.
to make safe decisions about how • Allowing extra distance before
to handle trouble ahead, you must you change lanes.
know what is going on behind you.
Frequent mirror checks should be Head Checks
part of your normal searching rou- Checking your mirrors is not
tine. Make a special point of using enough. Motorcycles have “blind
your mirrors: spots” just like other vehicles.
Before you change lanes, turn your
• When you are stopped at an
head and check that lane for other
intersection. Watch cars coming
vehicles.
up from behind. If the driver isn’t
paying attention, he could be on On a road with several lanes, check
top of you before he sees you. the far lane and the one next to you.
A driver in the distant lane may drive
• Before you change lanes. Make
into the same space you plan to take.
sure no one is about to pass you.
Frequent head checks should be part
• Before you slow down. The
of your normal scanning routine.
driver behind you may not expect
Only by knowing what is happening
you to slow, or may be unsure
all around, can you be fully prepared
about where you will slow. For
to deal with it.
example, you signal a turn and the
driver thinks you plan to turn at BlinD spots
a distant intersection, rather than
at a nearer driveway.
Some motorcycles have rounded
(convex) mirrors. These mirrors
provide a wider view of the road
behind than flat mirrors. They also
make cars seem farther away than
they really are. If you are not used to
convex mirrors, you can get familiar
with them by:
• Picking out a parked car in your
mirror (while you are stopped).
• Forming a mental image of how
far away it is.

- 22 -
Horn ing. These contrasts are missing
Be ready to use your horn to get or distorted at night. Open up a
someone’s attention quickly. three-second or more following
It is a good idea to give a quick beep distance. Allow more distance to
before passing anyone that may pass and be passed.
move into your lane. • Use the Car Ahead. The head-
Here are some situations: lights of the car ahead can give
you a better view of the road
• A driver in the lane next to you is than your high beam. Taillights
driving too closely to the vehicle bouncing up and down can alert
ahead and may want to pass. you to bumps or rough pavement.
• A driver is seated in a parked car • Use Your High Beam. Get all the
ahead. light you can. Use your high beam
• Someone is in the street riding a whenever you are not following or
bicycle or walking. approaching another vehicle. Be
In an emergency, press the horn but- visible. Wear reflective materials
ton loud and long. Be ready to stop when riding at night.
or swerve away from the danger. • Be Flexible about lane position.
Remember that a motorcycle’s horn Change to the portion of the lane
isn’t as loud as a car’s, so use it, but that helps you see, be seen, and
don’t rely on it. Other strategies may keep an adequate space cushion.
be appropriate along with the horn.
C
Riding at Night No matter how careful you are,
At night it is harder for you to see and there will be times when you find
be seen. Picking your motorcycle’s yourself in a tight spot. Your chances
headlight or taillight out of the other of getting out safely depend on your
lights is not easy for drivers. To make ability to react quickly and properly.
up for this, you should: Often, a collision occurs because a
• Reduce Your Speed. Ride even rider is not prepared or skilled in
slower than you would during the collision-avoidance maneuvers.
day—particularly on roads you Two skills critical in avoiding a col-
don’t know well. This increases lision are knowing when and how
your chances of avoiding a hazard. to stop or swerve. You can’t always
• Increase Distance. Distances stop quickly to avoid an obstacle.
are harder to judge at night than You must also be able to swerve
during the day. Your eyes rely around an obstacle.
upon shadows and light contrasts Studies show that most collisions
to determine how far away an involved riders who:
object is and how fast it is com-

- 23 -
• Underbrake the front tire and pressure is possible. Then in the last
overbrake the rear. few feet of stopping, you should
• Did not separate braking from “straighten” the handlebars. The
swerving or did not choose motorcycle should now be straight
to swerve when it was appropriate. up and in balance.

Quick Stops Swerving or Turning Quickly


To stop quickly, apply both brakes Sometimes you may not have
at the same time. Don’t be shy about enough room to stop, even if you
using the front brake, but don’t use both brakes properly. An object
“grab” it either. Squeeze the brake might appear suddenly in your path
lever firmly with continuing steady or the car ahead might stop abruptly.
pressure. If the front wheel locks, The only way to avoid a collision
release the front brake immediately
and then reapply it firmly. At the sWerve, then Brake
same time, press down on the rear
brake. If you accidentally lock the
rear brake on a good traction surface,
you can keep it locked until you have
completely stopped.
NOTE: Even with a locked rear
wheel, you can control the motor-
cycle on a straightaway if it is upright
and going in a straight line.
Always use both brakes at the same
time to stop. The front brake can
provide almost three-quarters of
your stopping power. Brake, then sWerve
If you must stop quickly while
turning or riding a curve, the best
technique is to straighten the motor-
cycle first and then brake. However,
it may not always be possible to
straighten the motorcycle and then
stop. If you must brake while lean-
ing, apply the brakes lightly and
reduce the throttle. As you slow,
reduce your lean angle and apply
more brake pressure until the motor-
cycle is straight and maximum brake

- 24 -
may be to turn quickly or swerve Cornering
around it. A primary cause of single-vehicle
A swerve is any sudden change in collisions is motorcyclists running
direction. It can be two quick turns, wide in a curve or turn and colliding
or a rapid shift to the side. To swerve, with the roadway or a fixed object.
apply a small amount of hand pres- Every curve is different. Be alert to
sure to the handlegrip on the side of whether a curve remains constant,
your intended direction of escape. gradually widens, gets tighter, or
This causes the motorcycle to lean involves multiple turns.
quickly. The sharper the turn(s), the Ride within your skill level and
more the motorcycle must lean. posted speed limits. Your best path
Keep your body upright and allow may not always follow the curve
the motorcycle to lean in the direc- of the road.
tion of the turn. Keep your knees Change your lane position based on
against the tank and your feet solidly traffic, road conditions, and curve of
on the pegs. Let the motorcycle move the road. If there is no traffic, start
underneath you. Make your escape at the outside of a curve to increase
route the target of your vision. Press your line of sight and the effective
on the opposite handlegrip once you radius of the turn. As you turn, move
clear the obstacle and are ready to toward the inside of the curve, and
return to your original direction of as you pass the center, move to the
travel. To swerve to the left, press outside to exit.
the left handlegrip, then press the
right to recover. To swerve to the Another choice is to move to the
right, press right, then left. center of your lane before entering
a curve and stay there until you exit.
If braking is required, separate This allows you to see approaching
it from swerving. Brake before or traffic as soon as possible. You can
after—never while swerving. also adjust for traffic “crowding”
the center line or debris blocking
part of your lane.

- 25 -
constant curves multiple curves

Decreasing curves WiDening curves

H Avoid obstacles by slowing or going


Your chance of falling or being around them. However, if you must
involved in a collision increases go over the obstacle, first determine
whenever you ride across: if it’s possible. Approach it at as
close to a 90° angle as possible.
• Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
Look where you want to go to con-
• Slippery surfaces. trol your path of travel. If you have
• Railroad tracks or pavement to ride over the obstacle, you should:
seams. • Slow down as much as possible
• Grooves and gratings. before contact.
Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles • Make sure the motorcycle is
Watch for uneven surfaces such as straight.
bumps, broken pavement, potholes,
or small pieces of highway trash.

- 26 -
• Rise slightly off the seat with your • Use Both Brakes. The front brake
weight on the footpegs to absorb is still effective, even on a slippery
the shock with your knees and surface. Squeeze the brake lever
elbows and avoid being thrown gradually to avoid locking the front
off the motorcycle. wheel. Remember to use gentle
• Just before contact, roll on the pressure on the rear brake.
throttle slightly to lighten the • Remember That the Center of a
front end. Lane Can be Hazardous When
If you ride over an object, pull off the Wet. When it starts to rain, ride
road and check your tires and rims in a vehicle’s tire tracks. Often,
for damage before riding any farther. the left tire track will be the best
lane position, depending on traffic
Slippery Surfaces and other road conditions as well.
Motorcycles handle better on sur- • Watch For Oil Spots when you
faces with good traction. Surfaces put your foot down to stop or park.
with poor traction include: You may slip and fall.
• Wet pavement, particularly just • Be Cautious of the Edge of the
after it starts to rain and before Road. Dirt and gravel collect
surface oil washes to the side of along the sides of the road, espe-
the road. cially on curves and ramps leading
• Gravel roads or where sand and to and from highways.
gravel collect. • Remember Rain Dries and
• Mud, snow, and ice. Snow Melts Faster on Some
• Lane markings, steel plates, Sections of a Road than on
and manhole covers, especially others. Patches of ice tend to de-
when wet. velop in low or shaded areas and
To ride safely on slippery surfaces: on bridges and overpasses. Wet
leaves are just as slippery as wet
• Reduce Speed. Slow down before road surfaces. Ride on the least
you get to a slippery surface to slippery portion of the lane and
reduce your chances of skidding. reduce your speed.
When slippery, your motorcycle
needs more distance to stop. It Cautious riders steer clear of roads
is especially important to reduce covered with ice or snow. If you
speed before entering wet curves. can’t avoid an icy or snowy surface,
keep your motorcycle straight up
• Avoid Sudden Moves. Any sud- and proceed as slowly as possible.
den change in speed or direction If you encounter a large surface so
can cause a skid. Be as smooth as slippery that you must coast, or travel
possible when you speed up, shift at a walking pace, consider letting
gears, turn, or brake. your feet skim along the surface. If

- 27 -
the motorcycle starts to fall, you can Grooves and Gratings
catch yourself. Be sure to keep off Riding over rain grooves or bridge
the brakes. If possible, squeeze the gratings may cause your motorcycle
clutch and coast. Attempting this to weave. This uneasy, “wandering”
maneuver at anything other than feeling is generally not hazardous.
the slowest of speeds could prove Relax and maintain a steady speed
hazardous. and ride straight across. Crossing
Railroad or Trolley Tracks and at an angle forces riders to zigzag
Pavement Seams to stay in the lane. The zigzag is far
Usually it is safer to ride straight more hazardous than the wandering
within your lane to cross tracks. feeling.
Turning to take tracks head-on (at M
a 90° angle) can be more dangerous
because your path may carry you
into another lane of traffic.
For track and road seams that run
parallel to your course, move far
enough away from tracks, ruts, or
pavement seams to cross at an angle
of at least 45°. Then, make a quick,
sharp turn. Edging across could
catch your tires and throw you off
balance.

crossing tracks-right

You can find yourself in an emer-


gency the moment something goes
wrong with your motorcycle. In
dealing with any mechanical prob-
crossing tracks-Wrong lem, take into account the road and
traffic conditions you face. Here are
some guidelines that can help you
handle mechanical problems safely.
Tire Failure
You will seldom hear a tire go flat.
If the motorcycle starts handling
differently, it may be a tire failure.

- 28 -
You must be able to tell from the trouble. Make certain the throttle
way the motorcycle reacts if you works freely before you start rid-
have tire failure. If one of your tires ing again.
suddenly loses air, react quickly to
Wobble
keep your balance. Stop riding and
check the tires as soon as possible. A “wobble” occurs when the front
wheel and handlebars suddenly start
If the front tire goes flat, the steering
to shake from side to side at any
will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat
speed. Most wobbles can be traced to
is particularly hazardous because
improper loading, unsuitable ac-
it affects your steering. You have
cessories, or incorrect tire pressure.
to steer well to keep your balance.
If you are carrying a heavy load,
If the rear tire goes flat, the back of lighten it. If you can’t lighten the
the motorcycle may jerk or sway load, shift it. Center the weight
from side to side. lower and farther forward on the
If either tire goes flat while riding: motorcycle. Make sure the tire pres-
• Hold the handlegrips firmly, ease sure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and
off the throttle, and keep a straight dampers are at the recommended
course. settings for that much weight. Make
sure windshields and fairings are
• If braking is required, gradually
mounted properly.
apply the brake of the tire that isn’t
flat, if you are sure which one it is. Check for poorly adjusted steering,
worn steering parts, a front wheel
• When the motorcycle slows, ride
that is bent, misaligned, or out of
to the side of the road, squeeze the
balance, loose wheel bearings or
clutch, and stop.
spokes, and swing arm bearings. If
Stuck Throttle none of these are the cause, have the
Twist the throttle back and forth motorcycle thoroughly checked by
several times. If the throttle cable is a qualified professional.
stuck, this may free it. If the throttle Trying to “accelerate out of a wob-
stays stuck, immediately operate ble” will only make the motorcycle
the engine cut-off switch and pull more unstable. Instead:
in the clutch at the same time. This • Grip the handlebars firmly, but
will remove power from the rear don’t fight the wobble.
wheel, though engine noise may
• Close the throttle gradually to
not immediately decline. Once the
slow down. Do not apply the
motorcycle is “under control,” leave
brakes; braking could make the
the road and stop.
wobble worse.
After you have stopped, check the
• Move your weight as far forward
throttle cable carefully to find the
and down as possible.

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• Leave the road as soon as you can in traffic, however, remain in your
to fix the problem. lane. Hitting something small is
less dangerous to you than hitting
Chain Problems
something big—like a car.
A chain that slips or breaks while
Motorcycles seem to attract dogs.
you’re riding could lock the rear
If you are chased, downshift and
wheel and cause your motorcycle to
approach the animal slowly. As
skid. Chain slippage or breakage can
you approach it, accelerate away
be avoided by proper maintenance.
and leave the animal behind. Don’t
• Slippage. If the chain slips when kick at an animal. Keep control of
you try to speed up or ride uphill, your motorcycle.
pull off the road. Check the chain
For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle)
and sprockets. Tightening the
brake and prepare to stop—they are
chain may help. Replace the chain,
unpredictable.
the sprockets, or both before rid-
ing again, if needed. F
• Breakage—You’ll notice an From time to time riders are struck
instant loss of power to the rear by insects, cigarettes thrown from
wheel. Close the throttle and brake vehicles, or pebbles kicked up by
to a stop. the tires of the vehicle ahead. If
you are wearing face protection,
Engine Seizure
it might get smeared or cracked,
When the engine “locks” or “freez- making it difficult to see. Without
es” it is usually low on oil. If the face protection, an object could
engine’s moving parts can’t move hit you in the eye, face, or mouth.
smoothly against each other, the Whatever happens, keep your
engine overheats. The first sign may eyes on the road and your hands
be a loss of engine power or a change on the handlebars. When safe, pull
in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the off the road and repair the damage.
clutch lever to disengage the en-
gine from the rear wheel. Pull off G
the road and stop. Check the oil. If If you need to leave the road to check
needed, add oil as soon as possible the motorcycle (or just to rest for a
or the engine will seize. When this while), be sure you:
happens, the effect is the same as a • Check the roadside. Make sure
locked rear wheel. Let the engine the roadside is firm enough to
cool before restarting. ride on. If it is soft grass, loose
A
sand, or if you’re just not sure
about it, slow way down before
Do everything you safely can do to
you turn onto it.
avoid hitting an animal. If you are

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• Signal. Drivers behind might not • Footrests for the passenger. Firm
expect you to slow down. Give footing prevents your passenger
a clear signal that you will be from falling off and pulling you
slowing and changing direction. off, too.
Check your mirror and make a • Protective equipment should be
head check before you take any the same protective gear recom-
action. mended for operators.
• Pull off the road. Get as far off Adjust the suspension to handle
the road as you can. It can be very the additional weight. You will
hard to see a motorcycle by the probably need to add a few pounds
side of the road. You don’t want of pressure to the tires if you carry
someone else leaving the road at a passenger. (Check your owner’s
the same place you are. manual for appropriate settings.)
• Park carefully. Loose and sloped While your passenger sits on the
shoulders can make setting the seat with you, adjust the mirror and
side or center stand difficult. headlight according to the change in
the motorcycle’s angle.
C
Instructing Passengers
Only experienced riders should carry Even if your passenger is a mo-
passengers or large loads. The extra torcycle rider, provide complete
weight changes the way the motor- instructions before you start. Tell
cycle handles, balances, speeds up, your passenger to:
and slows down. Before taking a • Get on the motorcycle only after
passenger or a heavy load on the you have started the engine.
street, practice away from traffic. • Sit as far forward as possible
Equipment without crowding you.
To carry passengers safely: • Hold firmly to your waist, hips,
• E q u i p a n d a d j u s t y o u r or belt.
motorcycle to carry passengers. • Keep both feet on the pegs, even
• Instruct the passenger before when stopped.
you start. • Keep legs away from the
• Adjust your riding technique for muffler(s), chains, or moving
the added weight. parts.
Equipment should include: • Stay directly behind you leaning
as you lean.
• A proper seat large enough to hold
both of you without crowding. • Avoid unnecessary talk or motion.
You should not sit any farther Also, tell your passenger to tighten
forward than you usually do. his or her hold when you:

- 31 -
• Approach surface problems. • Keep the Load Forward. Place
• Are about to start from a stop. the load over, or in front of, the
rear axle. Tank bags keep loads
• Warn that you will make a sud-
forward, but use caution when
den move.
loading hard or sharp objects.
Riding With Passengers Make sure the tank bag does
Your motorcycle will respond more not interfere with handlebars or
slowly with a passenger. The heavier controls. Mounting a load behind
your passenger, the longer it will take the rear axle affects how the mo-
to slow down and speed up—espe- torcycle turns and brakes. It can
cially on a light-duty motorcycle. also cause a wobble.
• Ride a little slower, especially • Distribute the Load Evenly.
when taking curves, corners, or Load saddlebags with about the
bumps. same weight. An uneven load
• Begin slowing sooner as you ap- can cause the motorcycle to drift
proach a stop. to one side.
• Open up a larger cushion of space • Secure the Load. Fasten the load
ahead and to the sides. securely with elastic cords (bun-
gee cords or nets). Elastic cords
• Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter, with more than one attachment
or merge with traffic. point per side are more secure. A
Warn your passenger of these spe- tight load won’t catch in the wheel
cial conditions: Starting, stopping or chain, causing it to lock up and
quickly, turning sharply, or riding skid. Ropes tend to stretch and
over bumps. Turn your head slightly knots can come loose, permitting
to make yourself understood, but the load to shift or fall.
keep your eyes on the road ahead. • Check the Load. Stop and check
Carrying Loads the load often to make sure it has
Most motorcycles are not designed not worked loose or moved.
to carry much cargo. Small loads G
can be carried safely, if positioned If you ride with others, do it in a way
and fastened properly. that promotes safety and doesn’t
• Keep the Load Low. Fasten loads interfere with the flow of traffic.
securely, or put them in saddle-
bags. Stacking loads against a Keep the Group Small
sissybar or frame on the back of Small groups make it easier and safer
the seat raises the motorcycle’s for other drivers to get around them.
center of gravity and shifts its A small number isn’t separated as
balance. easily by traffic or red lights. Some
riders won’t always be hurrying to

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catch up. If your group is larger than wait until you are both stopped.
four or five riders, divide it into two • Staggered Formation. This is
or more smaller groups. the best way to keep ranks close
Keep the Group Together yet maintain an adequate space
cushion. The leader rides in the
• Plan. The leader should look
left portion of the lane while the
ahead for changes and signal
second rider stays one second
early so there is plenty of time
behind in the right portion of the
for everyone to follow. Start lane
lane. A third rider rides in the left
changes early to permit everyone
portion of the lane two seconds
to complete the lane change safely.
behind the first rider. The fourth
• Put Beginners Up Front. Place rider keeps a two-second distance
inexperienced riders behind the behind the second rider. This for-
leader so the more experienced mation keeps the group close and
riders can watch them. permits each rider a safe distance
• Follow Those Behind. Let the last from others ahead, behind, and to
rider set the pace. Use your mir- the sides.
rors to keep an eye on the person – Passing in formation. Riders in
behind. If a rider falls behind, a staggered formation should
everyone should slow down a pass one at a time.
little to stay together.
– First, the lead rider pulls out
• Know the Route. Make sure and passes when safe. After
everyone knows the route. Then, passing, the leader returns to
if someone is separated he/she
won’t have to hurry to keep from staggereD formation
getting lost or taking a wrong turn.
Plan frequent stops on long rides.
Keep Your Distance
Maintain close ranks but at the same
time keep a safe distance to allow
each rider in the group time and
space to react to hazards. A close
group takes up less space on the
highway, is easier to see, and is less
likely to be separated. However, this
formation must be done properly.
• Don’t Pair Up. Never operate
directly alongside another rider.
There is no place to go to avoid a
car or a hazard on the road. To talk,

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the left portion of the lane and Your ability to perform and respond
continues riding at “passing to changing road and traffic condi-
speed” to open room for the tions is influenced by how fit and
next rider. alert you are. Alcohol and other
– After the first rider passes drugs, more than any other factor,
safely, the second rider moves affect your ability to think clearly
up to the left portion of the lane and to ride safely. As little as one al-
and watches for a safe chance coholic drink can have a significant
to pass. After passing, this rider effect on your performance.
returns to the right portion of BlooD alcohol concentration
the lane and opens up room for
Blood alcohol concentration or BAC
the next rider.
is the amount of alcohol in relation to
– Some people suggest that the blood in the body. Generally, alcohol
leader should move to the can be eliminated in the body at the
right portion of the lane after rate of almost one drink per hour.
passing a vehicle. This is not But a variety of other factors may
a good idea. It encourages the also influence the level of alcohol
second rider to pass and return retained. The more alcohol in your
to the lane before there is a blood, the greater the degree of
large enough space cushion in impairment.
front of the passed vehicle. It’s
Three factors play a major part in
simpler and safer to wait until
determining BAC:
there is enough room ahead of
the passed vehicle to allow each • The amount of alcohol you con-
rider to move into the same sume.
position held before the pass. • How fast you drink.
• Single-File Formation. Move • Your body weight.
into a single-file formation when “One drink” is a 1 1/2-ounce
riding curves, turning, or entering shot of 80-proof liquor (even if
or leaving a highway. mixed with non-alcoholic drinks),
a 5-ounce glass of 12% wine, or a
BeiNG iN shaPe 12-ounce glass of 5% beer. These
to riDe “one drink” equivalents change if
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding you drink ale, malt liquors, or for-
and complex task. Skilled riders pay tified wines or if you drink on an
attention to their riding environment empty stomach, are tired, sick, upset,
and to operating the motorcycle, or have taken medicines or drugs.
identifying potential hazards, mak- The faster you drink, the more alco-
ing good judgments, and executing hol accumulates in your body. If you
decisions quickly and skillfully. drink two drinks in an hour, at the

- 34 -
end of that hour, at least one drink Fatigue can affect your control of
will remain in your bloodstream. the motorcycle.
A
• Protect yourself from the ele-
ments. Wind, cold, and rain make
In California, a person 21 years of
you tire quickly. Dress warmly. A
age or older with a BAC of .08% or
windshield is worth its cost if you
above is considered intoxicated. It
plan to ride long distances.
doesn’t matter how sober you may
look or act. A breath or blood test • Limit your distance. Experi-
is what usually determines whether enced riders seldom try to ride
you are riding legally or illegally. more than about six hours a day.
IMPORTANT: You cannot le- • Take frequent rest breaks. Stop
gally purchase beer, wine, or hard and get off the motorcycle at least
liquor if you are under the age every two hours.
of 21. The law is very strict if • Don’t drink alcohol or use
you are under 21 and drive with drugs. Artificial stimulants often
a BAC that is 0.01% or more result in extreme fatigue or de-
(CVC §23136). The Califor- pression as they start to wear off.
nia Driver Handbook has more You won’t be able to concentrate
information. on the task at hand.
Your chances of being stopped for
riding under the influence of alcohol MotorcYcle
are increasing. Law enforcement is iNsUraNce Facts
being stepped up across the country The financial responsibility sections
in response to the senseless deaths of the California Vehicle Code apply
and injuries caused by drinking to all two-wheel vehicle owners and
drivers and riders. operators.
M If you, as an operator, are involved
Minimize the risks of drinking and in a collision which causes more
riding by taking the following steps: than $750 in property damage to
one person, including yourself, or in
Don’t Drink. Once you start, your
which anyone, including yourself, is
resistance becomes weaker.
injured, no matter how slightly, you
Or Don’t Ride. If you haven’t (or your insurance agent, broker, or
controlled your drinking, you must legal representative) must report the
control your riding. collision to DMV. The CHP or police
F will not make this report.
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring You must make this report within
than driving a car, especially on a 10 days on the Report of Traffic
long trip. Avoid riding when tired. Accident Occurring in California

- 35 -
(SR1) form. You can get this form TREA
from any DMV or CHP office. This The U.S. Forest Service (USFS),
form is also available on DMV’s Bureau of Land Management
web site at www.dmv.ca.gov. Refer (BLM), and California Department
to the California Driver Handbook of Parks and Recreation would
for more information. like you to TREAD LIGHTLY!
Check with your insurance company • Obtain a Travel Map from your
about your coverage before you buy local USFS or BLM office, or
or ride a motorcycle. regulations from other public
land agencies. Learn the rules and
E follow them.
• Avoid running over young trees,
Any person who willfully flees or shrubs, and grasses—this can
attempts to evade a peace officer damage or kill them.
performing his/her duties is guilty • Stay off soft, wet roads and trails
of a misdemeanor punishable by readily torn up by vehicles.
imprisonment in a county jail for not
• Travel around meadows, steep
more than one year (CVC §2800.1).
hillsides, or stream banks and lake
If a person is convicted of causing shores easily scarred by churning
serious bodily injury during the wheels.
course of a police pursuit (CVC
• Resist the urge to pioneer a new
§2800.3[a]), he/she is subject to:
road or trail, or to cut across a
• Imprisonment in a state prison switchback.
for three, five, or seven years or
• Stay away from wild animals
in a county jail for not more than
that are rearing young—or suf-
one year.
fering from food shortages. The
• A fine of not less than $2,000 nor stress uses up their limited energy
more than $10,000. reserves.
• Both that fine and imprisonment. • Obey gate closures and regula-
If a person is convicted of killing tory signs.
anyone during the course of a police • Stay out of designated wilder-
pursuit (CVC §2800.3[b]), he/she is ness areas. Know where the
subject to imprisonment in a state boundaries are. Vandalism costs
prison for four, six, or ten years. tax dollars.
• Get permission to travel across
private lands. Respect landowner
rights.

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DL 665 English (REV. 3/2010)

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