Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Not to be Sold
Motorcycle
Operator
Manual
Permission has been given by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to the State of Oklahoma
Department of Public Safety to reprint and sell updated versions of this manual.
Motorcycling is a
unique experience.
Riding environment
Compared to a car,
you don’t sit in a
motorcycle, you
become part of it.
Not as a passive
driver, but as an
active rider arcing
into a string of
smooth corners,
playing along with
the rhythm of the
road; shifting,
accelerating,
and braking
with precision.
Whether you
ride to and from
work or prefer and supports the concept that, as the
the camaraderie of a group ride on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation says,
weekend, motorcycling engages all your “Safe riding is as much a skill of the
senses and creates an invigorating sense eyes and mind as it is of the hands and
of freedom. feet.”
Along with that freedom comes Successfully piloting a motorcycle is a
responsibility. All states require much more involved task than driving a
some form of license endorsement car. Motorcycling requires a fine sense
demonstrating you possess a minimum of balance and a heightened sense of
level of skill and knowledge. This awareness and position amidst other
booklet and other motorcycle roadway users. A motorcycle responds
publications can help prepare you to more quickly to rider inputs than a car,
be successful. You might also consider but is also more sensitive to outside
taking a formal hands-on training forces, like irregular road surfaces or
course, even if your state doesn’t require crosswinds. A motorcycle is also less
that you complete one. You’ll learn how visible than a car due to its narrower
to improve your riding skills and mental profile, and offers far less protection by
strategies, so you can be a safer, more exposing its rider to other traffic and
alert rider. the elements. All these risks can be
The diagram above illustrates the managed through study, training, and
complex environment that awaits you, practice.
PREPARING TO RIDE 5
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any
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.
test yourself 1
A plastic shatter-resistant face
shield:
A. Is not necessary if you have a
windshield.
B. Only protects your eyes.
C. Helps protect your whole face.
D. Does not protect your face as well
as goggles.
Answer - page 47
8 Preparing to ride
• Front and rear brakes. involve riders with less than five months
of experience on their motorcycle.
• Turn signals.
• Horn. Get Familiar with the
• Two mirrors.
Motorcycle Controls
Make sure you are completely familiar
Borrowing and Lending with the motorcycle before you take
Borrowers and lenders of motorcycles, it out on the street. Be sure to review
beware. Crashes are fairly common the owner’s manual. This is particularly
among beginning riders — especially important if you are riding a borrowed
in the first months of riding. Riding motorcycle.
an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the If you are going to use an unfamiliar
problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, motorcycle:
get familiar with it in a controlled area.
And if you lend your motorcycle to • Make all the checks you would on
friends, make sure they are licensed and your own motorcycle.
know how to ride before allowing them • Find out where everything is,
out into traffic. particularly the turn signals, horn,
No matter how experienced you headlight switch, fuel-supply valve
may be, ride extra carefully on any and engine cut-off switch. Find and
motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar operate these items without having
to you. More than half of all crashes to look for them.
motorcycle controls
9
• Know the controls. Work the • Try the front and rear brake levers
throttle, clutch, brakes, and shifter a one at a time. Make sure each feels
few times before you start riding. firm and holds the motorcycle when
fully applied.
• Ride very cautiously and be aware
of surroundings. Accelerate gently, C — Controls
take turns more slowly and leave • Make sure the clutch and throttle
extra room for stopping. operate smoothly. The throttle
Check Your Motorcycle should snap back to fully closed
when released. The clutch should
A motorcycle needs more frequent feel tight and should operate
attention than a car. A minor technical smoothly.
failure on a car is seldom more than an
• Try the horn. Make sure it works.
inconvenience for the driver. The same
failure on a motorcycle may result in a • Clean and adjust your mirrors
crash or having to leave your motorcycle before starting. It’s difficult to ride
parked on the side of the road. If with one hand while you try to
anything’s wrong with your motorcycle, adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror
you’ll want to find out about it before so you can see the lane behind and
you get in traffic. as much as possible of the lane next
to you. When properly adjusted, a
The primary source of information mirror may show the edge of your
about how a motorcycle should be arm or shoulder – but it’s the road
inspected and maintained is its owner’s behind you and to the side that are
manual. Be sure to absorb all of its most important.
important information. A motorcycle will
continue to ride like new if it is properly L — Lights and Electrics
maintained and routine inspections • Check both headlight and taillight.
become part of its maintenance cycle. Test your switch to make sure both
A pre-ride inspection only takes high and low beams work.
a few minutes and should be done • Turn on both right and left hand
before every ride to prevent problems. turn signals. Make sure all lights are
It’s quick and easy to check the critical working properly.
components and should be as routine • Try both brakes and make sure each
and automatic as checking the weather one turns on the brake light.
forecast before heading out for the day.
A convenient reminder developed by O — Oil and Other Fluids
MSF is T-CLOCSSM. There is a T-CLOCS • Check engine oil and transmission
“tear-out” sheet at the back of this fluid levels.
manual for you to keep with you when
• Check the brake hydraulic fluid and
you ride. A T-CLOCS inspection should
coolant level weekly.
be conducted before every ride, and
includes checks of: • Be sure your fuel valve is open
before starting out. With the fuel
T — Tires and Wheels
valve closed, your motorcycle may
• Check tire inflation pressure, start with only the fuel that is still in
treadwear and general condition of the lines, but will stall once the lines
sidewalls and tread surface. are empty.
10 Preparing to ride
• Look underneath the motorcycle for responsibility to look before pulling out.
signs of an oil or fuel leak. Both of you are at fault. Someone else
C — Chassis might be the first to start the chain of
events leading to a crash, but it doesn’t
• Check the front suspension. Ensure leave any of us free of responsibility.
there is no binding. The rear shocks
and springs should move smoothly. As a rider you can’t be sure that other
operators will see you or yield the right
• Be sure the chain is adjusted of way. To lessen your chances of a
according to the manufacturer’s crash occurring:
specifications and that the sprockets
are not worn or damaged. • Be visible — wear proper clothing,
use your headlight, ride in the best
S — Stands
lane position to see and be seen.
• Ensure the side stand operates
• Communicate your intentions —
smoothly and that the spring holds
use the proper signals, brake light
it tightly in the up position. If
and lane position.
equipped, the center stand should
also be held firmly against the frame • Maintain an adequate space
whenever the motorcycle is moving. cushion — when following, being
followed, lane sharing, passing and
Additionally, regular maintenance
being passed.
such as tune-ups and oil changes are as
important for a motorcycle as routine • Search your path of travel 12
checkups by your doctor are for you. seconds ahead.
Wear and tear is normal with use; • Identify and separate hazards.
routine maintenance will help prevent
costly breakdowns. The schedule for • Be prepared to act — remain alert
regular upkeep for motorcycle parts and know how to carry out proper
and controls is contained in your crash-avoidance skills.
motorcycle’s owner’s manual. Blame doesn’t matter when someone
is injured in a crash. The ability to ride
KNOW YOUR aware, make critical decisions and carry
RESPONSIBILITIES them out separates responsible riders
“Accident” implies an unforeseen from the rest. Remember, it is up to you
event that occurs without fault or to keep from being the cause of, or an
negligence. In traffic, that is not the unprepared participant in, any crash.
case. In fact, most people involved in a
crash can claim some responsibility for
test yourself 2
what takes place.
More than half of all crashes:
Consider a situation where someone
decides to drive through an intersection A. Occur at speeds greater than
35mph.
on a yellow light turning red. Your
B. Happen at night.
light turns green. You pull into the
intersection without checking for C. Are caused by worn tires.
possible traffic. That is all it takes for the D. Involve riders who have less than
five months of experience on their
two of you to crash. It was the driver’s motorcycles.
responsibility to stop, and it was your Answer - page 47
ride within your abilities 11
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.
That’s something you can learn only through practice, preferably in a formal
course of instruction like an MSF RiderCourse. But control begins with knowing
your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rules
of the road.
slow or stop. The front brake is more To stop as quickly and as safely as
powerful and can provide at least 70% possible in a curve, and depending on
of your total stopping power. The front road and traffic conditions, try to get the
brake is safe to use if you use it properly. motorcycle as perpendicular to the road
as possible, then brake. If conditions do
Maximum straight-line braking is
not allow, brake smoothly and gradually,
accomplished by fully applying both
but do not apply as much braking force
front and rear brakes without locking
as you would if the motorcycle were
either wheel.
straight up. As you slow, you can reduce
To do this: your lean angle, and as more traction
• Squeeze the front brake becomes available for braking, you can
smoothly, firmly and with more firmly apply the brakes, so that
progressively more force. Do not by the time the motorcycle is stopped,
grab the brake lever or use abrupt the motorcycle is straight up, and the
pressure. handlebars are squared.
• As the motorcycle’s weight
Linked and Integrated
transfers forward, more traction
becomes available at the front Braking Systems
wheel, so the front brake can be Some motorcycles have linked braking
applied harder after braking begins. which connects the front and rear
• Keep your knees against the brakes on the motorcycle and applies
tank and your eyes up, looking braking pressure to both brakes when
well ahead. This helps you stop the either the front lever or rear pedal is
motorcycle in a straight line. applied. An integrated braking system
is a variation of the linked system in
• Apply light-to-lighter pressure which partial front braking is applied
to the rear brake pedal to prevent a whenever the rear brake is activated.
rear wheel skid. As weight transfers Consult your owner’s manual for a
forward less traction is available detailed explanation on the operation
at the rear. Use less rear brake and effective use of these systems.
pressure.
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
Using both brakes for even “normal”
stops will permit you to develop the (ABS)
proper habit or skill of using both brakes ABS is designed to prevent wheel
properly in an emergency. Squeeze the lock-up and avoid skids when stopping
front brake and press down on the rear. in straight-line, panic situations. ABS
Grabbing at the front brake or jamming operates when maximum pressure on
down on the rear can cause the brakes both the front and rear brake controls
to lock, resulting in control problems. is applied. If electronic sensors detect
the possibility of a wheel lock, brake
Braking in a Corner hydraulic pressure, is released then
Any time a motorcycle is leaned over, reapplied to maintain maximum braking
the amount of traction available for effectiveness.
braking is reduced. The greater the lean
The system is capable of releasing and
angle, the more the possibility of the
reapplying pressure more than 15 times
tires losing traction.
per second.
14 ride within your abilities
test yourself 3
When riding, you should:
A. Turn your head and shoulders
to look through turns.
B. Keep your arms straight.
C. Keep your knees away from
the gas tank.
D. Turn just your head and eyes
to look where you are going.
Answer - page 47
15
lane positions
16 ride within your abilities
following
average center strip permits adequate count off the seconds: “one-
traction to ride on safely. You can thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”
operate to the left or right of the grease • If you reach the marker before
strip and still be within the center third you reach “two,” you are following
of the traffic lane. Avoid riding on big too closely.
buildups of oil and grease usually found
at busy intersections or tollbooths. A two-second following distance
leaves a minimum amount of space to
Experienced riders rely on their own stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops
best judgment and instincts. One suddenly. It also permits a better view of
absolute, however, is to avoid riding in potholes and other hazards in the road.
another vehicle’s blind spot.
A larger cushion of space is needed
Following Another Vehicle if your motorcycle will take longer
“Following too closely” is a factor in than normal to stop. If the pavement
crashes involving motorcyclists. In traffic, is slippery, if you cannot see through
motorcycles need as much distance the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy
to stop as cars. Normally, a minimum and someone may squeeze in front of
of two seconds distance should be you, open up a three-second or more
maintained behind the vehicle ahead. following distance.
To gauge your following distance: Keep well behind the vehicle ahead
even when you are stopped. This will
• Pick out a marker, such as a make it easier to get out of the way
pavement marking or lamppost, on if someone bears down on you from
or near the road ahead. behind. It will also give you a cushion of
• When the rear bumper of the space if the vehicle ahead starts to back
vehicle ahead passes the marker, up for some reason.
17
test yourself 4
Usually, a good way to handle
tailgaters is to:
A. Change lanes and let them pass.
B. Use your horn and make
obscene gestures.
C. Speed up to put distance
between you and the tailgater.
D. Ignore them.
Answer - page 47
19
SEE
Good, experienced
rider radar
riders are always aware of
what is going on around
them. They reduce their
risk by using MSF’s three-
step SEESM strategy:
• Search
• Evaluate
• Execute
SEE will help you
assess what is going on
in traffic so you can plan
and implement the safest
course of action as traffic
situations change. Let’s
look at each of these
steps.
Search
How assertively you
search, and how much
time and space you have,
can eliminate or minimize
risk. As you search, focus
considered enough time and space to
on finding potential escape routes,
swerve and/or brake for fixed hazards or
especially in or around intersections,
for someone or something entering your
shopping areas and school and
path of travel.
construction zones.
Finally, experienced riders search for
One way to search is to use your
hazards that are further out, looking
“RiderRadar” to aggressively scan the
ahead to an area it would take about
environment ahead of you, to the sides,
12 seconds to reach. This provides
and behind you to avoid potential
time to prepare for a situation before it
hazards even before they arise. There
becomes immediate.
are three “lead times” experienced
riders consider. First, be alert and scan Using the SEE strategy will help you to
for hazards that are about 2 seconds Search for a variety of factors such as:
ahead of you, or within your following • Oncoming traffic that may turn left
distance. Scanning your 4-second in front of you.
immediate path can allow you time for
a quick response if something should • Traffic coming from the left and
go wrong. Anything that is within 4 from the right.
seconds of your path is considered • Traffic approaching from behind.
immediate because 4 seconds is
21
• Hazardous road conditions that Apply the old adage “one step at a
require you to be alert, especially in time” to handle two or more hazards.
areas with limited visibility. Visually Adjust speed to permit two hazards
“busy” surroundings could hide you to separate. Then deal with them one
and your motorcycle from others. at a time as single hazards. Decision-
making becomes more complex with
Evaluate three or more hazards. Evaluate the
Evaluate means to think about how consequences of each and give equal
hazards can interact to create risks for distance to the hazards.
you. Anticipate potential problems and
In potential high-risk areas, such as
have a plan to reduce risks, particularly
intersections, shopping areas and school
when faced with:
and construction zones, cover the clutch
• Road and surface characteristics and both brakes to reduce the time you
such as potholes, guardrails, need to react.
bridges, telephone poles and trees
that won’t move into your path, but INTERSECTIONS
may influence your riding strategy. The greatest potential for conflict
• Traffic control devices including between you and other traffic is at
traffic signals, warning signs, and intersections. An intersection can be
pavement markings, which will in the middle of an urban area or at
require you to carefully evaluate a driveway on a residential street —
circumstances ahead. anywhere traffic may cross your path of
travel. Over one-half of motorcycle/car
• Vehicles and other traffic that crashes are caused by drivers entering a
may move into your path and rider’s right-of-way. Cars that turn left in
increase the likelihood of a crash. front of you, including cars turning left
Think about your time and space from the lane on your right, and cars on
requirements in order to maintain a side streets that pull into your lane, are
margin of safety, and give yourself the biggest dangers. Your use of SEE
time to react if an emergency arises. at intersections is critical.
Execute
Finally, Execute your decision. To
create more space and minimize harm test yourself 5
from any hazard:
To reduce your reaction time, you
• Communicate your presence with should:
lights and/or horn. A. Ride slower than the speed
• Adjust your speed by accelerating, limit.
stopping or slowing. B. Cover the clutch and the brakes.
• Adjust your position and/or C. Shift into neutral when slowing.
direction by swerving, changing
D. Pull in the clutch when turning.
lanes, or moving to another position
Answer - page 47
within your lane.
22 ride within your abilities
Large intersections
test yourself 6
Making eye contact with other
drivers:
A. Is a good sign they see you.
B. Is not worth the effort it takes.
C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will
yield.
D. Guarantees that the other driver will
yield to you. Answer - page 47
23
On a road with several lanes, check • A driver in the lane next to you
the far lane and the one next to you. A is driving too closely to the vehicle
driver in the distant lane may head for ahead and may want to pass.
the same space you plan to take. • A parked car has someone in the
driver’s seat.
test yourself 7
• Someone is in the street, riding a
Reflective clothing should: bicycle or walking.
A. Be worn at night.
In an emergency, sound your horn
B. Be worn during the day.
loud and long. Be ready to stop or
C. Not be worn. swerve away from the danger.
D. Be worn day and night
Answer - page 47
27
Stopping Quickly
stopping distance
in a Curve
If you know the
technique, using both
brakes in a turn is possible,
although it should be done
very carefully. When leaning
the motorcycle some of
the traction is used for
cornering. Less traction is
available for stopping. A
skid can occur if you apply
too much brake. Also, using
can be applied. Always straighten
the front brake incorrectly on a slippery
the handlebars in the last few feet of
surface may be hazardous. Use caution
stopping to maintain your balance and
and squeeze the brake lever, never grab.
remain upright.
If you must stop quickly while turning
in a curve, first straighten and square Maximum Straight-Line
the handlebars, then stop. If you find Braking
yourself in a situation that does not Maximum straight-line braking is
allow straightening first, such as when accomplished by fully applying front
there is a danger of running off the and rear brakes without locking either
road in a left-hand curve, or when wheel. Keep your body centered over
facing oncoming traffic in a right- the motorcycle and look well ahead,
hand curve, apply the brakes smoothly not down. This will help you keep
and gradually. As you slow, you can the motorcycle in as straight a line as
reduce your lean angle and apply more possible, minimizing lean angle and the
brake pressure until the motorcycle is likelihood of the wheels losing traction.
straight and maximum brake pressure
a curve or turn and colliding with the possible. Approach it at as close to a 90˚
roadway or a fixed object. angle as possible. Look where you want
to go to control your path of travel. If you
Every curve is different. Be alert to
have to ride over the obstacle, you should:
whether a curve remains constant,
gradually widens, gets tighter or • Slow down as much as possible
involves multiple turns. Ride within your before contact.
skill level and posted speed limits. • Make sure the motorcycle is
Your best path may not always follow straight.
the curve of the road. Change lane • Rise slightly off the seat with your
position depending on traffic, road weight on the footrests to absorb
conditions and curve of the road. If no the shock with your knees and
traffic is present, start at the outside elbows, and avoid being thrown off
the motorcycle.
of a curve to increase your line of sight
and the effective radius of the turn. As • Just before contact, roll on the
you turn, move toward the inside of the throttle slightly to lighten the front
curve, and as you pass the center, move end.
to the outside to exit. If you ride over an object on the
Another alternative is to move to the street, pull off the road and check your
center of your lane before entering a tires and rims for damage before riding
curve — and stay there until you exit. any farther.
This permits you to spot approaching Slippery Surfaces
traffic as soon as possible. You can also
adjust for traffic “crowding” the center Motorcycles handle better when
line, or debris blocking part of your lane. ridden on surfaces that permit good
traction. Surfaces that provide poor
HANDLING DANGEROUS traction include:
SURFACES • Wet pavement, particularly just after
it starts to rain and before surface oil
Your chance of falling or being
washes to the side of the road.
involved in a crash increases whenever
you ride across: • Gravel roads, or where sand and
gravel collect.
• Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
• Mud, leaves, snow, and ice.
• Slippery surfaces.
• Lane markings (painted lines),
• Railroad tracks. steel plates and manhole covers,
• Grooves and gratings. especially when wet.
Obstacles
Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks For track and road seams that run
and Pavement Seams parallel to your course, move far enough
away from tracks, ruts, or pavement
Usually it is safer to ride straight within seams to cross at an angle of at least
your lane to cross tracks. Turning to take 45˚. Then, make a deliberate turn.
tracks head-on (at a 90˚ angle) can be Edging across could catch your tires and
more dangerous — your path may carry throw you off balance.
you into another lane of traffic. Grooves and Gratings
Riding over rain grooves or bridge
gratings may cause a motorcycle to
crosstracks—right weave. The uneasy, wandering feeling is
generally not hazardous. Relax, maintain
a steady speed and ride straight across.
Crossing at an angle forces riders to
zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag is
far more hazardous than the wandering
feeling.
grate crossings—right
crosstracks—wrong
• Pull off the road — Get as far off the motorcycle about 10 feet from a
the road as you can. It can be very wall in an unlighted garage and mark
hard to spot a motorcycle by the the headlight beam location on the
side of the road. You don’t want wall with chalk. With a full load and
someone else pulling off at the passenger, recheck the headlight beam
same place you are.
location. Use the adjusting screws on
• Park carefully — Loose and sloped the headlight to lower the beam to
shoulders can make setting the side the same height. Check your owner’s
or center stand difficult. manual for adjustment procedure.
CARRYING PASSENGERS Equipment for
AND CARGO Carrying a Passenger
The extra weight of a passenger • Be sure your passenger is properly
or cargo will affect the way your attired, wearing the same level of
motorcycle behaves, requiring extra personal protective gear as you.
practice, preparation and caution. For
• Be sure your motorcycle is equipped
this reason, only experienced riders
with passenger footrests.
should attempt to carry passengers or
large loads. Before taking a passenger • Your motorcycle should have a proper
or a heavy load on the street, prepare seat, one large enough to hold both
yourself and your motorcycle for safe you and your passenger without
operation in traffic. crowding. You should not sit more
forward than you usually do.
Preparing Your Motorcycle
• Check that there is a strap or solid
Tire Pressure – Check the air handholds for your passenger to
pressure of both tires. Refer to the hold onto.
owner’s manual or the label affixed
to the motorcycle for the correct Preparing Your
inflation specifications. Though most Passenger to Ride
of the added weight will typically be Ensure your passenger is able to reach
on the rear wheel, don’t forget to also the passenger footrests, and is able to
check the pressure on the front tire. hold on to your waist, hips, belt, or the
Correct inflation pressures will maintain bike’s passenger handholds. Children
maximum stability, steering precision should be placed immediately behind
and braking capability. the rider. A child sitting in front of the
Suspension – With a heavy load, rider will not be able to properly balance
the riding characteristics and balance of him/herself and may interfere with the
the motorcycle will change. On some rider’s control of the motorcycle.
motorcycles, it will be necessary to Passenger safety begins with
adjust the suspension settings (spring proper instruction. Riders should not
preload, compression/damping settings, assume that passengers are familiar
etc.) to compensate for the lowered rear with motorcycle handling, control, or
of the motorcycle. Refer to the owner’s balance. As a routine practice, always
manual for adjustment procedures and instruct your passenger on cycling basics
specifications. prior to starting the trip, even if your
Headlight – Prior to loading, position passenger is a motorcycle rider.
36 ride within your abilities
As you prepare for your ride, tell your • Approach surface hazards such as
passenger to: bumps or uneven road surfaces.
• Get on the motorcycle only after • Are about to start from a stop or
you have started the engine and begin moving into traffic.
have the transmission in neutral. As • Are about to turn sharply or make a
the passenger mounts, keep both sudden move.
your feet on the ground and the
brakes applied. Riding With Passengers
• Sit as far forward as possible Your motorcycle will respond slowly
without hindering your control of when you ride with a passenger. The
the motorcycle. heavier your passenger, the longer it will
• Hold firmly onto your waist, hips, take to speed up, slow down, or turn.
belt or passenger handholds for When riding with passengers:
balance and security.
• Ride a little slower, especially when
• Keep both feet firmly on the cycle’s taking curves, corners, or bumps. If
footrests, even when stopped. Firm any part of the motorcycle scrapes
footing will prevent your passenger the ground at lean angle, steering
from falling off and pulling you off. control can be lost.
• Keep legs away from the muffler(s), • Start slowing earlier as you
chains or moving parts. approach a stop, and maintain a
• Stay directly behind you and lean larger space cushion whenever
with you through turns and curves. slowing or stopping.
It is helpful for the passenger to • Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter,
look over the rider’s shoulder in the or merge in traffic.
direction of turns and curves.
Carrying Loads
• Avoid unnecessary conversation and
avoid leaning or turning around. Everything you are likely to need for
Make no sudden moves that might a riding holiday or weekend trip can
affect the stability of the motorcycle be packed on your motorcycle in many
when it is in operation. different ways. There are complete
luggage systems, saddlebags that are
• Rise slightly off the seat when
permanently attached to the motorcycle,
crossing an obstacle.
soft bags that do not require a carrier
Also, remind your passenger to system and can be tied to the seat,
tighten his or her hold when you: and a tank bag for other small items.
You can also travel simply with only a
backpack. Whatever you decide, do not
test yourself 11
exceed gross vehicle weight rating when
If you are chased by a dog: traveling with cargo and a passenger,
A. Kick it away. and always make adjustments to the
B. Stop until the animal loses interest. motorcycle to compensate for the
C. Swerve around the animal.
added weight.
D. Approach the animal slowly, then
speed up.
Answer - page 47
37
Tips for Traveling with it does not catch any of the brake
lines or cables in the area of the
Passengers and Cargo steering head.
• Keep the load forward. Pack heavier
• Secure loads low, or put them in
items in the front of the tank bag.
saddlebags. Attaching a load to
Lighter items such as your sleeping
a sissy bar raises the motorcycle’s
bag, ground pad or tent, should be
center of gravity and can upset its
packed on a luggage rack behind
balance.
you. Try to place the load over, or
in front of, the rear axle. Mounting • If you use saddlebags, load each
loads behind the rear axle can affect with about the same weight.
how the motorcycle turns and An uneven load can cause the
brakes. It can also cause a wobble. motorcycle to pull to one side.
Overloading may also cause the
• Plan your route and length of each
bags to catch in the wheel or chain,
day’s riding segment and allow
locking the rear wheel and causing
plenty of time for breaks. Poor
the motorcycle to skid.
weather, breakdowns, and fatigue
are always possible. • Fasten the load securely with
elastic cords (bungee cords or
• Consider selecting some interesting
nets). Elastic cords with more than
secondary roads to occasionally
one attachment point per side are
reduce the monotony of the
recommended. A loose load could
highway.
catch in the wheel or chain, causing
• Start as early in the morning as it to lock up, resulting in a skid.
possible. When you are fresh, you Rope can stretch and knots can
ride at peak performance. For most come loose, permitting the load to
riders, this is usually between 6 a.m. shift or fall. You should stop and
and 11 a.m. – then, take a good check the load often to make sure it
hour’s break for lunch. Your energy has not shifted or loosened.
will pick up again in the afternoon.
• Include a small tool kit and some
• Don’t forget sun protection in the common spare parts that you might
summer. Some combinations of need. Water and some energy bars
riding gear can leave your neck or other food should also be part of
exposed, risking sunburn. your preparation, and don’t forget
• If you wear a backpack, be sure it a first aid kit, especially if you are
is securely attached to you. Try to riding in a group.
adjust the shoulder straps so that
the backpack rests lightly on the
seat. This will reduce the tension in
your neck and shoulders. test yourself 12
• If you have a tank bag, be sure it Passengers should:
is securely mounted and does not A. Lean as you lean.
obstruct your view of the controls B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat.
or instruments. If necessary, pack it
C. Sit as far back as possible.
only partially full. When strapping
the tank bag in place, make sure D. Never hold onto you.
Answer - page 47
38 ride within your abilities
Passing in Formation
group passing (stage 1)
When the group wants to pass slow
traffic on a freeway or interstate, the
group may pass as a unit. On a two-lane
highway, riders in a staggered formation
should pass one at a time.
• First, the lead rider should pull
out and pass when it is safe. After
passing the leader should return to
the left position and continue riding
at passing speed to open room for
the next rider.
• Next, the second rider should move
up to the left position in the lane
and wait for a chance to safely pass.
When passing be sure you have
a clear view of oncoming traffic.
Just because the lead rider passed,
that does not mean that conditions
haven’t changed and that it is still
safe for other riders to pass. After
passing the rider should return to
the right position and open up
room for the next rider.
group passing (stage 2)
Some people suggest that the lead
rider should move to the right side
of the lane after passing the vehicle.
This is not a good idea, since it might
encourage the second rider to pass and
cut back in before there is enough space
cushion in front of the passed vehicle.
It’s simpler and safer to wait until there
is enough room ahead of the passed
vehicle to allow each rider to move into
the same position held before the pass.
test yourself 13
When riding in a group,
inexperienced riders should position
themselves:
A. Just behind the leader.
B. In front of the group.
C. At the tail end of the group.
D. Beside the leader. Answer - page 47
41
alcohol content
44 being in shape to ride
– Four drinks over the span of two If you are convicted of riding under
hours, you would have at least two the influence of alcohol or drugs,
(4 – 2 = 2) drinks remaining in your you may receive any of the following
system at the end of the two hours. You penalties:
would need at least another two hours • License Suspension — Mandatory
to eliminate the two remaining drinks suspension for conviction, arrest or
before you consider riding. refusal to submit to a breath test.
There are times when a larger • Fines — Severe fines are another
person may not accumulate as high aspect of a conviction, usually levied
a concentration of alcohol for each with a license suspension.
drink consumed. They have more • Community Service — Performing
blood and other bodily fluids. But tasks such as picking up litter along
because of individual differences it the highway, washing cars in the
is better not to take the chance that motor-vehicle pool or working at an
abilities and judgment have not been emergency ward.
affected. Whether or not you are • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees,
legally intoxicated is not the real issue. lost work time spent in court or
Impairment of judgment and skills alcohol-education programs, public
begins well below the legal limit. transportation costs (while your
license is suspended) and the added
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW psychological costs of being tagged
a “drunk driver.”
In all states, an adult with a BAC
of 0.08% or above is considered MINIMIZE THE RISKS
intoxicated. For operators under the age
of 21, lower BAC limits (0.00 to 0.02%, Your ability to judge how well you
depending on state) apply. It doesn’t are riding is affected first. Although
matter how sober you may look or act. you may be performing more and more
The breath or urine test is what usually poorly, you think you are doing better
determines whether you are riding and better. The result is that you ride
legally or illegally. confidently, taking greater and greater
risks. Minimize the risks of drinking and
Your chances of being stopped for riding by taking steps before you drink.
riding under the influence of alcohol are Control your drinking or control your
increasing. Law enforcement is being riding.
stepped up across the country in response
to the senseless deaths and injuries caused Make an Intelligent Choice
by drinking drivers and riders. Don’t Drink — Once you start, your
resistance becomes weaker.
Consequences of Conviction
Setting a limit or pacing yourself are
Years ago, first offenders had a good
poor alternatives at best. Your ability to
chance of getting off with a small fine
exercise good judgment is one of the
and participation in alcohol-abuse
first things affected by alcohol. Even if
classes. Today the laws of most states
you have tried to drink in moderation,
impose stiff penalties on drinking
you may not realize to what extent
operators. And those penalties are
your skills have suffered from alcohol’s
mandatory, meaning that judges must
fatiguing effects.
impose them.
45
Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the best
measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing your
own skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s even
harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensing
exams are designed to be scored more objectively.
To earn your license, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill
test. Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas
from this manual. They require that you know and understand road rules and
safe riding practices. An on-cycle skill test will either be conducted in an actual
traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.
• Operate all the controls before Under some conditions during the
you start riding. Know the operation of a three-wheel motorcycle,
gearshift pattern and operate the it is possible to have only two wheels
throttle, clutch and brakes a few in contact with the road surface. This
times. Controls react differently could occur during turning or tight
on different motorcycles, and maneuvers whenever enough weight is
exact locations of controls may transferred outside of what are called
vary slightly. Additionally, some tip-over lines. This tendency requires
motorcycle conversions may be careful load and passenger positioning
equipped with a single brake pedal inside the tip-over lines to help maintain
or lever control, automatic clutch, or maximum stability.
automatic transmission.
Body Position
• As you begin to ride, start out
slowly and carefully and be aware of As with any motor vehicle, operator
your surroundings. Accelerate gently, position is important for control and
take turns a little more slowly, and for reducing or preventing fatigue. The
leave extra room for stopping. operator should be able to reach both
handgrips comfortably, since more
BASIC vehicle CONTROL handlebar movement is necessary than
when riding a two-wheel motorcycle.
Steering & Tip While it is not necessary for the rider
Three-wheel motorcycles handle of a three-wheel motorcycle to move
differently than two-wheel motorcycles. drastically during operation, shifting
With three wheels on the ground, weight in the direction of the turn can
they are naturally more stable than a improve control.
two-wheel motorcycle. They also steer
Braking
differently. Because conventional three-
wheel motorcycles cannot lean, they On a motorcycle with a sidecar,
cannot countersteer. Instead, the front during braking in a sharp turn, the
wheel is pointed in the direction the sidecar wheel may lift off the ground.
rider wants the motorcycle to go. Motorcycle and sidecar tires have limited
traction or grip on the road surface, and
traction is greater when the motorcycle
is rolling, not skidding or slipping.
During turning, some of the available
Tip-over lines tire traction is used for cornering, so less
is available for stopping. Thus, a skid
can occur if you brake too hard.
Turning
The tendency of the rear inside
wheel to lift during turning is greater
with increased speed and tighter curve
radii. During a turn, inertia causes the
center of gravity of the motorcycle to
shift sideways and outward toward the
51
3 Stop – 4 Speed Up –
arm extended arm extended
straight down, straight out,
palm facing palm facing up,
back. swing upward.
7 You Lead/Come –
arm extended upward 45 degrees,
palm forward pointing with index
finger, swing in arc from back to front.
Hand Signals
8 Hazard in Roadway –
on the left, point
with left hand; on the
right, point with right foot.
9 Highbeam – ap Fuel –
tap on top of arm out to side
helmet with open pointing to tank with
palm down. finger extended.
ad Turn Signal On –
open and close
hand with fingers and
thumb extended.
af Pull Off –
arm positioned as for
right turn, forearm
swung toward shoulder.
You can tear this page out and keep it with you when you ride.
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