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MOTORCYCLE

OPERATOR
MANUAL

STATE OF
DELAWARE
DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
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PREFACE

Operating a motorcycle safely in These revisions reflect:


traffic requires special skills and • The latest finding of motorcycle-
knowledge. The Motorcycle Safety safety research.
Foundation has made this manual
• Comments and guidance provided
available to help novice motorcyclists
by the motorcycling, licensing and
reduce their risk of having a crash. The
traffic-safety communities.
manual conveys essential safe-driving
information and has been designed for • Expanded alcohol and drug
use in licensing programs. While information.
designed for the novice, all motorcyclists In promoting improved licensing
can benefit from the information this programs, the Motorcycle Safety
manual contains. Foundation works closely with state
The original “Motorcycle Operator licensing agencies. The Foundation has
Manual” was developed by the National helped more than half the states in the
Public Services Research Institute nation adopt the “Motorcycle Operator
(NPSRI) under contract to the National Manual” for use in their licensing
Highway Traffic Safety Administration systems.
(NHTSA) and within the terms of a Improved licensing, along with
cooperative agreement between NHTSA high-quality motorcycle rider education
and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. and increased public awareness, has the
The manual and related tests were used potential to reduce crashes. Staff at the
in a multi-year study of improved Foundation are available to assist state,
motorcycle operator licensing private and governmental agencies in
procedures, conducted by the California efforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Department of Motor Vehicles under
contract to NHTSA.
The purpose of this manual is to
educate the reader to help avoid crashes
while safely operating a motorcycle. For
this edition, the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation has updated and expanded Tim Buche
the content of the original manual. President

2 Jenner Street, Suite 150


Irvine, CA 92618-3806
www.msf-usa.org
STATE OF DELAWARE

This manual has been prepared with the cooperation of the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation with your safety–and the safety of all Delaware motorists–in mind.

Operating a motorcycle on today’s highways is no easy task. The rules, signs


and signals are complicated. Variable road surface conditions are complicated
by changes in the weather and the volume of traffic is growing rapidly.

The State of Delaware offers the approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s


Motorcycle Rider Course. It is required or all new motorcyclists under 18 years
of age, and we certainly recommend it for experienced riders as well. We are
convinced that taking the course offered by the Program and careful study of
this manual will make motorcycling safer and more enjoyable.

True driving ability is ultimately attained through experience. But ability


alone is no substitute for caution and common sense.

We hope that you will use the safe driving tips contained in this manual and
enjoy your motorcycle.

Michael D. Shahan, Director


Division of Motor Vehicles

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HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT
ON A DELAWARE DRIVER’S LICENSE

1. You must be a Delaware licensed driver before applying for this endorsement.
2. You can apply at one of the following Motor Vehicle Facilities:
• Wilmington at 8th & Bancroft Parkway • Dover at Rt. 113 - Bay Road
• Georgetown at S. Bedford St. Ext.
3. If you are under 18 years of age you must complete the state approved Motorcycle Rider
Education Course. Upon successful completion of the course, which includes a knowledge and skill
test, you receive a Student Completion Card.
Present this card at the Division of Motor Vehicles, pay a fee of $8.00, pass an eye test and a
motorcycle endorsement will be issued indicating your eligibility to operate a motorcycle. Student
Completion Cards are valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issue. Parents signature
is required for M endorsement.
4. If you are over 18 years of age:
• You must pass a written test and an eye and road sign test.
• You will be issued a 60 day temporary motorcycle learner’s permit after passing the
preliminary tests and paying a fee of $8.00. A 60 day extension is available for
$2.00.
• You can take a state approved Motorcycle Rider Education course and be waived the
knowledge and skill test and the 60 day learner’s permit upon successful completion
of the course.
5. With a temporary motorcycle learners permit the law states:
• No passengers allowed on a motorcycle.
• Operating a motorcycle between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.
• A safety helmet and eye protection as approved by the Division must be worn when
operating a motorcycle.
• Operation of a motorcycle is not permitted on an Interstate Highway.
• You may take the motorcycle road test anytime after 10 days but within the 60 days
at the Lane where the permit was issued.
Upon satisfactorily completing all of the above requirements, a new photo driver’s license will be
issued indicating your eligibility to operate a motorcycle.

RENEWAL - Renewal of a Driver’s License with Motorcycle Endorsement is $5.00 in addition to


your regular license fee.

INSURANCE - Liability Insurance coverage is compulsory for you, your passengers, and your
cycle because of possible damage you might cause to other motorcyclists, their cycles, other
vehicles, or property. Minimum coverage in Delaware is $15,000, $30,000 and $10,000. Make sure
that you are covered adequately both in terms of state law and in terms of the kind of riding you
plan to undertake. Failure to have your motorcycle properly insured can lead to a fine and a
suspension of your driver’s license.
Students successfully completing the approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course are eligible
for a 10% insurance liability premium reduction by presenting their Student Completion Course
Card to their insurance company.
Students successfully completing the Experienced Rider Course within 2 yrs., 6 mo. and 3 yrs.
of the approved Motorcycle Rider Course are eligible for a 15% liability insurance premium
reduction by presenting their Student Completion Card to their insurance company.

MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION FEE - The annual fee for a motorcycle registration (license
plate) is $10.00.

DELAWARE HELMET LAW - Every person operating or riding on a motorcycle shall have in
his possession a safety helmet approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and shall wear eye
protection approved by said Secretary; provided, however, that every person operating or riding on
a motorcycle up to 19 years of age shall wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the
Secretary of Public Safety.

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CONTENTS

PREPARING HANDLING DANGEROUS SURFACES ..27


TO RIDE Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles .......27
Slippery Surfaces ..............................28
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR ....................4 Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks
Helmet Use .........................................4 and Pavement Seams ....................29
Helmet Selection .................................4 Grooves and Gratings .......................29
Eye and Face Protection .....................5
Clothing ..............................................6 MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ..................30
Tire Failure .......................................30
KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE ...............6 Stuck Throttle ...................................30
The Right Motorcycle for You ...........6 Wobble ..............................................30
Borrowing and Lending ......................7 Chain Problems ................................31
Get Familiar with the Engine Seizure ..................................31
Motorcycle Controls ........................7
Check Your Motorcycle ......................8 ANIMALS .............................................31
KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES .........9 FLYING OBJECTS ................................32
GETTING OFF THE ROAD ..................32
RIDE WITHIN CARRYING PASSENGERS
YOUR ABILITIES AND CARGO .....................................32
BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL ................10 Equipment .........................................32
Body Position ...................................10 Instructing Passengers ......................33
Shifting Gears ...................................10 Riding With Passengers ....................33
Braking .............................................11 Carrying Loads .................................33
Turning ..............................................11 GROUP RIDING ...................................34
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE ................12 Keep the Group Small ......................34
Lane Positions ...................................12 Keep the Group Together .................34
Following Another Vehicle ...............13 Keep Your Distance ..........................34
Being Followed .................................14
Passing and Being Passed .................14 BEING IN SHAPE
Lane Sharing .....................................16 TO RIDE
Merging Cars ....................................16 WHY THIS INFORMATION IS
Cars Alongside ..................................16 IMPORTANT ......................................36
SEE ......................................................17 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN
INTERSECTIONS ..................................18 MOTORCYCLE OPERATION ...............36
Blind Intersections ............................19 ALCOHOL IN THE BODY .....................37
Passing Parked Cars .........................20 Blood Alcohol
Parking at the Roadside ....................20 Concentration .................................37
INCREASING CONSPICUITY ................21 ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...................38
Clothing ............................................21 Consequences of
Headlight ..........................................21 Conviction ......................................38
Signals ..............................................21 MINIMIZE THE RISKS .........................38
Brake Light ........................................22 STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS .........39
Using Your Mirrors ...........................22
FATIGUE ..............................................39
Head Checks .....................................23
Horn ..................................................23 EARNING
Riding at Night .................................24 YOUR LICENSE
CRASH AVOIDANCE ............................24 Knowledge Test ................................40
Quick Stops .......................................24 On-Cycle Skill Test ...........................41
Swerving or Turning Quickly ...........25
Cornering ..........................................26

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PREPARING TO RIDE
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.

WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR • An approved helmet lets you see


When you ride, your gear is as far to the sides as necessary. A
“right” if it protects you. In any study of more than 900 motorcycle
crash, you have a far better chance of crashes, where 40% of the riders
avoiding serious injury if you wear: wore helmets, did not find even
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR

one case in which a helmet kept a


• An approved helmet. rider from spotting danger.
• Face or eye protection. • Most crashes happen on short
• Protective clothing. trips (less than five miles
long), just a few minutes after
HELMET USE starting out.
Crashes can occur — • Most ridersM reirare
sd s riding slower
to
particularly among untrained, than 30 mph when a crash
beginning riders. And one out of occurs. At these speeds, helmets
every five motorcycle crashes results can cut both the number and the
in head or neck injuries. Head severity of head injuries by half.
injuries are just as severe as neck No matter what the speed,
injuries — and far more common. helmeted riders are three times more
Crash analyses show that head and likely to survive head injuries than
neck injuries account for a majority those not wearing helmets at the time
of serious and fatal injuries to of the crash.
motorcyclists. Research also shows
that, with few exceptions, head and
neck injuries are reduced by properly
HELMET SELECTION
wearing an approved helmet. There are two primary types of
helmets, providing two different
Some riders don’t wear helmets
levels of coverage: three-quarter and
because they think helmets will limit
full face.
their view to the sides. Others wear
helmets only on long trips or when Whichever style you choose, you
riding at high speeds. Here are some can get the most protection by
facts to consider: making sure that the helmet:

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HELMETS

HELMET USE
• Meets U.S. Department of Goggles protect your eyes,
Transportation (DOT) and state though they won’t protect the rest of
standards. Helmets with a label your face like a faceshield does. A
from the Snell Memorial windshield is not a substitute for a

EYE AND FACE PROTECTION


Foundation give you an added faceshield or goggles. Most
assurance of quality. windshields will not protect your
• Fits snugly, all the way around. eyes from the wind. Neither will
eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasses
• Has no obvious defects such
won’t keep your eyes from watering,
as cracks, loose padding or
and they might blow off when you
frayed straps.
turn your head while riding.
Whatever helmet you decide
To be effective, eye or
on, keep it securely fastened on your
faceshield protection must:
head when you ride. Otherwise, if
you are involved in a crash, it’s likely • Be free of scratches.
to fly off your head before it gets a • Be resistant to penetration.
chance to protect you. • Give a clear view to either side.
• Fasten securely, so it does not
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION blow off.
A plastic shatter-resistant • Permit air to pass through, to
faceshield can help protect your reduce fogging.
whole face in a crash. It also • Permit enough room for
protects you from wind, dust, dirt, eyeglasses or sunglasses, if
rain, insects and pebbles thrown up needed.
from cars ahead. These problems Tinted eye protection should
are distracting and can be painful. not be worn at night or any other
If you have to deal with them, you time when little light is available.
can’t devote your full attention to
the road.

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CLOTHING KNOW YOUR


CLOTHING The right clothing protects you MOTORCYCLE
in a collision. It also provides There are plenty of things on the
comfort, as well as protection from highway that can cause you trouble.
heat, cold, debris and hot and moving Your motorcycle should not be one of
parts of the motorcycle. them. To make sure that your
• Jacket and pants should cover motorcycle won’t let you down:
arms and legs completely. They • Read the owner’s manual first.
should fit snugly enough to keep • Start with the right motorcycle for
from flapping in the wind, yet you.
loosely enough to move freely.
Leather offers the most protection. • Be familiar with the motorcycle
Sturdy synthetic material provides controls.
a lot of protection as well. • Check the motorcycle before
Wear a jacket even in warm every ride.
weather to prevent dehydration. • Keep it in safe riding condition
THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE

Many are designed to protect between rides.


without getting you overheated,
• Avoid add-ons and modifications
even on summer days.
that make your motorcycle
• Boots or shoes should be high and harder to handle.
sturdy enough to cover your ankles
and give them support. Soles
should be made of hard, durable,
THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE
slip-resistant material. Keep heels FOR YOU
short so they do not catch on rough First, make sure your motorcycle
surfaces. Tuck in laces so they is right for you. It should “fit” you.
won’t catch on your motorcycle. Your feet should reach the ground
• Gloves allow a better grip and while you are seated on the
help protect your hands in a crash. motorcycle.
Your gloves should be made of
leather or similar durable material.
In cold or wet weather, your
clothes should keep you warm and
dry, as well as protect you from
injury. You cannot control a
motorcycle well if you are numb. 1 Test Yourself
Riding for long periods in cold A plastic shatter-resistant face
weather can cause severe chill and shield:
fatigue. A winter jacket should resist A. Is not neccessary if you have a
windshield.
wind and fit snugly at the neck,
B. Only protects your eyes.
wrists and waist. Good-quality
C. Helps protect your whole face.
rainsuits designed for motorcycle
D. Does not protect your face as well
riding resist tearing apart or as goggles.
ballooning up at high speeds. Answer - page 40

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At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE


motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic.
• Headlight, taillight and No matter how experienced you
brakelight. may be, ride extra carefully on any
• Front and rear brakes. motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar
to you. More than half of all crashes
• Turn signals. occur on motorcycles ridden by the
• Horn. operator for less than six months.
• Two mirrors.
GET FAMILIAR WITH THE
BORROWING AND LENDING MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Borrowers and lenders of Make sure you are completely
motorcycles, beware. Crashes are familiar with the motorcycle before
fairly common among beginning you take it out on the street. Be sure
riders — especially in the first to review the owner’s manual. This is
months of riding. Riding an particularly important if you are
unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the riding a borrowed motorcycle.
problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, If you are going to use an
get familiar with it in a controlled unfamiliar motorcycle:
area. And if you lend your
motorcycle to friends, make sure they

MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off
Choke (varies) Switch
Turn-Signal Electric
Switch Start
Button
Ignition Key
(varies)

Horn Button Throttle

Clutch Lever Front Brake Lever


Speedometer
& Odometer
Tachometer
(if equipped)

Fuel Supply Valve


(if equipped)
Rear Brake Pedal
Gear-Change Lever
Kick Starter
(if equipped)

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• Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE on your own motorcycle. controls, and make sure each one
• Find out where everything is, turns on the brake light.
particularly the turn signals, horn, Once you have mounted the
headlight switch, fuel-supply motorcycle, complete the following
valve and engine cut-off switch. checks before starting out:
Find and operate these items • Clutch and Throttle — Make
without having to look for them. sure they work smoothly. The
• Know the gear pattern. Work the throttle should snap back when
throttle, clutch and brakes a few you let go. The clutch should feel
times before you start riding. All tight and smooth.
controls react a little differently. • Mirrors — Clean and adjust both
• Ride very cautiously and be mirrors before starting. It’s
aware of surroundings. Accelerate difficult to ride with one hand
gently, take turns more slowly and while you try to adjust a mirror.
leave extra room for stopping. Adjust each mirror so you can see
the lane behind and as much as
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE possible of the lane next to you.
When properly adjusted, a mirror
A motorcycle needs more may show the edge of your arm or
frequent attention than a car. A minor shoulder—but it’s the road behind
technical failure in a car seldom leads and to the side that’s most
to anything more than an important.
inconvenience for the driver.
• Brakes — Try the front and rear
If something’s wrong with the brake levers one at a time. Make
motorcycle, you’ll want to find out sure each one feels firm and holds
about it before you get in traffic. the motorcycle when the brake is
Make a complete check of your fully applied.
motorcycle before every ride. • Horn — Try the horn. Make sure
Before mounting the motorcycle, it works.
make the following checks: In addition to the checks you
• Tires — Check the air pressure, should make before every trip, check
general wear and tread. the following items at least once a
• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a week: Wheels, cables, fasteners and
minimum, check hydraulic fluids fluid checks. Follow your owner’s
and coolants weekly. Look under manual to get recommendations.
the motorcycle for signs of an oil
or gas leak. 2 Test Yourself
• Headlights and Taillight — More than half of all crashes:
Check them both. Test your switch A. Occur at speeds greater than
to make sure both high and low 35 mph.
beams are working. B. Happen at night.
C. Are caused by worn tires.
• Turn Signals — Turn on both
D. Involve riders who have ridden
right and left turn signals. Make their motorcycles less than six
sure all lights are working months.
Answer - page 40
properly.

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KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES


RESPONSIBILITIES clothing, use your headlight, ride
in the best lane position to see and
“Accident” implies an be seen.
unforeseen event that occurs without
• Communicate your intentions —
anyone’s fault or negligence. Most
use the proper signals, brake light
often in traffic, that is not the case. In
and lane position.
fact, most people involved in a crash
can usually claim some responsibility • Maintain an adequate space
for what takes place. cushion — following, being
followed, lane sharing, passing
Consider a situation where
and being passed.
someone decides to try to squeeze
through an intersection on a yellow • Scan your path of travel 12
light turning red. Your light turns seconds ahead.
green. You pull into the intersection • Identify and separate multiple
without checking for possible hazards.
latecomers. That is all it takes for the • Be prepared to act — remain
two of you to tangle. It was the alert and know how to carry out
driver’s responsibility to stop. And it proper crash-avoidance skills.
was your responsibility to look
Blame doesn’t matter when
before pulling out. Neither of you
someone is injured in a crash. There
held up your end of the deal. Just
is rarely a single cause of any crash.
because someone else is the first to
The ability to ride aware, make
start the chain of events leading to a
critical decisions and carry them out
crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free
separates responsible riders from all
of responsibility.
the rest. Remember, it is up to you to
As a rider you can’t be sure that keep from being the cause of, or an
other operators will see you or yield unprepared participant in, any crash.
the right of way. To lessen your
chances of a crash occurring:

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RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES


This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.
That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with
knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and
obeying the rules of the road.

BASIC VEHICLE too much throttle. Also, adjust the


CONTROL handlebars so your hands are even
with or below your elbows. This
permits you to use the proper muscles
BODY POSITION for precision steering.
BODY POSITION

To control a motorcycle well: • Knees — Keep your knees against


• Posture — Sit so you can use your the gas tank to help you keep your
arms to steer the motorcycle rather balance as the motorcycle turns.
than to hold yourself up. • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on
• Seat — Sit far enough forward so the footpegs to maintain balance.
that arms are slightly bent when Don’t drag your feet. If your foot
you hold the handlegrips. Bending catches on something, you could
your arms permits you to press on be injured and it could affect your
the handlebars without having to control of the motorcycle. Keep
stretch. your feet near the controls so you
• Hands — Hold the handlegrips can get to them fast if needed.
firmly to keep your grip over Also, don’t let your toes point
rough surfaces. Start with your downward—they may get caught
right wrist flat. This will help you between the road and the footpegs.
keep from accidentally using
SHIFTING GEARS

SHIFTING GEARS
HOLDING HANDLEBARS There is more to shifting gears
than simply getting the motorcycle to
RIGHT pick up speed smoothly. Learning to
use the gears when downshifting,
turning or starting on hills is
important for safe motorcycle
operation.
Shift down through the gears
with the clutch as you slow or stop.
Remain in first gear while you are
WRONG stopped so that you can move out
quickly if you need to.

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Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake

BRAKING
slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface
lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will may be hazardous. Use caution
lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. and squeeze the brake lever, never
When riding downhill or shifting into grab.
first gear you may need to use the • Some motorcycles have
brakes to slow enough before integrated braking systems that
downshifting safely. Work toward a link the front and rear brakes
smooth, even clutch release, together by applying the rear brake
especially when downshifting. pedal. (Consult the owner’s
It is best to change gears before manual for a detailed explanation
entering a turn. However, sometimes on the operation and effective use
shifting while in the turn is necessary. of these systems.)
If so, remember to do so smoothly. A
sudden change in power to the rear
TURNING
wheel can cause a skid. Riders often try to take curves or
turns too fast. When they can’t hold

TURNING
BRAKING the turn, they end up crossing into
another lane of traffic or going off the
Your motorcycle has two brakes:
road. Or, they overreact and brake too
one each for the front and rear wheel.
hard, causing a skid and loss of
Use both of them at the same time.
control. Approach turns and curves
The front brake is more powerful and
with caution.
can provide at least three-quarters
of your total stopping power. The Use four steps for better control:
front brake is safe to use if you use • SLOW
it properly. • LOOK
Remember: • PRESS
• Use both brakes every time you • ROLL
slow or stop. Using both brakes for
even “normal” stops will permit • SLOW — Reduce speed before
you to develop the proper habit or the turn by closing the throttle and,
skill of using both brakes properly if necessary, applying both brakes.
in an emergency. Squeeze the front • LOOK — Look through the turn
brake and press down on the rear. to where you want to go. Turn just
Grabbing at the front brake or your head, not your shoulders, and
jamming down on the rear can keep your eyes level with the
cause the brakes to lock, resulting horizon.
in control problems. • PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle
• If you know the technique, using must lean. To lean the motor-
both brakes in a turn is possible, cycle, press on the handlegrip in
although it should be done very the direction of the turn. Press
carefully. When leaning the left— lean left—go left. Press
motorcycle some of the traction is right— lean right—go right.
used for cornering. Less traction is Higher speeds and/or tighter
available for stopping. A skid can turns require the motorcycle to
occur if you apply too much brake. lean more.

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• ROLL — Roll on the throttle 3 Test Yourself


through the turn to stabilize When riding, you should:
suspension. Maintain steady speed A. Turn your head and shoulders to
or accelerate gradually through the look through turns.
turn. This will help keep the B. Keep your arms straight.
motorcycle stable. C. Keep your knees away from the
gas tank.
In normal turns, the rider and the
D. Turn just your head and eyes to
motorcycle should lean together at look where you are going.
the same angle. Answer - page 40

NORMAL TURNING KEEPING YOUR


DISTANCE
The best protection you can have
is distance — a “cushion of space” —
all around your motorcycle. If
someone else makes a mistake,
LANE POSITIONS

distance permits you:


• Time to react.
• Space to maneuver.

LANE POSITIONS
In some ways the size of the
motorcycle can work to your advan-
tage. Each traffic lane gives a
In slow tight turns, counterbalance motorcycle three paths of travel, as
by leaning the motorcycle only and indicated in the illustration.
keeping your body straight. Your lane position should:
• Increase your ability to see and be
NORMAL TURNING seen.
• Avoid others’ blind spots.
• Avoid surface hazards.
• Protect your lane from other
drivers.
• Communicate your intentions.
• Avoid wind blast from other
vehicles.
• Provide an escape route.
Select the appropriate path to
maximize your space cushion and
make yourself more easily seen by
others on the road.

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LANE POSITIONS

In general, there is no single FOLLOWING ANOTHER


best position for riders to be seen VEHICLE

FOLLOWING
and to maintain a space cushion
“Following too closely” could
around the motorcycle. No portion
be a factor in crashes involving
of the lane need be avoided —
motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles
including the center.
need as much distance to stop as
Position yourself in the portion cars. Normally, a minimum of two
of the lane where you are most likely seconds distance should be
to be seen and you can maintain a maintained behind the vehicle ahead.
space cushion around you. Change To gauge your following
position as traffic situations change. distance:
Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and
• Pick out a marker, such as a
other potential problems are on your
pavement marking or lamppost, on
left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if
or near the road ahead.
hazards are on your right only. If
vehicles are being operated on both • When the rear bumper of the
sides of you, the center of the lane, vehicle ahead passes the marker,
path 2, is usually your best option. count off the seconds: “one-
thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”
The oily strip in the center
portion that collects drippings from • If you reach the marker before
cars is usually no more than two feet you reach “two,” you are
wide. Unless the road is wet, the following too closely.
average center strip permits adequate A two-second following distance
traction to ride on safely. You can leaves a minimum amount of space to
operate to the left or right of the stop or swerve if the driver ahead
grease strip and still be within the stops suddenly. It also permits a
center portion of the traffic lane. better view of potholes and other
Avoid riding on big buildups of oil hazards in the road.
and grease usually found at busy A larger cushion of space is
intersections or toll booths. needed if your motorcycle will take
longer than normal to stop. If the

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FOLLOWING

pavement is slippery, if you cannot drivers ahead and to prevent lane


see through the vehicle ahead, or if sharing by others.
BEING FOLLOWED

traffic is heavy and someone may


squeeze in front of you, open up a BEING FOLLOWED
three-second or more following
Speeding up to lose someone
distance.
following too closely only ends up
Keep well behind the vehicle with someone tailgating you at a
ahead even when you are stopped. higher speed.
This will make it easier to get out
A better way to handle tailgaters
of the way if someone bears down on
is to get them in front of you. When
you from behind. It will also give you
someone is following too closely,
a cushion of space if the vehicle
change lanes and let them pass. If
ahead starts to back up for some
you can’t do this, slow down and
reason.
open up extra space ahead of you to
When behind a car, ride where allow room for both you and the
the driver can see you in the rearview tailgater to stop. This will also
mirror. Riding in the center portion encourage them to pass. If they don’t
of the lane should put your image pass, you will have given yourself
in the middle of the rearview mirror and the tailgater more time and space
— where a driver is most likely to to react in case an emergency does
see you. develop ahead.
Riding at the far side of a lane
may permit a driver to see you in a PASSING AND BEING PASSED
sideview mirror. But remember that
Passing and being passed by
most drivers don’t look at their
another vehicle is not much different
sideview mirrors nearly as often as
than with a car. However, visibility is
they check the rearview mirror. If the
more critical. Be sure other drivers
traffic situation allows, the center
see you, and that you see potential
portion of the lane is usually the best
hazards.
place for you to be seen by the

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MOM Manual.qxp 1/9/03 3:19 PM Page 15

PASSING stay in the center portion of your

PASSING
1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could
lane at a safe following distance put you in a hazardous situation.
to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by:
make you more visible. Signal • The other vehicle — A slight
and check for oncoming traffic. mistake by you or the passing
Use your mirrors and turn your driver could cause a sideswipe.
head to look for traffic behind.
• Extended mirrors — Some
2. When safe, move into the left lane drivers forget that their mirrors
and accelerate. Select a lane hang out farther than their fenders.
position that doesn’t crowd the
• Objects thrown from windows
car you are passing and pro-
— Even if the driver knows you’re
vides space to avoid hazards in
there, a passenger may not see you
your lane.
and might toss something on you
3. Ride through the blind spot as or the road ahead of you.
quickly as possible.
• Blasts of wind from larger

BEING PASSED
4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your
and headchecks before returning control. You have more room for
to your original lane and then error if you are in the middle
cancel the signal. portion when hit by this blast
Remember, passes must be than if you are on either side of
completed within posted speed limits, the lane.
and only where permitted. Know your
Do not move into the portion
signs and road markings!
of the lane farthest from the
BEING PASSED passing vehicle. It might invite the
When you are being passed from other driver to cut back into your lane
behind or by an oncoming vehicle, too early.

PASSING BEING PASSED

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LANE SHARING another lane if one is open. If there is


LANE SHARING Cars and motorcycles need a full
no room for a lane change, adjust
speed to open up space for the
lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is
merging driver.
usually prohibited.
Riding between rows of stopped CARS ALONGSIDE
or moving cars in the same lane can
leave you vulnerable to the Do not ride next to cars or trucks
unexpected. A hand could come out in other lanes if you do not have to.
of a window; a door could open; a car You might be in the blind spot of a
could turn suddenly. Discourage lane car in the next lane, which could
sharing by others. Keep a center- switch into your lane without
portion position whenever drivers warning. Cars in the next lane also
might be tempted to squeeze by you. block your escape if you come upon
Drivers are most tempted to do this: danger in your own lane. Speed up or
drop back to find a place clear of
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic on both sides.
traffic.
• When they want to pass you. BLIND SPOTS
• When you are preparing to turn at
an intersection.
• When you are getting in an exit
lane or leaving a highway.

MERGING CARS
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway. Give
them plenty of room. Change to

MERGING

4 Test Yourself
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 40

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SEE

SEE
Good experienced riders remain • Road and surface characteristics
aware of what is going on around — Potholes, guardrails, bridges,
them. They improve their riding telephone poles and trees won’t
strategy by using SEE, a three-step move into your path but may
process used to make appropriate infuence your riding strategy.
judgments, and apply them correctly • Traffic control devices — Look
in different traffic situations: for traffic signals, including
• Search regulatory signs, warning signs,
• Evaluate and pavement markings, to help
• Execute you evaluate circumstances
ahead.
Let’s examine each of these steps.
• Vehicles and other traffic —
May move into your path and
SEARCH increase the likelihood of a crash.
Search aggressively ahead, to the Think about your time and space
sides and behind to avoid potential requirements in order to maintain a
hazards even before they arise. How margin of safety. You must leave
assertively you search, and how yourself time to react if an
much time and space you have, can emergency arises.
eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even
more on finding potential escape
routes in or around intersections, EXECUTE
shopping areas and school and Carry out your decision.
construction zones. To create more space and
Search for factors such as: minimize harm from any hazard:
• Oncoming traffic that may turn • Communicate your presence with
left in front of you. lights and/or horn.
• Traffic coming from the left and • Adjust your speed by
right. accelerating, stopping or slowing.
• Traffic approaching from behind. • Adjust your position and/or
• Hazardous road conditions. direction.
Be especially alert in areas with Apply the old adage “one step at
limited visibility. Visually “busy” a time” to handle two or more
surroundings could hide you and hazards. Adjust speed to permit two
your motorcycle from others. hazards to separate. Then deal with
them one at a time as single hazards.
Decision making becomes more
EVALUATE complex with three or more hazards.
Think about how hazards can Weigh the consequences of each and
interact to create risks for you. give equal distance to the hazards.
Anticipate potential problems and
have a plan to reduce risks.

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In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS


INTERSECTIONS as intersections, shopping areas and The greatest potential for
school and construction zones, cover conflict between you and other traffic
the clutch and both brakes to reduce is at intersections. An intersection
the time you need to react. can be in the middle of an urban area
or at a driveway on a residential
street—anywhere traffic may cross
your path of travel. Over one-half of
motorcycle/car crashes are caused by
5 Test Yourself drivers entering a rider’s right-of-
To reduce your reaction time, you way. Cars that turn left in front of
should: you, including cars turning left from
A. Ride slower than the speed limit. the lane to your right, and cars on
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. side streets that pull into your lane,
C. Shift into neutral when slowing. are the biggest dangers. Your use
D. Pull in the clutch when turning. of SEE [p. 17] at intersections
Answer - page 40 is critical.
There are no guarantees that
others see you. Never count on “eye
contact” as a sign that a driver will
yield. Too often, a driver looks right
at a motorcyclist and still fails to
“see” him. The only eyes that you
can count on are your own. If a car
can enter your path, assume that it
will. Good riders are always “looking
for trouble”—not to get into it, but to
stay out of it.
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on in a lane position that
provides the best view of oncoming
traffic. Provide a space cushion
around the motorcycle that permits
you to take evasive action.

LARGE INTERSECTIONS

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LARGE INTERSECTIONS

As you approach the intersec- cross street can see him as soon as
tion, select a lane position to increase possible.
your visibility to the driver. Cover the
clutch and both brakes to reduce LARGE INTERSECTIONS
reaction time.
Reduce your speed as you
approach an intersection. After
entering the intersection, move away
from vehicles preparing to turn. Do
not change speed or position
radically. The driver might think that
you are preparing to turn.
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
If you approach a blind
intersection, move to the portion of
the lane that will bring you into
another driver’s field of vision at the
earliest possible moment. In this Remember, the key is to see as
picture, the rider has moved to the much as possible and remain visible
left portion of the lane—away from to others while protecting your space.
the parked car—so the driver on the

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STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS


PARKED CARS

If you have a stop sign or stop


line, stop there first. Then edge
forward and stop again, just short of
where the cross-traffic lane meets
your lane. From that position, lean In either event, the driver might
your body forward and look around cut into your path. Slow down or
buildings, parked cars or bushes to change lanes to make room for
see if anything is coming. Just make someone cutting in.
sure your front wheel stays out of the Cars making a sudden U-turn are
cross lane of travel while you’re the most dangerous. They may cut
looking. you off entirely, blocking the whole
PASSING PARKED CARS roadway and leaving you with no
place to go. Since you can’t tell what
When passing parked cars, stay
a driver will do, slow down and get
toward the left of your lane. You can
the driver’s attention. Sound your
avoid problems caused by doors
horn and continue with caution.
opening, drivers getting out of cars or
people stepping from between cars. If PARKING AT THE ROADSIDE
oncoming traffic is present, it is Park at a 90˚ angle to the curb with
usually best to remain in the center- your rear wheel touching the curb.
lane position to maximize your space
cushion.
A bigger problem can occur if PARKING AT CURBS
the driver pulls away from the curb
without checking for traffic behind.
Even if he does look, he may fail to
see you.
6 Test Yourself
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 40

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INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and

CLOTHING
CONSPICUITY on the sides of the helmet will help
drivers coming from the side to spot
In crashes with motorcyclists, you. Reflective material can also be a
drivers often say that they never saw big help for drivers coming toward
the motorcycle. From ahead or you or from behind.
behind, a motorcycle’s outline is
much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s
HEADLIGHT
hard to see something you are not
looking for, and most drivers are not The best way to help others see
looking for motorcycles. More likely, your motorcycle is to keep the
they are looking through the skinny, headlight on — at all times
two-wheeled silhouette in search of (although motorcycles sold in the
cars that may pose a problem to USA since 1978 automatically have
them. the headlights on when running).
Studies show that, during the day, a
Even if a driver does see you
motorcycle with its light on is twice
coming, you aren’t necessarily safe.

LIGHTS
as likely to be noticed. Use of the
Smaller vehicles appear farther away
high beam during the day increases
and seem to be traveling slower than
the likelihood that oncoming drivers
they actually are. It is common for
will see you. Use low beam at night
drivers to pull out in front of
and in fog.
motorcyclists, thinking they have
plenty of time. Too often, they
are wrong. SIGNALS
However, you can do many The signals on a motorcycle are
things to make it easier for others to similar to those on a car. They tell
recognize you and your motorcycle. others what you plan to do.

CLOTHING SIGNALING
Most crashes occur in broad
daylight. Wear bright-colored
clothing to increase your chances of
SIGNALS

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 your best
bets for being seen. Your helmet can
do more than protect you in a crash.
Brightly colored helmets can also
help others see you.
Any bright color is better than
drab or dark colors. Reflective,
bright-colored clothing (helmet and
jacket or vest) is best.

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However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not
vulnerability, signals are even more expect it (in the middle of a
important. Use them anytime you block or at an alley).
plan to change lanes or turn. Use If you are being followed
them even when you think no one closely, it’s a good idea to flash your
else is around. It’s the car you don’t brake light before you slow. The
see that’s going to give you the tailgater may be watching you and
most trouble. Your signal lights also not see something ahead that will
make you easier to spot. That’s why make you slow down. This will
it’s a good idea to use your turn hopefully discourage them from
signals even when what you plan to tailgating and warn them of hazards
do is obvious. ahead they may not see.
When you enter onto a
freeway, drivers approaching USING YOUR MIRRORS
from behind are more likely to see While it’s most important to
your signal blinking and make room keep track of what’s happening
USING YOUR MIRRORS

for you. ahead, you can’t afford to ignore


Turning your signal light on situations behind. Traffic conditions
before each turn reduces confusion change quickly. Knowing what’s
and frustration for the traffic around going on behind is essential for you
you. Once you turn, make sure your to make a safe decision about how to
signal is off or a driver may pull handle trouble ahead.
directly into your path, thinking you Frequent mirror checks should
plan to turn again. Use your signals be part of your normal searching
at every turn so drivers can react routine. Make a special point of using
accordingly. Don’t make them your mirrors:
guess what you intend to do. • When you are stopped at an
intersection. Watch cars coming up
BRAKE LIGHT from behind. If the driver isn’t
Your motorcycle’s brake light is paying attention, he could be on
usually not as noticeable as the brake top of you before he sees you.
lights on a car—particularly when • Before you change lanes. Make
your taillight is on. (It goes on with sure no one is about to pass you.
the headlight.) If the situation will • Before you slow down. The driver
permit, help others notice you by behind may not expect you to
flashing your brake light before you slow, or may be unsure about
slow down. It is especially important where you will slow. For example,
to flash your brake light before: you signal a turn and the driver
• You slow more quickly than thinks you plan to turn at a distant
others might expect (turning off a intersection, rather than at a nearer
high-speed highway). driveway.

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USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS

HEAD CHECKS
Checking your mirrors is not
enough. Motorcycles have “blind
spots” like cars. Before you change
lanes, turn your head, and look to the
side for other vehicles.
On a road with several lanes,
check the far lane and the one next
to you. A driver in the distant lane
may head for the same space you
plan to take.
Frequent head checks should
be your normal scanning routine,
also. Only by knowing what is
happening all around you are you
fully prepared to deal with it.

HORN
HORN
Some motorcycles have rounded Be ready to use your horn to
(convex) mirrors. These provide a get someone’s attention quickly.
wider view of the road behind than
do flat mirrors. They also make cars It is a good idea to give a quick
seem farther away than they really beep before passing anyone that
are. If you are not used to convex may move into your lane.
mirrors, get familiar with them. Here are some situations:
(While you are stopped, pick out a • A driver in the lane next to you is
parked car in your mirror. Form a driving too closely to the vehicle
mental image of how far away it is. ahead and may want to pass.
Then, turn around and look at it to • A parked car has someone in the
see how close you came.) Practice driver’s seat.
with your mirrors until you become a
good judge of distance. Even then, • Someone is in the street, riding a
allow extra distance before you bicycle or walking.
change lanes. In an emergency, press the horn
button loud and long. Be ready to
stop or swerve away from the danger.
Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s
horn isn’t as loud as a car’s —
therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it.
Other strategies may be appropriate
along with the horn.

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RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE


NIGHT RIDING At night it is harder for you to No matter how careful you are,
see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find
headlight or taillight out of the car yourself in a tight spot. Your chances
lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your
drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly.
• Reduce Your Speed — Ride even Often, a crash occurs because a rider
slower than you would during the is not prepared or skilled in crash-
day — particularly on roads you avoidance maneuvers.
don’t know well. This will increase
Know when and how to stop or
your chances of avoiding a hazard.
swerve, two skills critical in avoiding
• Increase Distance — Distances
a crash. It is not always desirable or
are harder to judge at night than
during the day. Your eyes rely possible to stop quickly to avoid an
upon shadows and light contrasts obstacle. Riders must also be able to
to determine how far away an swerve around an obstacle.
object is and how fast it is coming. Determining the skill necessary for
CRASH AVOIDANCE

These contrasts are missing or dis- the situation is important as well.


torted under artificial lights at Studies show that most crash-
night. Open up a three-second fol- involved riders:
lowing distance or more. And
allow more distance to pass and • Underbrake the front tire and
be passed. overbrake the rear.
• Use the Car Ahead — The • Did not separate braking from
headlights of the car ahead can swerving or did not choose
give you a better view of the road swerving when it was appropriate.
than even your high beam can.
Taillights bouncing up and down The following information offers
can alert you to bumps or rough some good advice.
pavement.
• Use Your High Beam — Get all QUICK STOPS
the light you can. Use your high To stop quickly, apply both
beam whenever you are not brakes at the same time. Don’t be shy
following or meeting a car. Be
QUICK STOPS

about using the front brake, but don’t


visible: Wear reflective materials “grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake
when riding at night. lever firmly and progressively. If the
• Be Flexible About Lane Position. front wheel locks, release the front
Change to whatever portion of the brake immediately then reapply it
lane is best able to help you see, be
firmly. At the same time, press down
seen and keep an adequate space
cushion. on the rear brake. If you accidentally
lock the rear brake on a good traction
7 Test Yourself surface, you can keep it locked until
Reflective clothing should: you have completely stopped; but,
A. Be worn at night. even with a locked rear wheel, you
B. Be worn during the day. can control the motorcycle on a
C. Not be worn. straightaway if it is upright and going
D. Be worn day and night in a straight line.
Answer - page 40

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STOPPING DISTANCE in the last few feet of stopping. The

SWERVING
motorcycle should then be straight up
and in balance.

SWERVING OR TURNING
QUICKLY
Sometimes you may not have
enough room to stop, even if you use
both brakes properly. An object
might appear suddenly in your path.
Always use both brakes at the Or the car ahead might squeal to a
same time to stop. The front brake stop. The only way to avoid a crash
can provide 70% or more of the may be to turn quickly, or swerve
potential stopping power. around it.
If you must stop quickly while A swerve is any sudden change
turning or riding a curve, the best in direction. It can be two quick
technique is to straighten the bike turns, or a rapid shift to the side.
upright first and then brake. Apply a small amount of hand
However, it may not always be pressure to the handlegrip located on
possible to straighten the motorcycle the side of your intended direction of
and then stop. If you must brake escape. This will cause the
while leaning, apply light brakes and motorcycle to lean quickly. The
reduce the throttle. As you slow, you sharper the turn(s), the more the
can reduce your lean angle and apply motorcycle must lean.
more brake pressure until the Keep your body upright and
motorcycle is straight and maximum allow the motorcycle to lean in the
brake pressure is possible. You direction of the turn while keeping
should “straighten” the handlebars your knees against the tank and your

SWERVE, THEN BRAKE BRAKE, THEN SWERVE

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feet solidly on the pegs. Let the CORNERING


CORNERING motorcycle move underneath you. A primary cause of single-
Make your escape route the target of vehicle crashes is motorcyclists
your vision. Press on the opposite running wide in a curve or turn and
handlegrip once you clear the colliding with the roadway or a fixed
obstacle to return you to your original object.
direction of travel. To swerve to the
left, press the left handlegrip, then Every curve is different. Be alert
press the right to recover. To swerve to whether a curve remains constant,
to the right, press right, then left. gradually widens, gets tighter or
involves multiple turns.
IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, Ride within your skill level and
SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING. posted speed limits.
Brake before or after — never while
swerving. Your best path may not always
follow the curve of the road.

CONSTANT CURVES MULTIPLE CURVES

DECREASING CURVES (TIGHTER TURNS) WIDENING CURVES

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Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS

DANGEROUS SURFACES
traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES
the road. If no traffic is present, start
Your chance of falling or being
at the outside of a curve to increase
involved in a crash increases
your line of sight and the effective
whenever you ride across:
radius of the turn. As you turn, move
toward the inside of the curve, and as • Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
you pass the center, move to the • Slippery surfaces.
outside to exit. • Railroad tracks.
Another alternative is to move • Grooves and gratings.
to the center of your lane before
entering a curve — and stay there UNEVEN SURFACES AND
until you exit. This permits you to OBSTACLES
spot approaching traffic as soon as Watch for uneven surfaces such
possible. You can also adjust for as bumps, broken pavement, potholes
traffic “crowding” the center line, or or small pieces of highway trash.
debris blocking part of your lane.
Try to avoid obstacles by
slowing or going around them. If you
must go over the obstacle, first
determine if it is possible. Approach
it at as close to a 90˚ angle as
possible. Look where you want to go
8 Test Yourself to control your path of travel. If you
The best way to stop quickly is to: have to ride over the obstacle, you
A. Use the front brake only. should:
B. Use the rear brake first. • Slow down as much as possible
C. Throttle down and use the front before contact.
brake.
D. Use both brakes at the same time.
• Make sure the motorcycle is
Answer - page 40 straight.

OBSTACLES

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• Rise slightly off the seat with your brake lever gradually to avoid
weight on the footpegs to absorb locking the front wheel.
the shock with your knees and Remember, gentle pressure on the
elbows, and avoid being thrown rear brake.
off the motorcycle. • The center of a lane can be
• Just before contact, roll on the hazardous when wet. When it
throttle slightly to lighten the front starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks
end. left by cars. Often, the left tire
track will be the best position,
If you ride over an object on the
depending on traffic and other
street, pull off the road and check
road conditions as well.
your tires and rims for damage before
riding any farther. • Watch for oil spots when you put
your foot down to stop or park.
SLIPPERY SURFACES You may slip and fall.
Motorcycles handle better when • Dirt and gravel collect along the
ridden on surfaces that permit good sides of the road — especially on
traction. Surfaces that provide poor curves and ramps leading to and
traction include: from highways. Be aware of
what’s on the edge of the road,
• Wet pavement, particularly just particularly when making sharp
after it starts to rain and before turns and getting on or off
surface oil washes to the side of freeways at high speeds.
the road.
• Rain dries and snow melts faster
• Gravel roads, or where sand and on some sections of a road than
gravel collect. on others. Patches of ice tend to
• Mud, snow, and ice. develop in low or shaded areas
• Lane markings, steel plates and and on bridges and overpasses.
manhole covers, especially when Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just
wet. as slippery. Ride on the least
slippery portion of the lane and
To ride safely on slippery
reduce speed.
surfaces:
Cautious riders steer clear of
• Reduce Speed — Slow down
roads covered with ice or snow. If
before you get to a slippery surface
you can’t avoid a slippery surface,
to lessen your chances of skidding.
keep your motorcycle straight up and
Your motorcycle needs more
proceed as slowly as possible. If you
distance to stop. And it is
encounter a large surface so slippery
particularly important to reduce
that you must coast, or travel at a
speed before entering wet curves.
walking pace, consider letting your
• Avoid Sudden Moves — Any feet skim along the surface. If the
sudden change in speed or motorcycle starts to fall, you can
direction can cause a skid. Be as catch yourself. Be sure to keep off the
smooth as possible when you brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch
speed up, shift gears, turn or brake. and coast. Attempting this maneuver
• Use Both Brakes — The front at anything other than the slowest of
brake is still effective, even on a speeds could prove hazardous.
slippery surface. Squeeze the

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CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT enough away from tracks, ruts, or

TRACKING GRATINGS
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.
GROOVES AND GRATINGS
Riding over rain grooves or
CROSSTRACKS-WRONG bridge gratings may cause a
motorcycle to 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
RAILROAD TRACKS, TROLLEY wandering feeling.
TRACKS AND PAVEMENT SEAMS
Usually it is safer to ride straight GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT
within your lane to cross tracks.
Turning to take tracks head-on (at a
90˚ angle) can be more dangerous —
your path may carry you into another
lane of traffic.
For track and road seams that run
parallel to your course, move far
GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG
PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT

PARALLEL TRACKS-WRONG 9 Test Yourself


When it starts to rain it is usually
best to:
A. Ride in the center of the lane.
B. Pull off to the side until the rain
stops.
C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
D. Increase your speed. Answer - page 40

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MECHANICAL STUCK THROTTLE


MECHANICAL PROBLEMS PROBLEMS Twist the throttle back and forth
several times. If the throttle cable is
You can find yourself in an
stuck, this may free it. If the throttle
emergency the moment something
stays stuck immediately operate the
goes wrong with your motorcycle. In
engine cut-off switch and pull in the
dealing with any mechanical
clutch at the same time. This will
problem, take into account the road
remove power from the rear wheel,
and traffic conditions you face. Here
though engine noise may not
are some guidelines that can help you
immediately decline. Once the
handle mechanical problems safely.
motorcycle is “under control,” pull
off and stop.
TIRE FAILURE
After you have stopped, check
You will seldom hear a tire go the throttle cable carefully to find the
flat. If the motorcycle starts handling source of the trouble. Make certain
differently, it may be a tire failure. the throttle works freely before you
This can be dangerous. You must be start to ride again.
able to tell from the way the
motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires
suddenly loses air, react quickly to
WOBBLE
keep your balance. Pull off and check A “wobble” occurs when the
the tires. front wheel and handlebars suddenly
start to shake from side to side at any
If the front tire goes flat, the
speed. Most wobbles can be traced to
steering will feel “heavy.” A
improper loading, unsuitable
front-wheel flat is particularly
accessories or incorrect tire pressure.
hazardous because it affects your
If you are carrying a heavy load,
steering. You have to steer well to
lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center
keep your balance.
the weight lower and farther forward
If the rear tire goes flat, the back on the motorcycle. Make sure tire
of the motorcycle may jerk or sway pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks
from side to side. and dampers are at the settings
If either tire goes flat recommended for that much weight.
while riding: Make sure windshields and fairings
• Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off are mounted properly.
the throttle, and keep a straight Check for poorly adjusted
course. steering; worn steering parts; a front
• If braking is required, however, wheel that is bent, misaligned, or out
gradually apply the brake of the of balance; loose wheel bearings or
tire that isn’t flat, if you are sure spokes; and swingarm bearings. If
which one it is. none of these are determined to be
the cause, have the motorcycle
• When the motorcycle slows, edge
checked out thoroughly by a
to the side of the road, squeeze the
qualified professional.
clutch and stop.

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Trying to “accelerate out of a ENGINE SEIZURE


wobble” will only make the When the engine “locks” or
motorcycle more unstable. Instead: “freezes” it is usually low on oil. The
• Grip the handlebars firmly, but engine’s moving parts can’t move
don’t fight the wobble. smoothly against each other, and the
• Close the throttle gradually to engine overheats. The first sign may
slow down. Do not apply the be a loss of engine power or a change
brakes; braking could make the in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the
wobble worse. clutch lever to disengage the engine
from the rear wheel. Pull off the road
• Move your weight as far forward and stop. Check the oil. If needed, oil
and down as possible. should be added as soon as possible
• Pull off the road as soon as you or the engine will seize. When this
can to fix the problem. happens, the effect is the same as a
locked rear wheel. Let the engine
10 Test Yourself cool before restarting.
If your motorcycle starts to wobble:
A. Accelerate out of the wobble. ANIMALS
B. Use the brakes gradually.
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and
Naturally, you should do
close the throttle gradually. everything you safely can to avoid
D. Downshift. hitting an animal. If you are in traffic,
Answer - page 40
however, remain in your lane. Hitting
something small is less dangerous to
CHAIN PROBLEMS you than hitting something big —
A chain that slips or breaks while like a car.
you’re riding could lock the rear Motorcycles seem to attract
wheel and cause your cycle to skid. dogs. If you are chased, downshift
Chain slippage or breakage can be and approach the animal slowly. As
avoided by proper maintenance. you approach it, accelerate away and
• Slippage — If the chain slips leave the animal behind. Don’t kick
when you try to speed up quickly at an animal. Keep control of your
or ride uphill, pull off the road. motorcycle and look to where you
Check the chain and sprockets. want to go.
Tightening the chain may help. If For larger animals (deer, elk,
the problem is a worn or stretched cattle) brake and prepare to stop —
chain or worn or bent sprockets, they are unpredictable.
replace the chain, the sprockets or
both before riding again.
11 Test Yourself
• Breakage — You’ll notice an If you are chased by a dog:
instant loss of power to the rear A. Kick it away.
wheel. Close the throttle and brake B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
to a stop. C. Swerve around the animal.
D. Approach the animal slowly, then
speed up.
Answer - page 40

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FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS


FLYING OBJECTS From time to time riders are AND CARGO
struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should
from cars or pebbles kicked up by the carry passengers or large loads. The
tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are extra weight changes the way the
wearing face protection, it might get motorcycle handles, balances, speeds
smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a
difficult to see. Without face passenger or a heavy load on the
protection, an object could hit you in street, practice away from traffic.
the eye, face or mouth. Whatever
happens, keep your eyes on the road EQUIPMENT
and your hands on the handlebars.
To carry passengers safely:
When safe, pull off the road and
repair the damage. • Equip and adjust your
motorcycle to carry passengers.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD • Instruct the passenger before you
GETTING OFF THE ROAD

start.
If you need to leave the road to
check the motorcycle (or just to rest • Adjust your riding technique for
for a while), be sure you: the added weight.
• Check the roadside — Make sure Equipment should include:
the surface of the roadside is firm • A proper seat — large enough
enough to ride on. If it is soft to hold both of you without
grass, loose sand or if you’re just crowding. You should not sit
not sure about it, slow way down any farther forward than you
before you turn onto it. usually do.
• Signal — Drivers behind might • Footrests — for the passenger.
not expect you to slow down. Give Firm footing prevents your
a clear signal that you will be passenger from falling off and
slowing down and changing pulling you off, too.
direction. Check your mirror and • Protective equipment — the
CARRYING LOADS

make a head check before you take same protective gear


any action. recommended 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 spot a motorcycle by the probably need to add a few pounds of
side of the road. You don’t want pressure to the tires if you carry a
someone else pulling off at the passenger. (Check your owner’s
same place you are. manual for appropriate settings.)
• Park carefully — Loose and While your passenger sits on the seat
sloped shoulders can make setting with you, adjust the mirror and
the side or center stand difficult. headlight according to the change in
the motorcycle’s angle.

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INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially

CARRYING PASSENGERS
when taking curves, corners or
Even if your passenger is a
bumps.
motorcycle rider, provide complete
instructions before you start. Tell • Start slowing earlier as you
your passenger to: approach a stop.
•Get on the motorcycle only after • Open up a larger cushion of
you have started the engine. space ahead and to the sides.
• Wait for larger gaps to cross,
• Sit as far forward as possible
enter or merge in traffic.
without crowding you.
Warn your passenger of special
• Hold firmly to your waist, hips
conditions — when you will pull out,
or belt.
stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over
• Keep both feet on the pegs, even a bump. Turn your head slightly to
when stopped. make yourself understood, but keep
• Keep legs away from the your eyes on the road ahead.
muffler(s), chains or moving parts.
• Stay directly behind you, leaning CARRYING LOADS
as you lean. Most motorcycles are not
• Avoid unnecessary talk or designed to carry much cargo. Small
motion. loads can be carried safely if
positioned and fastened properly.
Also, tell your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you: • Keep the Load Low — Fasten
loads securely, or put them in
• Approach surface problems. saddlebags. Piling loads against a
• Are about to start from a stop. sissybar or frame on the back of
• Warn that you will make a the seat raises the motorcycle’s
sudden move. center of gravity and disturbs its
balance.
RIDING WITH PASSENGERS • Keep the Load Forward — Place
the load over, or in front of, the
Your motorcycle will respond rear axle. Tankbags keep loads
more slowly with a passenger on forward, but use caution when
board. The heavier your passenger, loading hard or sharp objects.
the longer it will take to slow down Make sure the tankbag does not
and speed up — especially on a light interfere with handlebars or
motorcycle. controls. Mounting loads behind
the rear axle can affect how the
12 Test Yourself motorcycle turns and brakes. It can
Passengers should:
also cause a wobble.
A. Lean as you lean. • Distribute the Load Evenly —
B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. Load saddlebags with about the
C. Sit as far back as possible. same weight. An uneven load can
D. Never hold onto you. cause the motorcycle to drift to
Answer - page 40
one side.

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• Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the
GROUP RIDING load securely with elastic cords tailender.
(bungee cords or nets). Elastic • Know the Route — Make sure
cords with more than one everyone knows the route. Then,
attachment point per side are more if someone is separated they won’t
secure. A tight load won’t catch in have to hurry to keep from getting
the wheel or chain, causing it to lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan
lock up and skid. Rope tends to frequent stops on long rides.
stretch and knots come loose,
permitting the load to shift or fall. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
• Check the Load — Stop and Maintain close ranks but at the
check the load every so often to same time keep a safe distance to
make sure it has not worked loose allow each rider in the group time
or moved. and space to react to hazards. A close
group takes up less space on the
GROUP RIDING highway, is easier to see and is less
If you ride with others, do it in a likely to be separated. However, it
way that promotes safety and doesn’t must be done properly.
interfere with the flow of traffic. Don’t Pair Up — Never operate
directly alongside another rider.
KEEP THE GROUP SMALL There is no place to go if you have
Small groups make it easier and to avoid a car or something on the
safer for car drivers who need to get road. To talk, wait until you are
around them. A small number isn’t both stopped.
separated as easily by traffic or red Staggered Formation — This is the
lights. Riders won’t always be best way to keep ranks close yet
hurrying to catch up. If your group is maintain an adequate space
larger than four or five riders, divide
it up into two or more smaller groups.
STAGGERED FORMATION
KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER
• Plan — The leader should look
ahead for changes and signal early
so “the word gets back” in plenty
of time. Start lane changes early to
permit everyone to complete the
change.
• Put Beginners Up Front — Place
inexperienced riders just behind
the leader. That way the more
experienced riders can watch them
from the back.
• Follow Those Behind — Let the
tailender set the pace. Use your
mirrors to keep an eye on the
person behind. If a rider falls
behind, everyone should slow

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cushion. The leader rides in the left open up room for the next rider.
side of the lane, while the second Some people suggest that the
rider stays one second behind in leader should move to the right side
the right side of the lane. after passing a vehicle. This is not a
A third rider maintains in the left good idea. It encourages the second
position, two seconds behind the first rider to pass and cut back in before
rider. The fourth rider would keep a there is a large enough space cushion
two-second distance behind the in front of the passed vehicle. It’s
second rider. This formation keeps simpler and safer to wait until there
the group close and permits each is enough room ahead of the passed
rider a safe distance from others vehicle to allow each rider to move
ahead, behind and to the sides. into the same position held before
the pass.
• Passing in Formation — Riders
in a staggered formation should Single-File Formation — It is best
pass one at a time. to move into a single-file formation
when riding curves, turning,
• First, the lead rider should pull
entering or leaving a highway.
out and pass when it is safe. After
passing, the leader should return to
the left position and continue 13 Test Yourself
riding at passing speed to open When riding in a group,
room for the next rider. inexperienced riders should
• After the first rider passes position themselves:
safely, the second rider should A. Just behind the leader.
move up to the left position and B. In front of the group.
watch for a safe chance to pass. C. At the tail end of the group.
After passing, this rider should D. Beside the leader.
Answer - page 40
return to the right position and

GROUP PASSING (STAGE 1) GROUP PASSING (STAGE 2)

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BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE


BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay
attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle,
identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions
quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road
and traffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and
other drugs, more than any other factor, degrade your ability to think clearly
and to ride safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your
performance.
Let’s look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs.
What to do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined.

WHY THIS INFORMA- By becoming knowledgeable


TION IS IMPORTANT about the effects of alcohol and other
drugs you will see that riding and
Alcohol is a major contributor to substance abuse don’t mix. Take
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal positive steps to protect yourself and


crashes. Studies show that 40% to prevent others from injuring
45% of all riders killed in motorcycle themselves.
crashes had been drinking. Only one-
third of those riders had a blood ALCOHOL AND OTHER
alcohol concentration above legal DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE
limits. The rest had only a few drinks
in their systems—enough to impair OPERATION
riding skills. In the past, drug levels No one is immune to the effects
have been harder to distinguish or of alcohol or drugs. Friends may brag
have not been separated from about their ability to hold their liquor
drinking violations for the traffic or perform better on drugs, but
records. But riding “under the alcohol or drugs make them less able
influence” of either alcohol or drugs to think clearly and perform physical
poses physical and legal hazards for tasks skillfully. Judgment and the
every rider. decision-making processes needed
Drinking and drug use is as big a for vehicle operation are affected
problem among motorcyclists as it is long before legal limitations are
among automobile drivers. reached.
Motorcyclists, however, are more Many over-the-counter,
likely to be killed or severely injured prescription and illegal drugs have
in a crash. Injuries occur in 90% of side effects that increase the risk of
motorcycle crashes and 33% of riding. It is difficult to accurately
automobile crashes that involve measure the involvement of
abuse of substances. On a yearly particular drugs in motorcycle
basis, 2,100 motorcyclists are killed crashes. But we do know what effects
and about 50,000 seriously injured in various drugs have on the process
this same type of crash. These involved in riding a motorcycle. We
statistics are too overwhelming to also know that the combined effects
ignore. of alcohol and other drugs are more
dangerous than either is alone.
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ALCOHOL IN THE BODY Other factors also contribute to

BLOOD ALOCHOL CONCENTRATION


the way alcohol affects your system.
Alcohol enters the bloodstream Your sex, physical condition and
quickly. Unlike most foods and food intake are just a few that may
beverages, it does not need to be cause your BAC level to be even
digested. Within minutes after being higher. But the full effects of these
consumed, it reaches the brain and are not completely known. Alcohol
begins to affect the drinker. The may still accumulate in your body
major effect alcohol has is to slow even if you are drinking at a rate of
down and impair bodily functions — one drink per hour. Abilities and
both mental and physical. Whatever judgment can be affected by that
you do, you do less well after one drink.
consuming alcohol.
A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixed
drink with one shot of liquor and a 5-
BLOOD ALCOHOL ounce glass of wine all contain the
CONCENTRATION same amount of alcohol.
Blood Alcohol Concentration or The faster you drink, the more
BAC is the amount of alcohol in alcohol accumulates in your body. If
relation to blood in the body. you drink two drinks in an hour, at
Generally, alcohol can be eliminated the end of that hour, at least one drink
in the body at the rate of almost one will remain in your bloodstream.
drink per hour. But a variety of other
Without taking into account any
factors may also influence the level
of the other factors, the formula
of alcohol retained. The more alcohol
below illustrates the LEAST amount
in your blood, the greater the degree
of drinks remaining in the
of impairment.
bloodstream:
Three factors play a major part
in determining BAC: Total # hours drinks
drinks LESS since last EQUALS left
• The amount of alcohol you consumed drink in body
consume. ________ - ________ = ________
• How fast you drink.
• Your body weight.

ALCHOHOL CONCENTRATION

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A person drinking: that judges must impose them.


ALCOHOL AND THE LAW • 8 drinks in 4 hours would have at If you are convicted of riding
least 4 drinks remaining in their under the influence of alcohol or
system. drugs, you may receive any of the
following penalties:
• 7 drinks in 3 hours would have
at least 4 drinks remaining in their • License Suspension —
system. Mandatory suspension for
conviction, arrest or refusal to
There are times when a larger
submit to a breath test.
person may not accumulate as high a
concentration of alcohol for each drink • Fines — Severe fines are another
consumed. They have more blood aspect of a conviction, usually
and other bodily fluids. But because levied with a license suspension.
of individual differences it is better • Community Service — Performing
not to take the chance that abilities tasks such as picking up litter
and judgment have not been affected. along the highway, washing cars in
Whether or not you are legally the motor-vehicle pool or working
MINIMIZE RISKS

intoxicated is not the real issue. at an emergency ward.


Impairment of judgment and skills • Costs — Additional lawyer’s fees
begins well below the legal limit. to pay, lost work time spent in
court or alcohol-education
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW programs, public transportation
In most states, a person with a costs (while your license is
BAC of .10% or above is considered suspended) and the added
intoxicated; in others the legal limit is psychological costs of being
.08% or .05%. It doesn’t matter how tagged a “drunk driver.”
sober you may look or act. The
breath or urine test is what usually MINIMIZE THE RISKS
determines whether you are riding Your ability to judge how well
legally or illegally. you are riding is affected first.
Your chances of being stopped Although you may be performing
for riding under the influence of more and more poorly, you think you
alcohol are increasing. Law are doing better and better. The result
enforcement is being stepped up is that you ride confidently, taking
across the country in response to the greater and greater risks. Minimize
senseless deaths and injuries caused the risks of drinking and riding by
by drinking drivers and riders.
taking steps before you drink.
CONSEQUENCES OF Control your drinking or control
your riding.
CONVICTION
Years ago, first offenders had a DON’T DRINK
good chance of getting off with a Don’t Drink — Once you start,
small fine and participation in your resistance becomes weaker.
alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws
of most states impose stiff penalties Setting a limit or pacing yourself
on drinking operators. And those are poor alternatives at best. Your
penalties are mandatory, meaning ability to exercise good judgment is

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one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from

FATIGUE
alcohol. Even if you have tried to others when you decide to step in.
drink in moderation, you may not The more people on your side, the
realize to what extent your skills have easier it is to be firm and the harder
suffered from alcohol’s fatiguing it is for the rider to resist. While
effects. you may not be thanked at the
time, you will never have to say,
Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t
“If only I had...”
controlled your drinking, you must
control your riding. FATIGUE
• Leave the motorcycle — Riding a motorcycle is more
so you won’t be tempted to ride. tiring than driving a car. On a long
Arrange another way to get home. trip, you’ll tire sooner than you
• Wait — If you exceed your would in a car. Avoid riding when
limit, wait until your system tired. Fatigue can affect your control
eliminates the alcohol and its of the motorcycle.
fatiguing effects.
• Protect yourself from the
STEP IN TO elements — Wind, cold, and rain
make you tire quickly. Dress
PROTECT FRIENDS warmly. A windshield is worth its
People who have had too much cost if you plan to ride long
to drink are unable to make a distances.
responsible decision. It is up to others
• Limit your distance — Experi-
to step in and keep them from taking
too great a risk. No one wants to do enced riders seldom try to ride
this — it’s uncomfortable, more than about six hours a day.
embarrassing and thankless. You are • Take frequent rest breaks —
rarely thanked for your efforts at the Stop and get off the motorcycle at
time. But the alternatives are often least every two hours.
worse. • Don’t drink or use drugs —
There are several ways to keep Artificial stimulants often result in
friends from hurting themselves: extreme fatigue or depression
• Arrange a safe ride — Provide when they start to wear off. Riders
alternative ways for them to are unable to concentrate on the
get home. task at hand.
• Slow the pace of drinking —
Involve them in other activities.
• Keep them there — Use any 14 Test Yourself
excuse to keep them from getting If you wait an hour for each drink
on their motorcycle. Serve them before riding:
food and coffee to pass the time. A. You cannot be arrested for drinking
Explain your concerns for their and riding.
risks of getting arrested or hurt B. Your riding skills will not be
affected.
or hurting someone else.
C. Side effects from the drinking may
• Get friends involved — Use peer still remain.
pressure from a group of friends D. You will be okay as long as you ride
to intervene. slowly.
Answer - page 40

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EARNING YOUR LICENSE


EARNING YOUR LICENSE
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.

KNOWLEDGE TEST 4. If a tire goes flat while riding and


(Sample Questions) you must stop, it is usually best to:
KNOWLEDGE TEST

1. It is MOST important to flash A. Relax on the handlegrips.


your brake light when: B. Shift your weight toward the good
tire.
A. Someone is following too closely.
C. Brake on the good tire and steer to
B. You will be slowing suddenly.
the side of the road.
C. There is a stop sign ahead.
D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.
D. Your signals are not working.
5. The car below is waiting to enter
2. The FRONT brake supplies how
the intersection. It is best to:
much of the potential stopping
power? A. Make eye contact with the driver.
B. Reduce speed and be ready to
A. About one-quarter.
react.
B. About one-half.
C. Maintain speed and position.
C. About three-quarters.
D. Maintain speed and move right.
D. All of the stopping power.
3. To swerve correctly:
A. Shift your weight quickly.
B. Turn the handlebars quickly.
C. Press the handlegrip in the
direction of the turn.
D. Press the handlegrip in the
opposite direction of the turn.

_____________________________________
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-C, 2-D, 3-D, 4-A, 5-B, _____________________________________
6-C, 7-D 8-D, 9-C, 10-C, Answers to above Knowledge Test:
11-D, 12-A, 13-A, 14-C 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B

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ON-CYCLE SKILL TEST • Stop, turn and swerve quickly.


Basic vehicle control and • Make critical decisions and carry
crash-avoidance skills are included in them out.
on-cycle tests to determine your Examiners may score on
ability to handle normal and factors related to safety such as:
hazardous traffic situations. • Selecting safe speeds to perform
You may be tested for your maneuvers.
ability to: • Choosing the correct path and
• Know your motorcycle and your staying within boundaries.
riding limits. • Completing normal and quick
• Accelerate, brake and turn stops.
safely. • Completing normal and quick
• See, be seen and communicate turns or swerves.
with others.
• Adjust speed and position to the
traffic situation.

To receive a motorcycle license with


full privileges, most states require that
maneuvers be performed as designed
On-cycle skill tests are not designed for sidecars or three-wheel
vehicles. Those vehicles maneuver differently than a two-wheeled
motorcycle. Depending on the state, a driver examiner may follow
you on a car test-route. Restrictions (sidecar, three-wheeled vehicle)
may be added until completion of a two-wheel cycle test.

Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only
and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.

41
NOTES

42
MOTORCYCLE COURSE Checks MUST be made payable to the Division of Motor Vehicles
Compele and return with full paymentPcheck or money order) to:

REGISTRATION/APPLCATION REGISTRATION OFFICE


PO Box 7346
Wilmington, DE 19803-9997
Do Not Send your check to the DMV
쩧 Novice Course, In-State Resident ............... $50.00
쩧 Novice Course, Out-of-State Resident ...... $200.00 NO CASH ACCEPTED

Course # Preference __________________________ 2nd Choice # ____________________________

Full Name (please print) ____________________________________________________________________________________ D.O.B. __________________


Address __________________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________ State ____________ Zip ____________
SS# _______________ Male ___ Female ___ Drivers Lic. # _______________ State _________
Home Phone # ( ) ______________________ Work phone # ( ) _____________________
Military ___________________ Student ________________
Do you have any medical or physical disabilities? 쩧 Yes 쩧 No If yes, please explain on a separate sheet of paper.
Do you know how to ride a bicycle? 쩧 Yes 쩧 No If yes, when was the last time you rode a bicycle _______ .
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MOM Manual.qxp 1/9/03 3:19 PM Page 43

MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE...


SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Motorcycles are inexpensive to operate, fun to ride and easy to park.


Unfortunately, many riders never learn critical skills needed to ride safely.
Professional training for beginning and experienced riders prepares them for
real-world traffic situations. MSF Motorcycle RiderCoursesSM teach and improve
such skills as:
• Effective turning • Braking maneuvers • Protective apparel selection
• Obstacle avoidance • Traffic strategies • Maintenance

For the beginning or experienced RiderCourse nearest you;


New Castle County: 1-302-326-5030
Kent and Sussex County: 1-302-744-2658

The Motorcycle motorcycles. The infor-


Safety Foundation’s mation has been com-
purpose is improving piled from publications,
the safety of motorcy- interviews and observa-
cles on the nation’s tions of individuals and
streets and highways. In an attempt to organizations familiar with the use of
reduce motorcycle accidents and inju- motorcycles, accessories, and training.
ries, the Foundation has programs in Because there are many differences in
rider education, licensing improve- product design, riding styles, Federal,
ment, public information and statistics. State and local laws, there may be
These programs are designed for both organizations and individuals who
motorcyclists and motorists. A hold differing opinions. Consult your
national not-for-profit organization, local regulatory agencies for informa-
MSF is sponsored by the U.S. tion concerning the operation of
motorcycle distributors: BMW, Ducati, motorcycles in your area. Although the
Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Motorcycle Safety Foundation will
Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Victory and continue to research, field test and
Yamaha. publish responsible viewpoints on the
The information contained in this subject, it disclaims any liability for
publication is offered for the benefit of the views expressed herein.
those who have an interest in riding

Printing and distribution courtesy of


Motorcycle Safety Foundation
2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806
www.msf-usa.org

Second Revision....................December 1978 Seventh Revision ..................September 1992


Third Revision........................February 1981 Eighth Revision........................January 1999
Fourth Revision .......................January 1983 Ninth Revision ............................March 2000
Fifth Revision...........................October 1987 Tenth Revision..........................January 2002
Sixth Revision ...............................April 1991 Eleventh Revision...........................July 2002
Printed in USA 000254
Motorcycle Tests are Given At:

Wilmington, at 2230 Hessler Blvd.


Dover, 303 Transportation Circle
Georgetown, S. Bedford St. Extension

For Motorcycle Course Registration Call

New Castle County ............ 326-5030


Kent County
and ......................... 744-2658
Sussex County

Document No: 45-07-00-05-03

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